A problem such as pigmentation can occur in a person at any age and cause severe psychological discomfort, especially if pigment spots appear in the facial area. Modern medicine and cosmetology have figured out quite well what pigmentation is and how to deal with it. There are many treatment methods that will help restore your skin to a healthy appearance and get rid of this cosmetic defect. It is enough just to establish the causes of the disease and determine what type of pigment spots has formed on the skin.
Causes of age spots
Skin pigmentation often occurs in humans due to excess accumulation of melanin pigment. This substance is brown, black or yellow in color.
In addition to melanin, the following are responsible for the color of the skin:
- carotene;
- deoxyhemoglobin;
- oxyhemoglobin.
Depending on the amount of coloring pigment in melanocyte cells, the skin color of each person is determined. The less it is, the lighter the skin will be and, conversely, dark-skinned people produce more melanin. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause melanin pigmentation of the skin, which is better known as tanning. It appears after a long stay in active sunlight or visiting a solarium.
The main function of the coloring pigment melanin is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In most cases, pigment spots that appear on the face or body do not pose any danger to human health.
But there are other types of pigmentation that cause cancer and have a negative impact on overall well-being.
Various factors can affect the color of the skin:
- thickness of the epidermis;
- location of blood vessels;
- changes in hormonal levels;
- menopause;
- taking antibiotics or hormonal contraceptives;
- metabolic disease;
- improper skin care;
- hereditary factor;
- age-related changes.
In addition, there are other reasons for the appearance of age spots:
- avitaminosis;
- chronic diseases;
- skin reaction to cosmetics.
All skin pigmentation, in turn, is conditionally divided into facultative and constitutional. Constitutional pigmentation is considered irreversible and does not depend on the action of external factors. Facultative pigmentation is reversible and usually disappears after the underlying cause is eliminated.
In medical practice, the following types of skin spots are distinguished:
- lentigo;
- chloasma;
- vitiligo;
- freckles;
- birthmarks;
- photosensitivity spots.
Lentigines usually appear after the age of 50 and appear as raised brown or dark brown spots on the skin. They have a round or elongated shape and are found on different parts of the body in single or multiple quantities.
Chloasma appears in women during pregnancy or while taking certain medications and appears as symmetrically located spots of yellow-brown or dark black color. They are usually localized in the face, on the stomach or around the nipples and differ from others in their large size and clear boundaries.
Vitiligo is a common skin disease that can affect people at any age and has different causes. It looks like round spots with clear white boundaries.
The most famous type of pigmentation is freckles or ephelides, which are small yellow-brown pigment spots. They are usually located in the face or on open areas of the body and are found mainly in fair-skinned people. Freckles appear most often in summer or spring, and disappear in winter.
Birthmarks are, without a doubt, also known to everyone, since they are a well-known type of pigmentation that occurs in humans from birth. Nevi look like yellow-brown or black spots on the body that protrude above the surface of the skin and have a smooth or rough surface.
Photosensitivity spots appear as a result of high sensitivity of the skin to medications, cosmetics or sunlight.
There is also abnormal pigmentation, which is a sign of a serious disease. You cannot get rid of such pigmentation on your own without the help of a medical specialist. Melanoma, which is a malignant skin tumor, is particularly dangerous. In the absence of proper treatment and timely assistance, the disease can be fatal.
A dermatologist can determine the type of pigment spots on the skin, the reason for their formation and their benign quality after a thorough examination of the skin. When a malignant process is suspected, the patient will be given a biopsy. The presence of atypical cells in the analysis is an indicator of cancer; in this case, a special course of treatment cannot be avoided.
Standard examinations are usually prescribed:
- examination of the skin with a Wood's lamp;
- blood analysis;
- Analysis of urine;
- biochemistry.
The following signs should serve as a reason for a patient to see a doctor:
- severe itching of the skin in the area of the spot;
- burning;
- lack of a clear boundary;
- sudden color change;
- bleeding;
- rapid increase in size.
Hyperpigmentation on the body or face should be treated taking into account the main factor that contributed to the development of age spots.
