Learn the most effective remedies for sunbathers.
Dark spots that appear on the skin spoil the look and add years. We figured out where this attack comes from and how to return a healthy, even color to the face.
What are age spots
Hyperpigmentation is characterized by an irregular distribution of melanin pigment in the skin (it is he who gives the skin color). If you have freckles, you are familiar with this situation; it has been genetically developed that there are clusters of cells in certain areas in your skin that produce more melanin than others.
But freckles look cute and have been present since childhood; that is, their owners have enough time to adjust to their quirks. Pigmented spots are another matter entirely. Often they appear suddenly, have a large uneven shape, and require dense tonal means to mask, which is not suitable for everyone.
The appearance of spots is caused by a malfunction, as a result of which some of the skin cells start producing more melanin than usual. Hyperpigmentation itself is not harmful. But it is a symptom of some changes in the body. Which, in turn, can be both harmless in terms of health and quite detrimental.
Read also: 10 Foods That Help Combat Skin Aging
What causes age spots
Failure of skin cells most often occurs for the following reasons.
1. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
Ultraviolet light irritates melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for melanin production. Normally, this results in an even tan. But if you stimulate cells with an active sun often and a lot, some of them "go crazy" and start producing melanin day and night in horse doses.
Pigmented spots are frequent companions of fans of tanning salons and tanning beds.
2. Injuries to the skin, including sunburn
Sunburn is actually a defense mechanism. Melanin shields our bodies from ultraviolet radiation, killing it. This dark pigment creates a kind of barrier around skin cells that scatters dangerous UVB rays.
From the point of view of the body, the areas where the skin is damaged are the areas where the skin is damaged Fromneed maximum protection. That is why melanocytes go into a mode of maximum activity, and damaged skin (it doesn't matter if you combed your knee or walked under the sun and now your nose is peeling) darkens much more vigorously than neighboring areas.
3. Hormonal changes
Hormones also regulate melanin production. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and certain endocrine disorders can alter hormonal levels. As a result, age spots appear.
4. Age
Thinner skin and the development of melanocyte cells are natural consequences of aging.
5. Taking some medications
For example, tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids, and chemotherapy drugs
6. Malfunctions of internal organs
The emergence of age spots is frequently a distress signal from the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and other gastrointestinal tract organs.
How to start treating age spots
Self-medication is not recommended by medical professionals. It is only justified if you know exactly where the stain came from. For example, if pigmentation appears at the burn site.
The right decision is to go to a dermatologist with your spots. He will examine your skin, inquire about your lifestyle and medications, and look at your medical record to check for any underlying medical conditions. Some situations may need you to have a biopsy to rule out the risk of developing melanoma.
Remember one thing: there is no point in treating age spots until you know the reasons for their appearance.
If pigmentation is associated with internal problems of the body, first, you need to cure them. Otherwise, the spots will appear over and over again.
How to get rid of age spots
But suppose there's nothing wrong with your "inner world," and the spots appeared for no apparent cause. In this case, you can start fighting them. In fact, there are only two ways to get rid of age spots.
Make the skin denser, fuller
The goal is to enlarge the skin layer above the melanocytes by hiding the pigment. This can be achieved as follows
- Thoughtfully approach the choice of everyday cosmetics. You need products that provide powerful moisturizing and nourishing benefits.
- Establish a drinking regimen so that the body in general and the skin, in particular, receive the required amount of fluid.
Remove age spots
This can be done in different ways: from simple (and, unfortunately, not that effective) home to professional.
Absolutely all methods injure the skin. Therefore, when dealing with age spots, you should either stay out of the sun or apply a sunscreen with at least an SPF 50.
Otherwise, you will not win but only aggravate the pigmentation.
Hence an important recommendation; it is best to start the fight against unaesthetic stains in the fall. Thus, injured skin is less likely to meet direct sunlight.
1. Whitening creams and ointments
These products contain hydroquinone and retinoic acid, which provide the skin with easy exfoliation and accelerate cell regeneration. Do not buy these drugs yourself. Before applying anything to your skin, you should consult a dermatologist.
2. Whitening masks
You can find similar cosmetic products in supermarkets and pharmacies. But many also use homemade masks made from available products.
One of the most important components of an effective mask is acid.
Here are some similar mask recipes, which are highly praised in all kinds of forums.
Yeast mask with lemon
Dissolve 20 g of yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm milk. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture on the face for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Some people recommend applying a cold compress (gauze dipped in cold water) to help calm the skin after using the mask.
Whitening mask with lemon and honey
In a 1:1 ratio, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey. Apply on a cleanly washed face; after 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
Whitening kefir mask
Curdled milk and unsweetened yogurt are also suitable. Just apply kefir on the area with age spots for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with a couple of drops of lemon juice with water to remove greasy film from the skin.
Also read: 10 Natural Remedies to Lighten a Sunburned Skin
3. Mesotherapy
This is the name for subcutaneous injections with special bleaching drugs. The same cream, but more effective. You can seriously lighten the age spots; however, it will take several sessions to eliminate it.
4. Microdermabrasion
Many people use scrubs in an effort to remove stains. Microdermabrasion is essentially the same scrub, but using a tool. With the help of a special attachment, the beautician "polishes" the skin, removing the top layer damaged by the pigment.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
