Age spots are dark spots that range in color from light brown to dark brown. They appear for several reasons, including: the effects of sunburn, age-related changes, abuse of cosmetics, hormonal changes, side effects from medications.
Typically, age spots are considered an aesthetic defect. In most cases, age spots cause dry skin, increased wrinkles and dilated blood vessels. Although age spots are not malignant neoplasms, they serve as an excellent camouflage for the latter (since it is almost impossible to see a neoplasm in the area of an age spot with the naked eye).
Many people try in different ways to get rid of age spots , in this article we will look at: types of age spots, methods of getting rid of them, the need to consult a doctor (in this case an endocrinologist), the effectiveness of procedures and contraindications.
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays
- Using phototherapy
- Indications
Pigment spot - what is it?
Skin color is a completely natural quality, and it occurs thanks to a special substance called melanin. Depending on many factors, it may be more or less, and it serves to protect the skin from direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. When light hits the surface, it is captured by special molecules and transported to the upper layers of the dermis, absorbing excess radiation and preventing its further penetration.
Sometimes this well-functioning and complex system malfunctions, and then melanin synthesis is disrupted. Unsightly defects appear in the form of darkening (hyper) or highlighting (hypo). In the world, this problem is indeed widespread, because more than half of the inhabitants of our planet note the presence of such phenomena. Is it possible to fight pigmentation and how to quickly get rid of age spots from the sun on the face and not only?
Contrary to popular belief, defects must always be kept under control, for which purpose it is first necessary to find out the reasons for their occurrence. They can seriously spoil the appearance, but this is not the main problem. With unfavorable development, an unsightly darkening can degenerate into a malignant neoplasm called melanoma. Then long and painful treatment procedures cannot be avoided.
Determining the nature of the formation usually requires clarification of certain factors:
- The presence of an inflammatory process.
- Depth.
- Color intensity.
- Extent of distribution.
Only a competent and experienced dermatologist with the proper level of knowledge and appropriate equipment can find out all these points. Therefore, before you figure out what to do and what helps with severe pigmentation on the face from the sun, even surgical removal, you must do all the research, take tests and tests.
Treatment
Drug therapy is carried out after determining the root cause of hyperpigmentation. Ointments, lotions and (or) creams are prescribed by a dermatologist or dermatocosmetologist. Most of them are plant-based with the addition of modern chemicals. Self-medication is not recommended.
Pharmacy drugs
The most popular drugs whose action is aimed at whitening the skin are presented in the table.
Table 1. What to do if you have pigmentation: pharmaceutical remedies for pigmentation.
Name | Short description |
Belosalik | The ointment contains salicylic acid, which is involved in skin whitening. The drug has: anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antifungal, hypothermic, keratolytic, antiproliferative vasoconstrictor effects. Ideal for removing post-traumatic pigmentation |
Zinc ointment | Effectively eliminates redness and age spots, including freckles. Additionally, it has an antiseptic and softening effect. |
Achromin | This is a whitening cream for freckles, spots, scars, pigmentation. Suitable for any skin type. Contains substances that protect against ultraviolet radiation. According to the manufacturer, the cream can eliminate hyperpigmentation completely or partially after just a month of regular use. Treatment regimen: apply the product to the affected areas 2 times a day |
Synthomycin liniment | The active ingredients of the ointment are: castor oil, which has a cosmetic effect and saturates the skin with vitamins, and chloramphenicol. It has an anti-inflammatory, disinfecting effect. Whitening occurs precisely due to the action of castor oil. However, the effect is quite weak and is noticeable only with additional treatment. |
Melanative | The cream fights pigment spots on any part of the body. Suitable for all skin types, safe to use. Contains components that protect the skin from UV radiation. A positive result is noticeable after a month of use |
Retinoic ointment | The drug is able to stimulate tissue regeneration, enhance the growth of new cells, and also block enzymes that destroy elastin and collagen. The ointment promotes the disappearance of pigmentation, as well as acne and pimples. It is inexpensive, only 300 rubles. |
Skinoren | The main component is azelaic acid, which helps get rid of stains. However, the cream has its drawbacks: · you will have to use it for a long time, a positive result can be achieved in 6 or 12 months; · when using, you sometimes experience discomfort in the form of tingling or burning; · The cream is quite expensive. Costs about 1000 rubles. for 30 years; · does not protect against UV rays, but on the contrary, enhances the effects of the sun on the skin |
Melan | The drug blocks the active synthesis of melanin by inhibiting tyrazinase and, thereby, helps get rid of pigmentation. Melan stimulates cell renewal and has a moisturizing effect. The composition is completely natural |
Creams, ointments and other products from Asia
Hyperpigmentation on the skin can also be treated using Asian remedies, which have proven their effectiveness in practice. Reviews testify to this.