If age spots appear on the body without a serious reason, you can choose the following method of treating pigmentation:
- professional treatments in the salon;
- bleaching agents;
- ethnoscience.
Cosmetology procedures
The most well-known and effective ways to eliminate age spots in a beauty salon or clinic include:
- laser therapy;
- chemical peeling;
- cryotherapy;
- phototherapy.
Under the influence of laser therapy, the top layer of cells is burned, which are removed along with the stain. The laser beam is delivered in doses and directed strictly to a specific area of the skin and to a given depth. Immediately after the procedure, the spot begins to darken and peel, and then over time disappears completely. If you have a minor cosmetic defect, you can get rid of pigmentation without problems in 2 sessions (sometimes in 5).
Each laser therapy procedure is carried out with a time interval of two weeks, and the indication for it may be pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and clean, tone and texture are evened out.
Chemical peeling is considered an equally effective and safe way to treat age spots.
Various acids are used during peeling:
- fruity;
- glycolic;
- almond;
- phenolic;
- trichloroacetic and others.
In order for such a procedure to take place without complications, the patient must properly prepare for the treatment of pigmentation. If the pigment spot is located in the deep layer of the skin, deep or medium peeling is used.
During chemical peeling, dead cells are removed along with pigment spots, as a result of which the process of tissue regeneration is launched and the skin color is evened out. The number of sessions is chosen by a dermatologist or cosmetologist.
Cryotherapy is also a fairly effective procedure in cosmetology, which occurs without serious consequences and is suitable for the treatment of pigmentation. During the session, liquid nitrogen is applied to the pigment spot, and this area of the skin is frozen. After cryotherapy, a protective crust appears at the site of the pigment area, under which new cells form.
Phototherapy is another effective way to combat pigmentation. During this procedure, light radiation is used, which leads to darkening of the pigment spot and gluing of proteins. As a result, the skin is renewed, and areas of pigmentation are removed without much difficulty. Phototherapy is characterized by a quick recovery period and painlessness.
Regardless of the choice of professional procedure, there are certain rules for patient behavior during the rehabilitation period:
- You should not be under the sun without applying protective products to your skin if you have recently had pigmentation treatment and there is still a risk of developing new spots.
- In addition, for three days after the procedure it is prohibited to visit the sauna, swimming pool or bathhouse.
- During the entire recovery period, you should not go to a solarium or apply a scrub to your skin.
Contraindications to all cosmetic procedures are the presence of diabetes, pregnancy and allergies to the substances used.
Whitening cosmetics
A lightening cream that contains:
- hydroquinone;
- melanozyme;
- azelaic acid;
- arbutin;
- kojic acid.
With this product you can stop the production of melanin or get rid of existing pigmentation. Creams with ascorbic acid, which has a stimulating and restorative effect, have a pronounced whitening effect.
Before purchasing a cream with a lightening effect, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction to its components. It is advisable to give preference to products with a double effect, which not only release the melanin pigment in cells, but also prevent the development of new spots on the skin.
Best whitening creams:
- Achromin;
- Evinal;
- Melanative;
- Vichy;
- Clotrimazole.
Apply the product to the area of the pigment spot once or twice a day according to the instructions in a thin layer. It is recommended to use lightening cosmetics in winter or autumn, when the sun is least active.
Folk remedies
Traditional medicine will help replace expensive salon treatments or whitening creams:
- To treat age spots, those with dry skin can use regular yogurt. The fermented milk product is applied to the skin for 15 minutes and then washed off with water.
- For people with oily skin, a lemon mask, a clay mask or a mask with parsley will help remove pigmentation.
- A mask with starch, which is prepared from 1 tablespoon of starch and lemon juice, is considered no less effective. The mixture is applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes and washed off with water.
- Every day it is recommended to wipe your face with herbal infusion, cucumber juice, pomegranate juice or grapefruit juice.
- You can make ice cubes with green tea and rub them on your skin in the morning. Sour cabbage juice and dandelion leaves are good for treating age spots.
Preventive actions
In order to prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the future, the effect of provoking factors should be excluded.
These include:
- cigarettes;
- alcohol;
- coffee;
- strong tea.
