A new study published in Cosmetics explained that melanocytes are highly specialized dendritic cells that transfer melanin to keratinocytes in the melanosomes. Melanin is synthesized and stored in the melanosomes. Melanin – a complex pigment, provides color and photoprotection to the skin, hair, and eyes of mammals. 

The authors reported that the regulation of melanogenesis includes various mechanisms and factors like – genetic, environmental and endocrine factors. Knowledge of the pigmentation process aids in understanding hyperpigmentation, and in designing treatments and therapies to treat pigmentation-related anomalies. 

The present article reviewed the mechanisms and the signaling pathways involved in skin pigmentation and with focus on the alteration of melanogenesis causing melasma and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, current therapies and treatments including topical, oral and phototherapies have been described.

Source: Cosmetics. 2021, 8(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8030082