Table 2. Drugs for hyperpigmentation from Asia.
Name (brand) | Description |
Yoko Acne-Melasma Cream | The cream can slow down the production of melanin, has a whitening effect, and eliminates acne. Suitable for all skin types. The product protects against solar radiation. After constant use, a whitening but also a rejuvenating effect is noticeable. |
Clear Spots Sol | Eliminates any pigmentation and post-acne. The serum is made from plant materials and is safe to use. The product blocks the production of melanin and prevents the formation of new age spots. Additional effect: the serum has a rejuvenating effect, stimulates skin regeneration, protects against UV rays |
YOKO Under-Arm Whitening Cream and Deodorant | Designed for skin whitening in the intimate area and armpit area. The cream stimulates the normalization of melanin production and prevents increased pigmentation. Additionally moisturizes, rejuvenates the skin, promotes cell renewal |
Kedermfa | This ointment is antifungal, its main action is aimed at treating skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne, furunculosis. However, in the fight against pigmentation, as well as prevention, the product can also be useful. Especially if hyperpigmentation is caused by trauma to the epidermis |
Shanghai Yaozao | Soap promotes regeneration, which is necessary in the treatment of pigmentation. It has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect and perfectly cleanses the skin. |
At home
Hyperpigmentation of the skin, if its manifestation is not too active, can be treated independently by using home remedies.
Plants, fruits and herbs can help with this:
- cucumber juice;
- celandine.
- parsley juice;
- lemon juice;
- fermented milk products;
They can be applied to areas affected by pigmentation several times a day. Parsley juice, for example, is especially effective. It has long been applied to the face to remove freckles. The same goes for lemon juice. But be careful with it, don't overdo it. Still, it is an acid that can cause harm by causing irritation.
Remember that folk remedies cannot completely get rid of intense pigmentation. Treatment for pigmentation can be supplemented with pharmaceutical creams and ointments, as well as products from Asian manufacturers. It is better to contact a dermatologist or cosmetologist who can prescribe the correct drug treatment.
Kinds
There are several different types of violations that are worth discussing in a little more detail.
Freckles (ephelids)
They can be exclusively a defect located on the cheeks, forehead and nose, and also cover the entire body. These are small limited spots, mostly brownish, yellow or brownish-brown, usually round in shape. Most often found in boys and girls with blond or red hair. It is easy to recognize such formations by the following signs:
- They first appear from about 3 to 6-7 years of age, and by maturity they can disappear completely.
- In summer and spring they are very noticeable, and in cold weather they become much paler.
- They become darker in color from exposure to the sun.
- They concentrate on open areas of the body, but can also occur under clothing.
They pose absolutely no threat to health, and are sometimes considered not even a flaw, but an advantage, a highlight of appearance.
Super thin injection needles Nanoneedle
Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)
Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 30G
Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 33G
Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 34G
Chloasma
They are much larger and irregular in shape, located in the face and neck area. They have a light golden, yellow, brown or brown tint. They do not have additional volume, that is, they do not rise above the surface of the dermis. Mostly they are placed separately, but sometimes they merge into one larger spot. They can occur both at a young and at a more mature age.
Some believe that this type of pigmentation appears exclusively during pregnancy, but this is only one of many reasons. Chloasma can also be diagnosed from taking oral contraceptives, from hormonal imbalances of any etiology, from cosmetic procedures or certain medications, from the sun, or inherited.