It is forbidden to indulge in fatty, fried, spicy or too salty foods. Preference is given to healthy foods rich in vitamin C and microelements.
These include:
- celery;
- all citrus fruits;
- kiwi;
- currant;
- cauliflower.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and cereals will help give your face a beautiful and healthy look.
To avoid the formation of unsightly spots on the skin, it is recommended to do all procedures in the evening or at night before bed. Decorative cosmetics must have a high level of protection against ultraviolet rays. When visiting the beach, you should avoid sunburn and avoid exposure to the sun during periods of increased activity.
In order to promptly detect a serious illness and not miss oncological pathology, you should consult a doctor at the first appearance of spots on the skin. Properly selected treatment will help avoid unwanted complications and restore the skin to a healthy appearance.
There are many different shades of human skin, tones and subtones. Read more about what color the dermis is and how to correctly determine it.
What determines the color of the skin?
The color of human skin is determined by a special pigment - melanin, which is produced by special cells - melanocytes. Melanin production depends on the following factors:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Ultraviolet radiation intensity.
- Gender of the person (the skin of female representatives is always slightly lighter than that of males).
- Time spent in sunlight.
- The amount of hormones that stimulate the production of melanin and ACTH.
However, there are people in the world who completely lack melanin in their skin cells. They are called albinos. It is contraindicated for such people to stay in the sun for a long time, as they are immediately susceptible to strong radiation.
What pigment determines intensity?
In addition to melanin, the shade of a person’s skin is determined by several more pigments, which also determine the tone and color type of the dermis:
- Carotene. Characteristic of all skin colors, it is responsible for the production of yellow shades. It is difficult to visually determine the level of carotene in the skin, since it is hidden by melanin. Residents of the eastern part of Asia have the highest levels of carotene, which is why they have a yellowish tint to their dermis.
- Hemoglobin. Responsible for giving the skin, in particular the cheeks, a pinkish tint. Hemoglobin is most noticeable in people with fair skin.
The results of color analysis of the dermis depend on the amount of each of the three pigments in the body.
Why does everyone have a different shade?
It is almost impossible to give an exact answer to this question, since today there are many hypothetical reasons for differences in the colors of human skin, the most popular of which are the following:
- Amount and intensity of sunlight (highest in Central Africa).
- Relocation of peoples to other, colder parts of the Earth.
- Gradual loss of body hair as evolution progresses.
- Adaptation to other climatic conditions.
How many genes determine pigmentation?
Skin color is determined by four genes that regulate the production of melanin in the human body. The greater the number of active genes responsible for melanin biosynthesis, the stronger the skin color. For example, dark-skinned people have 8 active alleles, while the lightest-skinned people have more than one.
Quite recently, scientists have figured out what exactly is responsible for skin color. This is one of the proteins called SLC24A5, which influences pigmentation changes.
Facial color test
Color palette and names
For the correct choice of decorative cosmetics and clothing, it is very important to know what skin tone is typical for you. The main shades of the dermis are the following:
- Very light (porcelain).
- Light (peach).
- Medium (olive).
- Dark (swarthy).
There are also tones such as ivory, beige and bronze.
Very light (porcelain)
Peculiarities:
- White shade.
- Perfect smoothness.
- Absence of any manifestations of pigmentation.
- No rosacea.
- Bluish or peach undertone.
If a fair-skinned person is exposed to direct sunlight without protection, he may suffer severe burns.
Light (peach)
Peculiarities:
- Warm pinkish tint.
- Lack of pronounced blush.
- Evenness of tone.
- There may be reddish freckles.
- Intolerance to heavy sunburn.
For those with peach skin, golden-pink and peach-beige tones are perfect for daily makeup, and it is advisable to use lipsticks in delicate colors for the lips.
Medium (olive)
Peculiarities:
- A combination of yellow and green shades.
- Lack of moisture and shine.
- Intensity and richness of tone.
- Thick skin.
- Least susceptible to age-related changes.
What cosmetics are suitable for owners of olive skin? It is recommended to use different shades of blue for makeup that perfectly match your skin, as well as red or wine-colored lipstick.
