In the context of hyperpigmentation correction: features of melanogenesis

Melanogenesis from the point of view of biochemistry

2024-11-08

Hyperpigmentation is one of the urgent problems faced by a dermatovenerologist. It's no secret that in order to achieve the optimal result, sometimes a whole set of measures is needed, which includes full-fledged home care with the help of preparations containing kojic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin, effective photoprotection, regular exfoliation, etc.

Of course, the doctor should be well versed in the subtle mechanisms underlying the pathology of melanogenesis. Before we dwell on modern techniques that allow us to effectively solve the problem of hyperpigmentation, let's first recall the factors that determine the color of the skin. First of all, it is the number of pigments and their distribution.

The main pigment of the skin is melanin. It makes a significant contribution to skin pigmentation even in light-skinned people. Therefore, local hyper- and hypomelanosis are serious cosmetic defects that sometimes lead to serious psychosomatic disorders.

The only cell that produces melanin is the melanocyte. These are large cells with appendages that are located in the area of the basement membrane. There are also melanocytes located between basal keratinocytes. The number of melanocytes is 10-20% of all cells of the basal layer.

There are two types of melanocytes: epidermal and follicular. Accordingly, epidermal and follicular melanogenesis are distinguished. Let's note right away: this article will be about the first.

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