Depression can make us physically older by speeding up the ageing process in our cells, according to a study. Lab tests showed cells looked biologically older in people who were severely depressed or who had been in the past.

In the same way that the body affects the mind, however, the mind is capable of immense effects on the body. The literature has demonstrated again and again that thoughts affect neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that allow the brain to communicate with different parts of itself and the nervous system.

Wu. Long-term depression has disastrous effects on skin, because the chemicals associated with the condition can prevent your body from repairing inflammation in cells. “These hormones affect sleep, which will show on our faces in the form of baggy, puffy eyes and a dull or lifeless complexion,” says Dr. Wechsler.

Research has found that stress caused by sleep deprivation increases signs of aging, such as fine lines, reduced elasticity, and uneven pigmentation. The loss of skin elasticity may also contribute to the formation of bags under your eyes.

A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. It’s produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.

Intense pulse light (IPL) is one such treatment, using pulses of light energy to target sunspots by heating and destroying the melanin, which removes the discolored spots.

Eating vitamin C–rich foods like citrus, berries, and leafy green vegetables may optimize melanin production. Taking a vitamin C supplement may help as well.

Melalite Forte Cream

Melanin is a type of pigment that gives color to the hair, skin, and eyes in humans and animals. In addition to providing pigmentation for the cells, melanin also absorbs harmful UV rays and protects against cellular damage from UV light exposure.

UV-A rays from the sunlight penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis and trigger the melanocytes to produce more melanin. Melanin is produced as a defence mechanism. Sunlight is the major cause of increased melanin production. Other factors include hormonal imbalances, aging and inflammation processes.

When you ingest this color additive, it purportedly releases pigment-changing compounds in your skin, and long-term use will make your skin turn darker. While actual tanning in the sun causes melanin in your skin to darken, tanning pills work from the inside out, releasing the color additives throughout your skin.

Skin collagen molecules connect to each other and form a matrix, which includes other molecules, thus creating the skin organ. It provides protection against disease and injury. The thicker the skin and the more melanin, the better the protective barrier against the effects of aging.