Dark (swarthy)
Peculiarities:
- Warm golden brown hue.
- Tendency to tan quickly.
- The largest number of cells in the stratum corneum.
- High density.
- Excessive sebum production.
For owners of dark skin, bronze and nut shades are ideal, and for lips it is recommended to use lipsticks in beige and peach tones.
How to determine warm or cool undertone?
There are 4 color types: Winter, Summer (cold undertone), Spring, Autumn (warm undertone). There are several simple tests to determine your facial color type:
- Look at the veins in the inner wrist area. If they are bluish in color with a cool tint, then you are a cool color type, and if they have greenish tints, then you are a warm color type.
- Take a white A4 sheet and hold it to your face. If your skin has a pink or blue tint, your color type is cold, and if it is yellow or brown, your color type is warm.
- Prepare gold and silver jewelry. If with gold items your image looks gray and nondescript, and with silver items it looks fresh and attractive, then your color type is Winter-Summer. If on the contrary, then Spring-Autumn.
- Take one orange and bring it to the dermis of your face. If your skin has become brighter and fresher, and the blue circles in the eye area are almost invisible, you are a warm color type. But if the imperfections of your facial skin have become more noticeable, then your color type is cold.
- Prepare scraps of fabrics of various shades. Bring each of them to your face, while paying attention to the freshness of the skin, the sparkle in the eyes and the appearance of defects. For example, if fuchsia suits you, then your color type is Winter, pink with gray tones is Summer, salmon is Spring, and if bright shades of orange, then Autumn.
Those with warm undertones are advised to wear yellow, orange, brown and reddish shades. Girls who have a characteristic cool skin tone are ideally suited to clothes in blue, green, pink, red and purple shades.
Why do you need to know this?
Many people often ask this question, not realizing how important a role skin tone plays in creating a look. It is important to know the color of your skin in order to:
- Choose the right decorative cosmetics, in particular eye shadow, blush, powder, lipstick.
- Choose the right shade of hair dye and even nail polish.
- Choose a harmonious wardrobe.
Obviously, knowing your skin tone will allow any woman to look much brighter and more attractive, so stylists and makeup artists strongly recommend starting work on your look by studying your own characteristics, and not fashion trends.
Skin pigmentation is a change in its normal color. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the activity of melanocyte cells. The natural pigment of the skin is directly related to genetics. Depending on the race, cells may have different amounts of melanin. It can be from light to dark brown. It is inherited.
Skin pigmentation is divided into different types. These include:
Atypical character;
Freckles;
Lentigo;
Chloasma;
Age spots.
Skin pigmentation in the form of atypical spots manifests itself, as a rule, in New growths can occur both in clean areas of the skin and as part of moles. Sometimes their manifestation is possible in adulthood. This birthmark is different from the usual one and may be the initial stage of skin melanoma.
The next type of pigmentation, freckles, can be observed in people of any age who are predisposed to them. These are mainly people with red or blond hair. Such skin pigmentation, the causes of which lie in the increased formation of melanin, can be eliminated by various means that have a whitening effect, as well as by peeling. Preventive measures include the need to protect exposed parts of the body from direct exposure to the sun's rays or use special protective creams.
The spots, called lentigo, are no different in appearance from moles. Skin pigmentation of this type appears most often at a young age. These small spots can be the result of a large release of melanin. Lentigo has a light brown or yellow tint. can cause some serious skin ailments. At a young age they can cause melanoma. In addition, if sunburns occur frequently, they cause destructuring of the skin and provoke its early aging.
As pigmentation increases, chloasma may occur. It is the appearance of unevenly shaped spots, colored brown. Most often, the spread of these neoplasms is observed in the face and open areas of the body. People with dark skin tones are mainly susceptible to this type of pigmentation.
The manifestation of chloasma may be a consequence of taking certain medications, for example, those related to contraceptives. Pigmentation during pregnancy and as a result of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight also refers to this type of neoplasm. Depending on the cause of their occurrence, the spots disappear after discontinuation of medications and after childbirth. Changes in the normal pigment composition of the skin may also be a consequence of the inclusion in the daily diet of foods containing lipochromes (carrots and oranges). The natural color returns when they are canceled.
