Have you ever wondered how your skin gets its colour? Well, it is because of a pigment called Melanin, which is naturally present in all human beings. This pigment not only gives colour to your skin but also to your hair and eyes. In addendum, it also protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, when melanin is produced in excess, it results in a darker complexion.But What Are Reasons Behind Excessive Melanin Production? Reasons for a excessive production of melanin in your skin could be varied. Over exposure to sunlight could be one of the reasons, other could be genetics. Notably, in some cases, melanin production may be concentrated in some parts of the body, making skin in those areas darker than others. This is known as hyperpigmentation. Now, there are various beliefs about the cure of this. While some people try limiting their exposure to the sun, assuming that it will go by itself. Others try excessive scrubbing to get rid of this pigmentation. Many try dermatological products.Dr Sachith Abraham, consultant of dermatology, at Manipal Hospital, says overproduction of Melanin can be avoided by regularly applying sunscreen with at least 50 SPF. Additionally, you can wear wide-brimmed hats for sun protection. He also emphasised having a well-defined and strict skincare routine. To lighten the hyperpigmented skin, he suggested trying the liquorice extract to remove excess pigment. Another tip is to use the milk extracts as it has lactic acid.According to Dr Sachith, various topical cream like kojic acid, arbutin, liquorice extract and topical vitamin C and retinol can remove pigmentation on the skin. Other treatments include chemical peels. Other treatments like chemical peels and lasers can also be done. Can excessive production of melanin harm you? While overproduction of melanin does not lead to any serious life threats, certain conditions like lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) can be associated with it. Notably, in Addison's disease, a person's adrenal gland is affected and therefore, it can lead to hyperpigmentation.