Hyperpigmentation is something we all know about.

What causes it? Can it be prevented?

Let’s find out. 

What is melanin?

Melanin refers to a natural skin pigment that determines the skin, eye and hair colour of different persons depending on the amount of melanin that they have. 

The skin cells that produce melanin are known as melanocytes. 

What’s interesting is that everyone has the same number of melanocytes, some people just produce more melanin than others. 

 When less melanin is produced, the hair, skin and eye colour will be light. 

When more melanin is produced, the hair, skin and eye colour will be dark. 

Did you know that hydration and moisture are not the same thing 👀Let’s unpack that.  Hydration is defined as causing something to absorb water. As such, dehydration occurs when something loses more water than it retains.

Moisture as defined by the Cambridge dictionary is ‘a liquid such as water in a substance or on a surface’. Some moisturizers are occlusives, emollients and protein rejuvenators and some humectants are also moisturizing. Water evaporates from the skin rather quickly therefore, moisturizers are oil based and this causes water to be sealed into the skin and prevents the skin from drying out.

We've heard a few rumours going around and we just want to clear it up. Here are seven (7) self-care myths and we are debunking each and every one of them!

1. Black People Don't Need Sunscreen

Who said that? 👀 

Melanin is present in different persons at varying degrees and is responsible for providing pigmentation to the skin, eyes and hair. Melanin absorbs harmful ultra-violet rays and affords protection from sun damage.

While darker skin tones have more melanin which thus offers more natural protection it is not immune from sun damage. Darker skin may not sunburn as easily as lighter skin, but is still at risk for skin cancer.