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Skin Pigmentation

Meaning

Skin Pigmentation is the natural coloring of the skin, hair, and eyes, determined primarily by the amount and distribution of the pigment melanin, which is synthesized by specialized cells called melanocytes. This process is a crucial biological defense mechanism, as melanin absorbs ultraviolet radiation, protecting the underlying dermal and epidermal cells from DNA damage. Pigmentation is a complex trait influenced by genetic factors, environmental exposure to sunlight, and, significantly, by hormonal regulation. Abnormal changes in pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, can often serve as clinical indicators of underlying endocrine disorders or inflammatory processes.