Nevi
Such formations are mostly benign, and the common people usually affectionately call them moles. They can be congenital or appear over time. Colors range from light yellow or beige (flesh) to dark brown, almost black. Sometimes they change color over the years, and the sizes are also different. The surface of nevi can be smooth or rough, and hair can also grow on it.
In the vast majority of cases, no removal is implied, but sometimes there are objective reasons for this. If nevi constantly get in the way, rub against clothes, stand out unattractively in the most visible place, then many people think about how to cure and remove such age spots on the forehead, cheek, nose and neck, or other parts of the body.
How to prevent the appearance of age spots?
If the cause of pigmentation does not lie in a hereditary factor, a cosmetic defect can be avoided. Preventive measures:
- do not develop diseases of internal organs - be sure to undergo routine examinations with doctors twice a year;
- do not get carried away with tanning - both in the sun and in the solarium;
- take care of skin protection - go outside in winter, after applying cream with SPF 30, in summer the indicator should be 50;
- choose wisely skincare products to maintain a beautiful and even skin tone;
- maintain a drinking regime - do not let the skin dry out;
- monitor hygiene, prevent the development of acne and the formation of comedones;
- control hormonal levels.
It is also important to take care of prevention long before the period of wilting. The sooner sufficient attention is paid to care and protection, the later the skin will undergo age-related changes. Pigment spots are a phenomenon that can and should be combated. Don’t give up if home treatments don’t bring results; you can always turn to a cosmetologist for help.
Age requirements
The most popular reason for the appearance of unsightly dark or light areas is age. The dermis becomes less elastic, pliable, it becomes thinner, loses its natural elasticity, and becomes covered with unwanted formations that have different “dislocations”:
- face;
- breast;
- neck;
- neckline;
- hands;
- legs;
- back.
Neither the shape, nor the quantity, nor the color of such manifestations depend in any way on skin tone or exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In women, pigments often appear after menopause, when the body undergoes powerful hormonal changes. In such cases, a good solution would be the active drug Curacen, which not only prevents the development of both small and large wrinkles, smoothes and cleanses, and eliminates age-related darkening.
Main reasons
If age spots from the sun appear on the face, many are interested in what helps, what to treat and what to do, but first of all you should find out what caused them.
I Heredity
This is the most common option. Even our distant ancestors often found their relatives based on similar characteristics. Information is recorded in the DNA code and passed from parents to children.
II Disorders due to hormonal changes
The dermis is not only the largest organ of the human body, but also completely dependent on hormones. Primarily sex hormones - estrogen and testosterone, as well as those produced by the pituitary gland - adrenocorticotropin, thyrotropin and somatotropin. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, they initiate a chain reaction, resulting in an unsightly dark area.
What makes the problem worse
- Taking a variety of drugs that affect hormones, including contraceptives.
- Processes during menopause.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Phases of the ovulation cycle in women.
- Teenage "hormonal storm".
III Diseases
Often, our epidermis becomes an indicator of health, which many simply do not pay attention to, and then think about how to remove and how to quickly remove age spots from the face, and what kind of cleansing is more suitable. Diseases that have prerequisites for the appearance of spots:
- Bacterial as well as viral infections.
- Endocrine pathologies (hypothyroidism, diabetes of any type, etc.).
- Kidney failure.
- Fungi.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
- Hypovitaminosis, hypervitaminosis.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Parasites.
- Sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.
IV Peeling and other cosmetic procedures
Sometimes some manipulations for “beauty enhancement” can also affect the appearance of pigments. There are several prerequisites for this: injury or stimulation of inflammation. Therefore, it is extremely important to first diagnose the nature of the spots and only then contact a cosmetologist.
V Acne
Experts say that even the slightest mechanical damage can cause the development of pigmentation. If you squeeze out a pimple, the stratum corneum will inevitably be damaged. If you do not protect it with anything and do not use restorative agents, then it is likely that a small brown area will remain there.
