One of the key factors associated with Vitiligo is the reduction in Melanin (skin pigment) production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is produced by Melanocytes, which are specialised cells located under the skin, and required for the successful treatment of Vitiligo. Here we discuss how to increase Melanin.
What is Melanin?
Before diving into how to increase Melanin, we want to understand the role of Melanin in the body. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing Melanin. Melanin comes in different forms – eumelanin, responsible for brown and black colours, and pheomelanin, responsible for red and yellow hues.
How to Boost Melanin?
Boosting Melanin production in the skin is a natural process that involves promoting the activity of Melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing Melanin. Here are some ways to potentially enhance Melanin production:
Vitiligo Diet:
Research suggests a gluten-free diet could cause the symptoms of Vitiligo to improve if caught early enough. Proteins in wheat cause inflammation and changes to your intestinal tract, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
Apart from the diet, there are some fundamentals to help with this journey. Getting a good night’s sleep every night is easier said than done but try keeping a routine with caffeine intake only in the mornings and restricting all screen time for two hours before bed.
Supplements are recommended, and we suggest that Vitamins B12, folic acid, and D3 are taken in supplement form to make sure there is not a deficiency of these elements due to malabsorption or environment, especially in individuals who may have dietary restrictions, limited sun exposure.
Vitilox B12, Folic Acid and D3
Melanin and the Sun:
Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. However, with Vitiligo your Melanocytes are unable to produce Melanin (skin pigment) and this can cause further trauma to the skin and ultimately cause Vitiligo to spread further.
It’s crucial to protect your skin when you’re out in the sun. Using a high-quality sunscreen or sunblock with SPF 50 or higher is essential to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. This helps prevent additional damage and trauma to your skin caused by sun exposure.
Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it regularly, especially if you’re spending extended periods outdoors. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding the sun during peak hours can further reduce the risk of sun damage and protect your skin.
Melanin and Skin Care:
Taking good care of your skin is important. Avoid using harsh soaps, scrubbing brushes, and hard loofahs if you have Vitiligo. Use natural, gentle soaps. Wipe the skin tenderly and dry it carefully with a soft towel. Use mild washing powders for delicate care and rinse clothes well.
In the case of allergies that cause the skin to become itchy, take an antihistamine but do not scratch the skin. Avoid harsh rubbing of the area around the eyes as the skin around the eyes is particularly delicate. Remove any clothing labels that irritate the skin, especially at the back of the neck.
Injury or trauma to the skin can potentially trigger the development or exacerbation of Vitiligo, a phenomenon known as the ‘Koebner phenomenon’. The Koebner phenomenon is a response in which skin lesions or conditions appear in areas of the skin that have experienced trauma, such as cuts, burns, or abrasions.
The relationship between skin trauma and Vitiligo may be multifaceted. Trauma or injury might initiate an immune response that targets Melanocytes in the affected skin, contributing to the loss of Melanin or skin pigmentation.
Stress and Melanin:
Stress can have various effects on the body, including potential impacts on Melanin production. Research suggests that Stress may influence Melanin synthesis through hormonal pathways and neurotransmitter signaling.
Stress is one of the leading factors of delay in the treatment progress for Vitiligo. Too much Stress can make our journey through life difficult.
Reducing your Stress or increasing your ability to cope is important in the fight against Vitiligo. You can avoid a lot of stress by planning ahead, rearranging your surroundings and living a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most helpful things you can do during times of Stress is to take inventory, and then attempt to change your situation for the better. Small problems often create larger ones if they aren’t resolved. Communicate your feelings openly. Manage your time better as increased efficiency will give you extra time.
Worrying about being able to cope causes a great deal of stress to you. Changing your standards or expectations can be most helpful in dealing with Stress. Stop striving for perfection for a little less guilt and frustration. Stop gloomy thoughts immediately. Try looking at your situation from a new viewpoint remember there is always someone worse off than you.
Each day try to relax with a Stress reduction technique. There are many tried and tested ways to reduce stress so try a few and see what works best for you.
Avoid, or at least reduce, your consumption of cigarettes and any drinks containing caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that increase your level of stress rather than reduce it.
Rather swap caffeinated and alcoholic drinks for water, herbal teas, or diluted natural fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated as this will enable your body to cope better with Stress.
Avoid refined sugar and other refined foods. Rather try to eat a healthy, natural, well-balanced, and nutritious diet.
Physical Exercise can do wonders in helping to reduce Stress. According to experts if you take a walk, it will help reduce endorphins in the system that cause Stress.
Try to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine on a regular basis. If walking or exercise does not appeal, try gardening for some physical activity. Physical exercise can be used as a surrogate to metabolize the excessive Stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state.
Yoga is another technique that helps reduce stress as it promotes relaxation. Yoga can benefit our body, mind, and breathing which are often affected by Stress. Practicing yoga builds your ability to calm, focus, balance, and relax yourself.
Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation. Yoga helps to reduce Stress, lower blood pressure and lower your heart rate.
It focuses on balancing your entire body’s energy. It enhances the mind-body connection. Yoga also stretches tight muscles via poses, deep breathing, and meditation. This helps ease the physical discomfort that is caused by anxiety. Yoga can reduce pain and Stress. It improves the mood.
Yoga is a natural way to increase serotonin production. Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions and is sometimes called the happy chemical. It contributes to well-being and happiness.
It’s important to note that individual responses to Stress vary, and not everyone will experience changes in Melanin production due to Stress. Additionally, while Stress may influence Melanin synthesis, other factors such as genetics, sun exposure, and hormonal fluctuations also play significant roles in determining skin pigmentation.
Remember that Stress causes Vitiligo to spread, and also is one of the main triggers of the condition. ‘Trauma and Stress’ are normally linked, and we do have the Vitilox B12 & Folic Acid Vitamins and the T-Cell-V Tablets which both have elements required to reduce Stress, and slow down and stop the further spread of Vitiligo.
At Vitiligo Treatment, besides our specially formulated products to treat Vitiligo, we offer Support, Consultations, and Vitiligo Assessments.
Remember, Vitiligo Can be Treated effectively with commitment and adherence to the available treatment options. We offer a wide range of products to treat various Vitiligo conditions, categorised as Low, Medium, and High Vitiligo body coverage. Visit our website or contact our consultants for more information tailored to your specific needs.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further information about this article – How To Increase Melanin or require any additional detailed information on our products.
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Published by Vitiligo Treatment