Complex silver salts in dilute water solutions, acting over long periods of time, enter the skin by way of the sweat gland pores. Silver ion is deposited in the adjacent papillary bodies at or near the dermoepidermal junction and may be demonstrated using the Electron Microprobe X-Ray Analyzer. Melanin production is increased at the site of deposition of the silver ion, and this gives rise to the optical phenomenon of scattering. Macrophotography of the skin surface is utilized as a helpful tool in studying skin pigmentation. An explanation as to the rarity of silver deposition by this route is offered.