What Hormone Causes Pigmentation? Natural Ways To Manage It

What Is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the coloring of the skin, hair, or other tissues in the body due to the presence of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes and is responsible for the variation in skin, hair, and eye colors in humans. Different levels of melanin production result in various shades of pigmentation, ranging from light to dark.

 

Why Does Pigmentation Occur?

Pigmentation occurs primarily due to the presence and production of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the outer layer of the skin and other parts of the body, such as the eyes and hair follicles.

The amount and type of melanin produced are determined by a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences, such as sun exposure. Melanin serves to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. 

This is why you might notice that people who have more exposure to sunlight often have darker skin, as their melanocytes produce more melanin to provide a greater degree of UV protection.

On the other hand, individuals with less sun exposure tend to have lighter skin. The balance between genetic predisposition and environmental factors determines the range of pigmentation seen in various populations.

 

 

Which Hormone Causes Pigmentation?

The hormone responsible for pigmentation is called melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and plays a role in regulating the production of melanin by melanocytes in the skin, hair, and eyes.

MSH stimulates the production of melanin by binding to receptors on the surface of melanocytes. When these receptors are activated, they trigger a series of biochemical reactions within the melanocyte that lead to the production of melanin. The amount and type of melanin produced determine the color of the skin, hair, and eyes.

 

How Is Pigmentation Related To PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can lead to a range of symptoms, including changes in pigmentation. Some individuals with PCOS might experience skin-related issues, such as darkening of certain areas like the neck, underarms, and inner thighs.

This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans, and it is related to insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS.

Insulin resistance can lead to higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream, and this may trigger the overproduction of certain hormones that affect pigmentation.

However, it is important to note that not everyone with PCOS will experience skin pigmentation changes, and the severity of these changes can vary among individuals. 

 

How Can You Manage Pigmentation Naturally?

Managing pigmentation naturally can involve a combination of skincare practices, lifestyle changes, and home remedies. Here are a few suggestions:

• Sun Protection: One of the most important steps is to protect your skin from the sun. UV rays can worsen pigmentation. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help improve skin health. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts can contribute to skin radiance.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated and can improve its overall appearance.
• Topical Treatments: Natural ingredients like aloe vera, liquorice extract, kojic acid, and vitamin C have been suggested to help with pigmentation. 
• Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating your skin can help remove dead skin cells and encourage the growth of new, healthy skin. However, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, as it can lead to irritation.
• Natural Masks: Some natural ingredients like yogurt, honey, turmeric, and lemon juice are believed to have skin-brightening properties. You can create masks using these ingredients, but be mindful of allergies and sensitivities.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to healthier skin.
• Home Remedies: Some people find relief from pigmentation with home remedies like applying potato slices, milk, or cucumber to the affected areas. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these remedies can vary.

The ten modern lifestyle root causes for hormonal imbalance related to PCOS that may on some level lead to problems with hair and skin are:

• Food Related Causes- Inflammation, toxicity, acidity, excess male hormones, insulin resistance.
• Exercise Related Causes: Sedentary lifestyle, lack of muscle strength, excess ovarian fat.
• Sleep Related Causes: Poor sleep quality (Lack of Deep Sleep).
• Stress Related Causes: Chronic Stress.  Addressing these triggers through an integrated approach can naturally restore hormonal balance.

 

 

How can the Five Pillars Integrated Lifestyle Approach Help You to Have Hormonal Balance and Help With Hair And Skin Problems?

• Eat Right: Embrace living, water-rich, whole, plant-based foods that nurture our genetic potential. By opting for local and seasonal choices, we honor nature’s wisdom. Eliminating packaged and processed foods liberates us from epigenetic imprints, elevating our hormonal health.
• Move More: Embark on a journey of holistic lifestyle changes, where staying active transcends mere exercise. Embracing constant movement throughout the day optimizes epigenetic expression, igniting hormonal balance. Engage in pleasurable physical activities, dance, or even mindful walks to unlock the power of epigenetic triggers.
• Breathe Aware: As we deepen our understanding of Pranayama, the science of breath, we access a profound gateway to support gland function and harmonize hormones. Harnessing the breath’s epigenetic influence, we transcend the ordinary and elevate our hormonal well-being.
• Sleep Better: Unlock the secrets of deep sleep, a transformative practice for healing and regeneration. With the art of Yog Nidra, we embrace epigenetic potential, unearthing hormonal harmony in the realm of dreams. Rejuvenate your entire being through this exquisite dance with the epigenetic clock.
• Mind Free: Journey into the realm of emotions, thoughts, and stress resilience, where journaling, gratitude, and emotional practices become our guiding compass. Embracing epigenetic intelligence, we shift our narrative from stress to serenity, empowering our hormonal landscape.

 

Overall, involving these approaches in your daily life will result in a good hormonal balance and will ultimately help in managing PCOS and it’s associated effects such as pigmentation on skin, acne, excessive hair growth on face and bodyexcessive hair growth on face and body and more!