PIGMENTATION & CAPILLARIES
When melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) are overactive, dark patches of skin known as hyperpigmentation may appear. Other names to describe this condition are age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The first sign that the skin’s melanin protection mechanism is overwhelmed is the freckle. Freckles are vertical clumps of melanin in the skin. With prolonged sun exposure, the skin will also develop horizontal clumping of melanin, which often appears in large patches on chronically sun exposed areas of the skin.The chest, neck and forearms are particularly vulnerable.