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Melanocytes produce melanin pigments, which are responsible for the colour of our skin. When melanin is produced constantly and regularly, skin pigmentation is even.
The combined effect of UVA rays and drops in hormonal activity can lead to irregular melanin production. The network of melanocytes produces less melanin overall, which causes skin to become duller and discoloured in places.
Certain melanocytes, when stimulated, discharge large amounts of melanin into the keratinocytes, the cells in the epidermis. Keratinocytes, which are very concentrated in dark pigments, are driven upwards to the surface of the skin by the force of natural cell renewal, and an age spot appears. UVs, especially UVA, make it worse and cause further age spots to appear.
From the age of 50 onwards, the skin undergoes transformations that directly influence the appearance of blemishes. The epidermis loses up to 50% of its thickness. As a result, melanocytes (which contain lots of dark pigment) are closer to the skin's surface and become more visible.
In addition to this, hormonal ageing is accompanied by a slowing down of cellular renewal. The contact time between the keratinocytes and melanocytes increases and the quantity of transferred melanin also increases. The top layer of the skin thickens and clusters of over-pigmented cells become more visible.
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