Causes of age spots on the face
Cosmetic flaw occurs in women, men and even newborn children. There are several reasons for pigmentation:
- frequent and intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin - disrupts cell structure, inhibits regeneration, destroys collagen fibers;
- trauma - scratches, abrasions, cuts, hematomas can activate the production of melanin in a certain area;
- hormonal imbalance - during puberty, during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause;
- pathologies of internal organs - most often the adrenal glands, liver, gall and thyroid glands;
- skin diseases, especially acne;
- taking certain medications with photosensitivity effects;
- poor circulation in the extremities;
- diseases of the reproductive system;
- infections, viruses, bacteria, fungal pathologies;
- heredity.
In newborns, pigment spots may appear due to the difficulties of the mother's delivery. Most of them go away on their own in the first year of life, but all formations require monitoring.
In men
The stronger sex may also well suffer from such a common problem, but its prerequisites are somewhat different:
- Sensitive and excessively thin dermis.
- Genetics.
- Neuroses, constant stress.
- Excess estrogen.
- Lack of minerals and vitamins.
- Age over 45 years.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol, hazardous work conditions.
Some of the reasons naturally overlap with “female” ones.
Diagnostics
There is a huge variety of modern equipment that can be used to diagnose the nature of dark areas. In any case, you will have to pass all the necessary tests. What may be required:
- blood test (general and biochemistry);
- biopsy;
- Wood's lamp examination;
- scraping
Sometimes, after preliminary tests, the dermatologist or therapist refers you to other specialists. You should worry if the color suddenly changes, the darkening increases, itching, burning, bleeding appears, the boundaries become fuzzy and blurred. It is especially important to carry out all the research if you intend to get rid of age spots on the face that are flaking, because this may indicate an inflammatory process or transformation.
How to fight
Among the modern and effective methods of struggle, it is worth highlighting:
- cosmetic preparations;
- laser peeling;
- phototherapy.
Depending on the variety, medications may be prescribed to address the underlying causes. However, to remove an aesthetic defect, it will be necessary to wait for the cell surface to renew itself, or to help it renew itself faster with the help of additional deep peeling and cosmetic photorejuvenation procedures.
Cosmetic preparations
Among the popular drugs that give noticeable results in the fight against hyperpigmentation are placental products with a high content of natural peptides, amino acids and hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Injection product Curacen (Curasen) and non-injection drug Curacen Essence (Curasen Essence) are the ideal choice of cosmetologists for triple action: brightening, moisturizing and eliminating wrinkles. You can also use specialized cosmetics from the Laennec Skincare brand - LNC. This line offers to transform the skin at the cellular level, eliminating and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Now you know about the main causes of pigmentation, as well as what causes the appearance of age spots on the face, and you can easily answer the question - what to do when pigments have already appeared. Dermatologists recommend not only limiting time spent on the beach and using sunscreen in summer, but also year-round use of skin protection from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. It is this that becomes the main catalyst, and in combination with internal disorders of the body can lead to serious changes in the epidermal layer.
Removing dark areas: face control
There are many techniques and methods that will help get rid of unwanted darkening forever.
Peeling
This procedure is aimed not only at elimination, but also at correction and prevention. It can even out tone and improve skin quality. Chloasma and freckles after it become very pale, and sometimes disappear completely.
Chemical
This is the most effective peeling possible, which helps eliminate such defects. For the surface layers, regular almond, retinoic, glycolic, salicylic or milk are suitable. However, if the depth is high, you will have to use something more powerful.
Mechanical
The impact is carried out using abrasive substances that “grind” the surface. Coffee and coral peelings have proven themselves well. There is also dermabrasion, when grinding is carried out using devices with rotating elements. This method is very traumatic. Those who have very sensitive and thin skin should view the procedure with caution.
Hardware
The laser option is considered the most promising in cosmetology. It can not only eliminate pigmentation, but also wrinkles, creases, scars, scars and other irregularities. There are many contraindications to such treatment, so you should first be examined by a doctor.
Mesotherapy and biorevitalization
They are the best method to deliver antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging substances not only to the superficial, but also to the deep layers. Both techniques are injection techniques, which use a variety of “cocktails” with the addition of ingredients that can eliminate unwanted coloring.