After forty-five years, age spots often appear on exposed areas of the body and face. They are a consequence of an increase in the number of melanocytes.
Only a qualified specialist can identify the cause of a particular type of pigmentation. It is he who must prescribe a course of appropriate treatment. Mesotherapy is widely popular. It is carried out using substances that have a whitening effect. Various types of peelings are also used. They are carried out on modern equipment using the latest achievements in the field of cosmetology. Modern scientific developments make it possible to carry out procedures both in summer and winter.
Skin pigmentation is the appearance of areas darker or lighter than the base color of the skin. Experts say that in more than half of cases it occurs under the influence of solar radiation, about a quarter of cases are associated with hormonal disorders, and about 20% occur during pregnancy.
The mechanism by which pigmentation errors occur is quite complex. The main role in it is played by melanin, which serves as a skin protector from ultraviolet exposure. It is formed in cells called melanocytes located in the basal layer of the dermis. There are approximately 1.2 thousand such cells in 1 cm 2 of skin. Through the tubules-desmosomes, melanin rises to the upper layer of the skin (phagocytosis). This process is activated in the sun: tanning is the body’s protective reaction to exposure to UV radiation.
Phagocytosis is regulated by melanocyte-stimulating hormones. This is a complex chemical reaction that sometimes goes wrong. This is why skin hyperpigmentation often occurs due to hormonal imbalance or pregnancy.
Factors provocateurs
The main factors provoking pigmentation disorders are:
- exposure to the sun, since darkening of the skin is a natural reaction to UV radiation;
- hormonal imbalances, since these substances are responsible for the release of melanin;
- age, which is associated with changes in the structure of the skin.
If you add up all the factors, you can understand why the problem of excess pigmentation mainly affects women during menopause.
Types of pigmentation
There are several types of skin discoloration. Some of them have no cosmetic defect and are harmless to health. Others require research and treatment.
Freckles
Dark spots on the face and body, scientifically called ephelides, are characteristic of a certain genetic type. They appear mainly in people with northern roots, red or blond hair. In some periods of social development, freckles become fashionable, in others their owners strive to get rid of them. Today, perky spots on the nose are even applied using tattooing.
In rare cases, freckles actually spoil the appearance, but most often the desire to get rid of them is the whim of the housewife. The presence of freckles is a sign of increased sensitivity to solar radiation. Their owners must use sunscreen with a factor of 30 or more; they are prohibited from staying in the scorching sun for a long time - this can lead to sunstroke.
The first freckles appear at the age of 4-6 years, by the age of 30 they usually become smaller, that is, they can be called a sign of youth. They darken in the sun, turning pale during the long winter. This type of pigmentation is not a disease and does not threaten the owner in any way; they do not have an increased number of melanocytes. What distinguishes them from lentigo is that they become more pronounced after exposure to the sun. There are light and heavy ephelides. The latter occur in areas of severe sunburn.
Lentigo
These are spots similar to freckles or flat moles that do not change color intensity depending on the period. Unlike freckles, some types of lentigo can develop into cancer.
Senile lentigo occurs most often (in people over 60, mostly women). It is this type of pigmentation that requires observation by a specialist. This nevus usually appears first on the hands, then spreads to the face. Experts explain this phenomenon by a decrease in the number of melanocytes, which has been observed since the age of 30, and errors in the transport of melanin. Senile lentigo looks like small spots of various shapes on the face, arms and neck (mottled pigmentation).
Also isolated is solar lentigo, which often occurs in fair-skinned people. Its location is usually the hands, face, neck and shoulders. The spots may spread and merge. The average initial diameter is 0.5 cm. This type of hyperpigmentation has no connection with systemic diseases, but indicates an increased sensitivity of its owners to the sun.
Juvenile lentigo is often localized on the lips and glans penis; this phenomenon is not dangerous. Its spots have clear edges and do not exceed 0.5 cm in diameter.
