The dark spots on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation , are a common aesthetic concern because they have a direct impact on the quality of life and self -esteem of those who have them.
There are several types of blemishes and it is essential to differentiate them before starting treatment for their elimination. Most spots are from SELLER ORIGIN , ie they are caused by amelanin overproduction , the pigment responsible for skin color. Within this category, the main types of skin spots are melasma, solar lentigos or senis, freckles and postinflammatory hyperpigments.
Types of spots
1. Solar Lenties
These are the stains that are
2.Fardas (Ephelides)
These are small flat spots that appear in light -skinned people after sun exposure. Are caused by genetic predisposition and sun exposure.
3.melasma
They are dark, irregular and symmetrical spots that appear on the face, especially on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. Are caused by sun exposure, genetic predisposition and hormones (pregnancy, contraceptives).
It is the most difficult type of spot to treat by the multiplicity of causes and chronic character, having a tendency to reappear.
4. Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
vary depending on the nature of the lesion and may be more or less dark. Result from physical trauma or injuries such as cuts, scars, acne lesions.
have an inflammatory component and get worse with sun exposure.
With the exception of freckles, all other spots are more likely to appear in darker skin, due to the greater amount and activity of melanocytes and thus, greater production of melanin.
Because dark spots appear on the skin ?
Hyperpigmentation is a natural mechanism of the skin against UV radiation.
A Solar radiation is the main cause of the appearance of spots, since melanocytes, specialized cells in the production of melanin (brown color pigment responsible for skin color ) produce this protein that has the function of protecting DNA against the damage caused by the sun's rays, which is why its amount increases with sun exposure, resulting in tan.
Melanin is produced by the action of the Enzyme tyrosinase , so most depigmentant acts by inhibition of this enzyme.
The amount of melanocytes is equal in all phototypes, but the amount of melanosomas and the type of melanin (eumelanine and pheomelanine) and quantity produced, depend on genetic factors, which explains different colorations skin.
There are disturbances that can affect melanocytes, generating diseases such as melasma, vitiligo, melanoma, so it is essential to have a medical diagnosis to identify the stain and decide the type of treatment, since only the melonic spots can be treated with depigmenting methods.
There are other factors , in addition to solar radiation that can lead to the appearance of brown spots.
- Skin Aging: It is frequent after 40 years, thanks to oxidative stress and changes in skin and melanocyte metabolism may occur in the production and distribution of melanin.
- Inflammatory Processes: Inflammatory Processes such as acne, burns or aesthetic treatments such as laser or chemical exfoliation can pigmenting the skin, giving HPI (post-inflammatory hyperpigments).
- Genetic Factors: may contribute to a predisposition to develop anomalies in skin pigmentation, such as freckles or epelides, which occur most often in lighter and redheaded skin.
- Hormonal Factors: Hormonal oscillations in female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) stimulate melanin overproduction when sun exposure and can originate melasma. This can occur with contraceptive and pregnancy pills.
- Photosensitizing Medication : Some drugs such as ibuprofen, contraceptives, antihistamines can cause photosensitivity and cause stains.
- Exposure to Chemical Agents: Certain products such as perfumes and oils can cause phototoxicity and originate hyperpigments.
How to prevent the appearance of spots ?
Prevention is the most important step to avoid the appearance of blemishes, so there are some measures that can adopt to protect from the sun, avoid irritation and inflammation, and keep skin healthy. We have left some important tips here:
1.Uuse sunscreen: Apply a high or high spps sunscreen (at least SPSF30) every day, even if cloudy. Reapply frequently.
There are numerous options for protector reapplication, such as post, sticks and compact with SPF and can be applied easily anywhere, even over makeup.
2. Apply a serum or cream of vitamin C,ferulic acid, vitamin E or other antioxidants before sunscreen to help prevent oxidative damage and spots and enhance it protective effect of this.
3.Use Sun Protection Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide tab hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from radiation.
4.Evite Excessive Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure during the hours of
5.NOT SKY BUBBULLES OR SCRIOUS INJURIES: SKIN SKIN OR SKIN LEVERS CAN LEAD INFLAMMATION AND DARKING OF STAINS.
6.Evite Abrasive Products: Very aggressive exfoliating cosmetics can irritate the appeal and aggravate stains. Use soft scrubs in moderation.
7.Solio and Photodepilation: solarium and heat of photodepilation can aggravate existing spots.
8.Hidrate the skin: Keeping the skin hydrated helps prevent peeling, irritation and blemishes.
9.Consult a dermatologist: If you have blemishes or predisposition to have, consult a dermatologist and follow your guidelines rigorously.
What can I do to eliminate or improve the appearance of stains ?
Several assets can be used depigmentant and whitenters in cosmetics such as Serns and creams. These must be used for prolonged periods, usually between 4 and 6 weeks. A Consistency In product application and daily use of sunscreen daily is critical to obtain satisfactory and lasting results. As pigment is already installed on the skin, its elimination also depends on its renewal. It is usual for formulations include various types of assets with different mechanisms of action and with synergistic effect with each other, since many of them have no great effectiveness when used individually. The actives used in the spots belong to several families: Then we leave the most common assets and their actions: 1.Hidroquinona It is one of the most effective depigmentant agents. It inhibits tyrosinase activity, the enzyme involved in melanin production, thus reducing the amount of pigment produced by the skin. It is a medically, having to be prescribed by a doctor. 2.Resorcinol and Tiamemoil Inhibit the action of tyrosinase and consequently the production of melanin. 3. Kojican Derived from fermented rice, inhibits tyrosinase and melanin production. 4. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) It has an antioxidant effect and helps inhibit melanin production and increase sunscreen effectiveness, as well as illuminating and standardize skin tone. 5. Hydroxyacids (AHA) exfoliating the upper layer of the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell renewal. 6. Salicylic acid Helps skin exfoliation, with beneficial effects on superficial blemishes and acne. 7.Retinol and retinoids They stimulate cell renewal, promoting skin regeneration and helping to decrease the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. 8.Niacinamide (vitamin B3) Inhibits melanin transfer to skin cells, helping to reduce irregular pigmentation and also has some anti-inflammatory effect. 10. TRANEXAMICAL DACY Inhibits skin inflammation and decreases melanin production, being useful in particular in the post-inflammatory dark spots . 11. Azelaic acid acts by inhibiting tyrosinase and reducing inflammation, being useful in treating acne spots. The right choice of the best cosmetic for spots depends on several factors, such as the type of stain (melasma, lentigo), its location, (face, groin, armpits, hands) and skin type (more or less clear, more or less sensitive, dry, normal or oily). You can always resort to a professional to help you choose the best solutions for your particular case. It should also adopt simple routines to avoid for example the crumbling of sunscreen, which would lead to zone unprotection. Remember that the most severe cases of blemishes may require more aggressive procedures such as chemical peeling, micro-leveling or laser and should be performed by a dermatologist or an aesthetic medicine professional. Dark spots can be eliminated or corrected, but never forget that prevention, especially through sun protection, plays the main role for healthy and uniform skin. See a healthcare professional to get access to more personalized care and maintain a radiant, shiny and uniform skin without spots!