Skin Pigmentation News and Research

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The color of the human skin is due to a brown pigment called melanin. Pigmentation or coloration of the skin is dependent on the amount of melanin present in the skin. People with pale skin produce very little melanin and people with darker skin produce higher amounts of melanin. Pregnancy and sun exposure can also make skin darker, while infections, burns, and blisters can make skin lighter.

Unexplained skin darkening leads to life-saving Addison's disease diagnosis

A 24-year-old woman presented with two years of unexplained darkening of her hands, feet, gums, and tongue.

26 Jun 2026

Autism study shows vitamin D and iron deficiencies affect up to 40% of children

Researchers in Singapore found that 30–40% of children with autism spectrum disorder have vitamin D or iron deficiencies, regardless of eating habits. Age and ethnicity increased vitamin D risk, while picky eating was not a reliable predictor.

25 Aug 2025

Skin color may influence phototherapy effectiveness in newborns with jaundice

Jaundice is one of the most common medical issues in newborns, affecting nearly 80 percent of full-term infants in their first days of life.

22 Aug 2025

Researchers classify how specific genetic mutations correspond to rare disorders

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in how our bodies fight infection, heal, and regulate inflammation. At the heart of this pathway is the NEMO protein, encoded by the IKBKG gene.

30 Jul 2025

Vitamin D curbs colorectal cancer by boosting immunity and blocking tumor growth

Review highlights how vitamin D, particularly its active form calcitriol, modulates immune responses, inflammation, and tumor progression to help prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence suggests adequate vitamin D levels and supplementation reduce CRC risk and improve outcomes.

21 Apr 2025

Pulse oximeter accuracy varies across skin pigment groups

The differences, or bias, between estimates of blood oxygen saturation levels as measured with pulse oximeters compared to the gold-standard method of measuring oxygen saturation in arterial blood varied significantly between patients with darkly pigmented skin compared to lighter skin pigment, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session.

31 Mar 2025

Hormones may offer new way to treat wrinkles and hair graying

Hormones may be leveraged to treat and prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles and hair graying, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society journal Endocrine Reviews.

26 Feb 2025

Microbial compound offers hope for vitiligo treatment

A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new Northwestern University pre-clinical study in mice.

28 Jan 2025

Skin pigmentation may affect drug efficacy and safety

Skin pigmentation may act as a "sponge" for some medications, potentially influencing the speed with which active drugs reach their intended targets, a pair of scientists report in a perspective article published in the journal Human Genomics.

10 Oct 2024

FDA’s promised rules on pulse oximeters unlikely to end decades of racial bias

The patient was in his 60s, an African American man with emphysema. The oximeter placed on his fingertip registered well above the 88% blood oxygen saturation level that signals an urgent risk of organ failure and death.

7 Oct 2024

Researchers uncover clues to the mechanism behind vitiligo

Skin pigmentation disorders affect people across the world. One of them, vitiligo, is said to have a worldwide incidence of 1-2%.

10 Sep 2024

Study reveals how UV exposure and ethnicity impact vitamin D levels, calling for tailored supplementation guidelines

A study in "Clinical Nutrition" reveals the complex interactions of UVB exposure, supplements, and ethnicity on vitamin D levels, underscoring the need for personalized supplementation guidelines based on demographic factors.

8 May 2024

Diet's role in fighting vitiligo highlighted in new research

Diet and nutritional interventions rich in antioxidants show potential benefits in reducing the symptoms of vitiligo, emphasizing the need for further research to solidify dietary guidelines alongside traditional treatments.

13 Mar 2024

Vitamin D3 and phytochemicals team up for immune boost and aging defense, study finds

Review highlights the synergistic effects of vitamin D3 and phytochemicals in promoting immune balance, reducing inflammation, supporting gut health, and combating aging, emphasizing the importance of these nutrients for longevity and vitality.

21 Feb 2024

Study reveals racial bias in pulse oximeter readings for Black heart failure patients

Racially biased readings of oxygen levels in the blood using pulse oximeters may further limit opportunities for Black patients with heart failure to receive potentially lifesaving treatments, such as heart pumps and transplants, a Michigan Medicine study finds.

21 Feb 2024

How does melanin distribution impact UV damage?

How melanin content and distribution affect ultraviolet damage in skin.

14 Feb 2024

From Neanderthals to now: Tracing the evolution of human sleep cycles

Researchers examined the differences in circadian biology between the ancestors of modern humans and the archaic hominins such as Denisovans and Neanderthals and the contribution of archaic introgression in human chronotypes by using genomes to trace chronotype evolution from archaic hominins to modern-day humans.

19 Dec 2023

Researchers develop wearable optical device for early detection of postpartum hemorrhage

Researchers have developed a wearable optical device for early detection of hemorrhage during labor or after childbirth.

21 Sep 2023

Study uncovers the science behind the body's tanning process after leaving the beach

Beachgoers are familiar with the experience of spending hours in the sun, going home, and noticing only hours later that their skin has changed color.

3 Aug 2023

Unique plant extract mixture has potent anti-acne effects

Researchers evaluate the efficacy of FRO, a formula composed of fermented Rhus verniciflua Stokes and Orostachys japonicus, against acne pathogenesis via antimicrobial assessment and an in vitro analysis. FRO was found to contain phenolics such as gallic acid, fisetin, quercetin, and kaempferol and was determined to alleviate acne by inhibiting the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, inflammation, and excess sebum.

9 Jul 2023