Ego Wellness Total Beauty's Skin Care. Excess exposure to the sun leads the skin to become darkened in certain areas or patches. These areas, usually brown, are a collection of pigment called melanin. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet rays to protect the body from the sun. Increased melanin leads to increased discoloration. Skin discoloration is a common condition that occurs both in men and women. Age is also a main factor leading to pigmentation.