Phototherapy (IPL therapy)
Involves influencing particles using light. It is painless and safe, and has a small list of contraindications.
PRP therapy or autologous cellular rejuvenation
The essence of the technique is to administer to a person his own plasma, but already enriched with platelets. It can not only remove defects, but also prevent their occurrence.
Cosmetic programs for prevention and correction
Complexes of this kind will help completely eliminate the problem, having a very beneficial effect. They nourish, moisturize, whiten and even rejuvenate the skin. Usually 6-8 sessions are recommended, one or two per week.
"Kurasen"
It is very important to choose the right drug for amino acid replacement therapy for patients. CURACEN contains histidine, and its L-configuration determines the greatest bioavailability.
On the other hand, in the practice of an aesthetic medicine specialist, it is not always possible to use injection techniques - administering the drug is either impossible, or has an increased unjustified risk of an adverse reaction or complication. For example, thin and hypersensitive skin with a damaged epidermal barrier, a long period of regeneration after invasive procedures.
In such situations, it is recommended to use the biological product CURACEN Essence, which is designed for administration using non-invasive methods. The amino acid composition acts as a skin reductant. Thanks to the restoration of the protein composition of the epidermis against the background of the main therapy, the water-lipid mantle and the epidermal barrier are strengthened, which not only promotes a moisturizing effect, but also soothes the skin by reducing its sensitivity and relieving inflammatory reactions.
Clinical results show that Curasen protects cells from UV-induced damage.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Hyaluron-elastin-collagen extract
Laennec – solution for injection
Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
How to remove pigment on the face: combating pigmentation with laser techniques
There are precedents when no method works. Then the laser comes to the rescue. At the same time, the rays do not damage the epidermis, have no side effects, act exclusively on melanin and do not affect the cells surrounding it, and after treatment the body quickly returns to normal.
The mechanism of action is not very complicated. It breaks the dyed fabric into tiny fractions, and then “knocks” them out onto the surface. Some is excreted naturally through lymph circulation, and the rest can be easily removed in any other way.
Cryotherapy
The affected areas are exposed to extreme cold using liquid nitrogen. Most often this is done using a special point sprayer, but sometimes even a cotton swab is used. The treated area is frozen, and after a few days it is completely peeled off.
Ozone therapy
The active oxygen isomer “can” significantly reduce and even eliminate the effect of fungi and viruses, accelerates metabolic processes, and has a positive effect on the regeneration of integuments and their rejuvenation. It is also used to eliminate various types of skin defects.
Localization of spots
They can have different sizes, both with clear contours and blurry ones, merge together or not grow at all. Depending on the differential diagnosis and the type of hypermelanosis, they can be located both in certain areas and without specific boundaries, covering absolutely any area of the body.
On the face
One of the most common sites of localization of many hyperpigmentations. This is due to the fact that the skin here is thin enough so that negative factors can attack them faster. Among the common phenomena are freckles, which can decorate the face all year round and also appear and disappear after exposure to the sun. They are also localized over the entire surface or located pointwise in the area of the cheeks, eyes, and forehead.
Anti-age drugs
Bb Laboratories – Delicate oil for deep cleansing
Laennec – solution for injection
Bb Laboratories – Two-phase serum concentrate
Two-phase placental serum concentrate
On the body
Namely on the arms, shoulders, chest, back, groin area. For each individual disease, there are areas where pigment accumulation is observed. For example, senile hyperpigmentation is typically located on the hands, forearms, and upper back.
Prevention
The first and main preventive measure is proper protection from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. It is worth remembering that you can safely stay under ultraviolet light for no more than 10-15 minutes, after which the risk of getting a burn increases significantly. You should always apply sunscreen to prevent problems.
The second thing that should not be forgotten is regular health checks. Don’t be afraid to visit a doctor, get tested and find out your current condition. After all, it is much easier to prevent a problem than to deal with it later. It won’t hurt to change your clothes to natural ones, throw out chafing and tight things, and lead a healthy lifestyle.