Skin color results from pigments made by our melanocytes. These cells produce melanin that protects us from harmful UV rays. However, in some situations, a part of the body may produce more melanin than it should normally. For this reason, pigment spots appear. They are also called brown spots on the skin, because of the color they have, like bronze. The difference is that, in the case of the appearance of pigment spots, the hyperpigmentation is not uniform, but is located in certain areas of the skin. When we refer to brown spots on the face, especially, they are unsightly and you definitely want solutions to remove them and avoid them in the future.
If you have brown spots on your face it is possible to make you feel insecure, considering the fact that they can be quite unsightly in some cases. In order to better understand and treat them, we have collected the most important information about spots on the face, so that you can learn to live with them and eventually eliminate them gradually. There are enough "whitening" methods for pigment spots and you can find them in the continuation of the article.
1. Pigment spots: what are they and where are they located?
If you are the "owner" of pigment spots on your face, you have probably wondered at least once what they are, what is the cause of their appearance and if there is any cure by which you can get rid of brown spots on your face. A pigmented spot is an area of the skin that is darker in color than the rest of the skin. If you have spots on your face, you should know that they result from melanin hyperpigmentation. But before analyzing the causes and factors that lead to the appearance of brown spots on the skin, it is important to understand their origin.
The skin contains several types of cells, including melanocytes. The latter have the function of producing a brown pigment called melanin. Skin pigmentation depends on the amount of melanin produced by these cells. If this "production system" is altered, a group of melanocytes produces excess melanin. It is this excess that causes spots on the face.
Wondering if pigmentation spots have anything in common with those sun spots? Even if in most cases we are talking about spots on the face, we can also talk about brown spots on the hands and brown spots on the body, in general. And indeed, the areas most exposed to the sun are most prone to the appearance of pigment spots, and here we mean the face, back, forearms and thighs.
There are a number of factors that favor the appearance of pigment spots. These include the genetic factor (some people are more sensitive to UV rays because of it), some occupations that are mainly practiced outdoors or where workers are exposed to UV rays (drivers, handlers, construction workers, etc.) and not using a product for sun protection (in the absence of applying a cream with a protection factor - in any season - increases the risk of developing pigment spots due to the fact that the skin cells are not protected from the sun's rays). The SPF, the enemy of ultraviolet rays , is the only one that protects you completely in such situations.
2. Brown spots on the face or body - how do you know which type it is?
Now that you have learned in detail what pigment spots are, we are going to tell you about the different types of brown spots that appear on the face and beyond. It is very true that you are tempted to confuse pigment spots with freckles, tan, moles or any other type of spot when you do not know how to identify them. For this reason, it is not recommended to start looking for remedies for brown spots on the face until you know exactly what it is.
There are several types of brown skin spots that can appear on the body, such as lentigo, freckles (also known as ephelides), pregnancy spots, moles, sun spots or other hyperpigmentation spots that can appear in the folds of intimate areas or on the armpits. Lentigo are brown spots that appear in old age and are generally caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. They are round in shape and you can find them on the hands, neck, décolleté and forearms.
Ephelides or freckles are not pathological, nor do they appear due to exposure to the sun, but naturally. During pregnancy, brown spots on the face are common in some women. They are described as hyperpigmentation that disappears immediately after birth. Moles (known in medical terms as 'nevi') can appear anywhere on the body and are, in most cases, small and round. Unlike a tan, those brown sun spots differ in shape and location, not being uniform.
When these pigment spots are located on a less visible part of the body, it is not really disturbing and does not cause you so much discomfort due to aesthetics. However, having brown spots on the hands or face can be a source of discomfort and complexes. However, you must first understand the causes of the appearance before looking for remedies for age spots.
3. The cause of brown spots on the face - why do they appear?
Brown spots on the face are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. This is why using sunscreen is essential, even after the hot season is over. To increase the effect of UV protection products, it is recommended to use products with vitamin C , an ingredient recognized for its beneficial effects against pigment spots.
The more you expose yourself to UV rays, the more the concentration of melanin "builds up" in certain areas of the skin. This leads to more pigmentation and the appearance of these brown spots on the skin. Skin aging is associated with the appearance of pigment spots. This is caused by cumulative sun exposure throughout life. However, this hyperpigmentation is not the prerogative of the elderly because everyone can develop pigment spots at some point.
4. Pigment spots: what remedies are there?
When we have a skin problem, we must first ask ourselves if it has an impact on our health. As for pigmented spots, they generally have no impact on the body. The only negative part of them is represented by the unaesthetic aspect that can create complexes for us from a physical point of view. To eliminate any suspicion of a hyperpigmented area, you must contact your dermatologist. In this way, you will be able to find out details about the origin of the spots and, implicitly, be prescribed a treatment if this is absolutely necessary to reduce pigment spots. It is essential to strictly follow this treatment plan and introduce it into your skin care routine .
If you have often asked yourself "Why do I have brown spots on my face?", and you think they are too obvious and unsightly, know that there are enough products on the market for facial spots. But before choosing any product to remove brown spots from the face, you need to know all the details about its properties. The most effective products for removing pigment spots are those whose ingredients do not pose a health hazard. Some of the most sought-after remedies for age spots are hydroquinone creams (they contain a depigmentation agent, but also have side effects such as dry skin, itching, high sensitivity to light, etc.), tretinoin creams ( they cause less irritation than the first ones mentioned), the IPL laser treatment (it has a rather high price and is a method recommended for more serious cases), cryotherapy (cold liquid nitrogen is applied to the brown spots on the face to achieve depigmentation ) and peeling (through this method the skin is exfoliated until all impurities are removed).
