The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature.
Dr. Kaufman concluded that darker skin pigmentation is associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Serum vitamin D level also appears to be related to intake of vitamin D – rich foods and multivitamins containing vitamin D, but not self-reported level of sun exposure or use of sun protection.
During the long-ranging human exodus from Africa, says anthropologist Nina Jablonski, Vitamin D levels in the body played a key role: driving the evolution of our species' skin color.
[8] The cutaneous manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency is skin hyper pigmentation, vitiligo, hair changes, and recurrent angular stomatitis.
Vitamins can be used to lighten your skin and lighten dark spots. Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in maintaining skin health and can promote the differentiation of keratinocytes and decrease melanin synthesis, leading to antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage.
8. Brightens skin. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): B12 encourages cells to reproduce, evening skin tone, and brightening dull and dark spots. It also helps reduce inflammation, acne and can treat skin conditions like eczema.
The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva.
In the absence of SPF, you may notice at times that your skin is easily tanned. Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.
4) Does vitamin D brighten skin? A. The cholesterol in your skin converts to vitamin D when it absorbs sunlight, and further helps make your skin and cells healthy and happy. This way, vitamin D helps in determining your skin tone and in turn, make it radiant and bright when exposed correctly.
Do lighter skin tones need less vitamin D? People with lighter skin don't need less vitamin D, but because their skin can generate vitamin D more quickly, they need less sun exposure. This means that light-skinned people should find it easier to get vitamin D from sunlight between April and September.
The Hormonal One: MELASMA
It's caused by hormone imbalances and is why expectant mothers, and women on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy typically have brown or tan patches on their faces. Couple this surge in hormones with sun exposure and it's hello melasma, bye-bye to that perfectly even skin tone.
Melanin gives the skin its color. In certain conditions melanocytes can become abnormal and cause an excessive amount of darkening in the color of the skin.
Consider taking supplements
Whilst a 10 micrograms dose may be enough for Caucasians and people with lighter skins, people with dark skin, may need slightly more. In any case, you should talk to your doctor for their advice especially if you consider taking a higher dose than the recommended amount.
Subsequently, the patient had been receiving a MVI tablet daily containing Vitamin B12 (1 mg) and showed improvement in his presentation [Figure 4]. Usually, hyperpigmentation resolves within 3 months of initiation of treatment, in about 87% of such patients.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with a number of pigment changes. Typically, these involve hyperpigmentation, mostly localized in the dorsum of the hands, fingers and feet and sometimes in skin folds and mucosal surfaces.
Chronic, long-term stress can manifest on the skin as hyperpigmentation. A hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, often in response to biological stress. This hormone triggers melanogenesis, the process of skin pigment production.
Vitamins B6 and B12 have also been proven to boost melanin production. Goddard says that vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, has been found to trigger the production of enzymes and chemical reactions that boost the metabolism of the hair proteins (keratin and melanin) in the hair follicles.
What it does: B12 is necessary for cell reproduction and can be applied topically for skin benefits because it reduces inflammation, dryness, and acne. It is sometimes used to treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can protect against free radical damage that can cause tissue damage, resulting in uneven skin tone. You can take supplements, use a vitamin C serum, or find vitamin C in foods like: oranges.
When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker. Many things can lead to hyperpigmentation: Adrenal disorders such as Addison's disease, when the body doesn't make enough of a hormone called cortisol.
A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation. Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it's sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place.
It is possible to lighten your skin with lemon juice. It is due to the high concentration of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. Lemon juice contains vitamin C that reduces melanin, resulting in lighter skin. A 2017 study found that vitamin C can reduce tyrosinase activity, which prevents the formation of melanin.