Pigmentation is the result of the skin’s defensive mechanisms being wrongly triggered, leading to uneven tone, patches, or spots. Melanin cells generate pigment to protect a cell’s DNA from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). When the skin/body systems are dysfunctional, various forms of trauma can stimulate excess melanin production.

• Passive pigmentation: commonly linked with hormonal influences such as pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, and some medications.
• Inflammatory pigmentation: a response to trauma and inflammation.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): can occur after events such as acne, sun exposure, wounds, or constant friction; it may not be visible immediately.