Note: All these methods and products for removing brown spots from the face are only at the level of example. The right variant for your problem will be chosen only by your dermatologist following a specialist consultation.
5. Spots on the face: how do you avoid them?
The first step to prevent the appearance of pigment spots is to reduce the time you spend in the sun. Why? Because the latter is the first trigger of spots, and reducing the duration of exposure to the sun greatly reduces the chances of their appearance. How do you control sun exposure? Well, you have two very effective methods at your disposal, namely: avoid traveling around the city at peak times, especially around noon, when the sun's rays are strongest, and use SPF cream. Moreover, it is good to integrate these types of face creams into your skin care routine regardless of the season.
However, there are other techniques to reduce sun exposure. If you work outdoors, you must stay in the shade during periods when the UV rays are very strong. Wearing a hat and clothing that covers the legs and forearms is also a method to combat the appearance of brown spots. For your well-being, do not expose your face directly to the sun. In this way, not only will your skin not be damaged, but you will also not expose yourself to the risk of developing pigment spots.
6. Whitening pigment spots: what routine should you create?
Although it is unpleasant to have pigmentation spots or brown spots on the skin, you must be optimistic, because they can be successfully removed and you can regain a uniform appearance of the skin. If you do a good job of documenting yourself, chances are you'll find enough tips to create a daily routine to prevent age spots. We think you are very familiar with the saying "prevention is better than cure". However, a good routine may also help you get rid of brown spots on your face, not just prevent them.
Removing pigment spots is possible with a daily care routine. For this, you need to choose a cosmetic product specially designed for this problem. After a discussion with your dermatologist, they may be able to recommend a few suitable for your problem and skin type. For example, it is likely that he will recommend a product that has a large amount of Macadamia oil in its composition, an ingredient well known for its deep skin repair properties, but also because it manages to "repair" the tan, i.e. make it more even (or favor an even tan from the first exposure to the sun). Macadamia oil is extremely helpful when it comes to restoring normal skin color following medical treatment.
A good product to prevent and remove brown spots on the face must have a stimulating effect on melanin so that it is evenly distributed in the skin to prevent the appearance of pigment spots. A product with a composition rich in natural active ingredients is excellent for treating sensitive skin and protecting it from the sun. With such a product you can protect yourself from UV rays and get a perfect tan during the summer. Also, once you've started using a product to prevent and remove pigmentation spots on your face, you need to do it every day. Only in this way will the results you want appear. Do not forget that the face must also be hydrated for extra protection.
Creating a daily skin care routine, especially the complexion, is not as complicated as it seems. You can go for a routine check-up with your dermatologist to determine your skin type (normal, dry, oily or combination) so that you only use products that are right for you. Do you have to take care of your skin with a lot of products? No way! You need a make-up remover, a deep face cleanser, a moisturizer, face serums (you can opt for just one if your skin doesn't have a lot of problems) and a sunscreen.
We at skinseen.ro pay special attention to skin care rituals because we know how much confidence a clean, beautiful and bright skin can give us. Pigmentation spots can appear when you least expect it, so make a change in the way you treat your skin right now. On our website you can find many other skin care items, as well as quality products from established brands to help you achieve the results you dream of.
7. The best cream for pigment spots
If we still mentioned the creams with which to treat pigment spots, we will further present what the characteristics are and how to choose the best cream for pigment spots. There is a wide range of creams specially created to treat pigment spots. When choosing a cream for this skin problem, consider the following aspects:
Active ingredients: Look for ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid , vitamin C , retinol or niacinamide, which are known for their ability to fade pigment spots.
Skin type: Choose a cream suitable for your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, etc.) to avoid irritation or unwanted side effects.
Consult a dermatologist: If you have an underlying skin condition or severe pigmentation, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before using any product.
8. Key ingredients in pigment spot creams
Here are some of the key ingredients commonly found in age spot creams and how they work:
Hydroquinone: This ingredient inhibits melanin production and can help fade existing spots. However, long-term use can cause side effects, so it is important to follow the instructions.
Kojic Acid: Extracted from rice or other natural sources, kojic acid helps inhibit melanin production and exfoliate the skin to fade blemishes.
Azelaic acid: This acid inhibits the enzymes involved in melanin production and can also help treat acne and post-inflammatory lesions.
Vitamin C: The antioxidant action of vitamin C can help prevent the formation of pigment spots and fade existing ones.
Retinol (the active form of vitamin A): Retinol stimulates cell renewal and can help fade age spots and wrinkles.
Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 inhibits the transfer of melanin to skin cells, preventing the formation of pigment spots.
Many pigment spot creams contain a combination of these active ingredients to achieve optimal results.
9. How to correctly apply the cream for pigment spots
To get the best results when using a dark spot cream, follow these steps:
Cleanse your skin: Start by cleansing your face well with a product suitable for your skin type. This will help remove excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells, allowing the cream to absorb better.
Exfoliate gently: Gently exfoliate your skin with a gentle product at least twice a week. This will help remove the top layer of dead cells and allow the cream to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Apply the cream: Take a small amount of the cream and apply it evenly on the areas affected by pigment spots. Massage gently to help absorption into the skin.
Use sunscreen: Many freckle creams can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so it's essential to apply a high sun protection factor product (SPF 30 or higher) after using the cream.
Be patient: It may take several weeks or even months before you notice a significant improvement in the pigmentation spots. Continue to use the cream as directed for best results.
If you notice any irritation or adverse reaction, stop using the cream and consult a dermatologist.