Chloasma
Pigmentation spots that usually occur against the background of hormonal stress in the body. Chloasma often occurs during pregnancy (“mask of pregnant women”, a brown stripe on the abdomen), and usually disappears after childbirth. To prevent the occurrence of pigmentation, pregnant women should refrain from prolonged exposure to the sun and beach holidays. “Pregnant mask” can occur even in dark-skinned women, so while expecting a baby, it is recommended to use baby sunscreens with factor 50.
Chloasma, not associated with pregnancy, is localized on the abdomen, face (often around the mouth, temples, eyelids), and nipples. It may be a sign of disease (tuberculosis, cancer) or dysfunction of certain organs (ovaries, liver). These spots themselves are not dangerous and only cause psychological discomfort to the owner.
Birthmark
It is also affectionately called a mole or scientifically a nevus, it occurs due to the overfilling of skin cells with pigment and degeneration into melanocytes. Moles can be flat, flush with the skin, or convex. The color range is quite wide - various shades of brown, black, red and even purple. The last two types are an overgrown vessel and are not classified as age spots. A mole that appears on the body, or an old one that has grown, is a reason to contact a dermatologist, since it may be a sign of a serious illness, in particular skin cancer.
There is no need to remove small moles. They often add personality to the look. Medium and large nevi should be shown to a specialist.
Senile keratoma
This is a benign scaly neoplasm of gray-brown color. Most often localized on the arms, neck, back and chest. May degenerate into cancer.
Methods to combat skin pigmentation
If pigmentation appears unexpectedly, before it can be eliminated, it is necessary to find out its cause and nature. If the dermatologist has declared the skin pigmentation safe, you can begin lightening activities.
Folk remedies
In the fight against superficial skin pigmentation, folk recipes show high effectiveness. Many fruit juices are a natural skin lightener. Their use is also a gentle peeling. Lemon and grapefruit juice, kiwi and apricot pulp are used to lighten the skin. Fresh carrot juice is used as a natural skin bronzer; its use will make age spots less noticeable.
Of the herbs, parsley, oregano, licorice, dandelion, and bearberry have proven effective in combating hyperpigmentation. Essential oils of mint, patchouli, birch, and sandalwood are used in the masks. On the Internet you can find a large number of recipes for whitening masks based on fermented milk products. When choosing a folk remedy, refrain from extreme formulations, for example, masks with hydrogen peroxide.
Chemical peeling
Chemical peels of varying depths of exposure work well against hyperpigmentation of the skin, simultaneously rejuvenating and smoothing it. If the pigment is deeply embedded, deep peeling (grinding) must be used, which can leave a depigmented white area.
Laser
Laser techniques are suitable for eliminating individual areas of pigmentation, for example, birthmarks. The advantages of the technique are that after its use there are no marks left - scars or whitish spots. For superficial pigment spots, 1-2 sessions are enough, for deeper ones – 4-5. This method is not suitable for freckles - they are usually located over a large area, and the effect of the laser is quite painful, and the cost of the procedure is quite high. In addition, the use of a laser can stimulate the formation of new freckles when exposed to sunlight.
Laser resurfacing
This is a comprehensive technique that will not only lighten age spots, but also rejuvenate the skin and improve its condition. This cosmetic procedure is recommended for people over 35 years old, at an earlier age - according to individual indications.
Cryotherapy
Some types of skin hyperpigmentation can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. In this way, moles and often injured single senile lentigines can be removed. After removal, a whitish spot may form.
Photorejuvenation
This modern non-invasive hardware technique successfully combats freckles, lentigines, and small birthmarks. Photorejuvenation will not only lighten age spots, but also improve the condition of the skin. It can be recommended as the best way to get rid of pigmentation on large areas of the skin. The procedure is painless, treatment is carried out in a course.
Electrocoagulation
This hardware technique is suitable for removing moles. The tumor can be removed in one visit, but a scar or scar may remain at the site of the nevus.
Surgery
If the neoplasm has a large area and depth, a scalpel is sometimes used. Traces will remain at the removal site and a scar may form.
Regardless of the nature of hyperpigmentation, there are reliable ways to completely get rid of it or lighten it. Try to choose gentle methods (folk remedies, skincare cosmetics) and techniques (laser or photorejuvenation). Remember prevention.
