Skin pigmentation. Fighting pigment spots.

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The substance responsible for the shade of human skin is melanin. It is an excess of melanin that causes the appearance of age spots, wrinkles and leads to darkening of the skin. Hyperpigmentation can appear after prolonged exposure to the scorching rays of the sun, with hormonal disorders, and also as a side reaction of taking certain medications. The presence of pigment spots in itself is not dangerous to health, however, for most owners, pigmentation causes a feeling of aesthetic discomfort. The article “How to get rid of age spots on the face” will reveal the secrets and rules for eliminating unnecessary pigmentation and will help determine the causes and factors of skin darkening.

What are pigment spots

Pigment spots are commonly called color changes on the surface of the skin. Such changes can have varying degrees of color - from light beige to dark brown (more like black). Darkening can be congenital or appear throughout life.

Healthy skin has five main pigments: carotene, oxyhemoglobin, melanin, melanoid, reduced hemoglobin. In the absence of any of the pigments or when its concentration changes, changes occur on the surface of the skin. Often, pigmented skin becomes rough, dry and shows signs of aging.

Know! There are cases when hyperpigmentation hides malignant formations on the dermis.

Reasons for appearance

Among the factors influencing changes in the shade of the dermis, the main ones are:

• changes in the functional functioning of the liver and gallbladder;
• hereditary factor - genetic predisposition to the formation of pigmented zones;
• pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, taking medications based on artificial hormones;
• vitiligo is a special disease associated with the lack of melanin in specific areas of the skin;
• salon procedures – chemical peeling, laser and photoepilation;
• pathological disorders in the thyroid gland;
• prolonged exposure to the sun, abuse of solarium;
• ovarian dysfunction;
• consequences after burns and injuries;
• long-term depression, psychosis, neurasthenia.

There can be many indirect reasons for hypermelanosis. Each reason is individual and has its own characteristics.

Darkening can appear in different parts of the body. But their localization on the face brings a lot of inconvenience to women. Lighter formations can be hidden with the help of decorative cosmetics, the rest, unfortunately, cannot. In most cases, pigmentation can be eliminated using medications or cosmetics. But you have to come to terms with congenital spots.

Remember! The causes of pigmentation on the face are stress and nervous tension, pregnancy, menopause, natural aging of the skin, and taking hormonal medications.

Why do they appear?

Pigment spots appear on the body for various reasons. One of these reasons is hormonal changes, when a large number of age spots form on the face and body. Pigmentation can also occur against the background of chronic diseases of the reproductive organs, which disrupt the normal functioning of the body. Thyroid gland dysfunction causes increased skin pigmentation. Other factors that caused pigment spots to appear on the body include:

• abuse of sun tanning, due to which the body produces an increased amount of melanin pigment;
• stressful situations, nervous overstrain;
• abuse of bad habits;
• disruption of the digestive tract;
• use of low-quality cosmetics.

Types of pigmentation

Skin tone disorders have several varieties, directly depending on external factors and the etiology of the disease.

Ephelides (freckle). Freckles are common among people with fair skin and red hair. Such spots are localized in open areas, in most cases covering the face and shoulders. Their manifestation provokes the conversion of melanin to tyrosine. Freckles do not pose any threat to health, and sometimes even give their owners a certain charm and cuteness.

Chloasma. They are a yellow-brown or dark brown spot. Such locations are larger than freckles and have uneven outlines. The appearance of chloasma on the eyelids, temples, mouth and forehead is a manifestation of serious disorders in the functioning of internal organs, including cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

Lentigo. The locations are dark brown and round in shape. They are benign pigmentation that can appear at any age and remain on the skin throughout life.

Liver (age) spots. They usually form after reaching 45 years of age, but there are cases of manifestation in younger people. Such formations inform about age-related hormonal changes in the body.

Birthmarks (moles). The most common and well-known type of pigmentation. They have different colors and can cover the body from birth or appear as a person grows up. As practice shows, the presence of moles does not bring any discomfort and does not interfere with everyday life.

Important! Large moles that change their shape and shade require special attention. Such formations can transform into a malignant tumor.

Vitiligo – changes of unknown etiology. The shade can be the same as your skin tone, or pink or milky white. With such neoplasms, melanin stops being produced altogether.

Albinism is a serious congenital disorder accompanied by catastrophic pathologies. In this case, the skin and hair are completely white, the colored iris of the eye has a red tint. Albinism occurs in 50 cases per 1 million.

Is it possible to get rid of age spots?

The likelihood of eliminating pigmentation directly depends on the cause of the changes. The pigment mark from freckles cannot be eliminated without radical methods. And even by resorting to such methods, there is no guarantee of complete relief from darkening.

If hyperpigmentation is caused by hormonal changes, then they should be corrected. If you do not eliminate the true cause of the appearance of dark areas, then any result will be temporary.

Senile pigmentation is considered the most difficult to treat. It is difficult to stop age-related changes in the inner layers of the skin, but it is quite possible to make them less visible with the help of folk and cosmetic products.

Particular attention should be paid to re-darkening, as well as preventing the formation of new locations on already treated areas of the skin. To do this, you should protect your skin from exposure to direct rays of the sun (wear wide-brimmed hats, cover your body with clothes during peak heat), use products with protective UVA and UVB filters, consume foods rich in vitamins A, B, C every day, avoid peeling during from spring to autumn, do not use creams with AHA acids.

Attention! Before starting any procedures to eliminate age spots, you should consult a dermatologist. Only he will be able to identify the cause of the changes and select an effective treatment method according to the diagnosis.

How to remove pigment spots on the face salon procedures

Today, medical centers and beauty salons offer a lot of procedures to remove unwanted pigmentation. In a modern beauty salon, a professional will be able to offer several options for skin whitening. The proposed procedures depend directly on the nature of the darkening and the degree of its localization. A high-quality and correctly performed procedure will help make tumors less noticeable in 2-3 sessions or get rid of them altogether.

It is important to remember that the technique will only be effective if the true cause of the changes is discovered. Otherwise, there is a high probability of recurrent pigmentation. The depth of the pigment is also important in order to perform the procedure as effectively and harmlessly as possible for the skin.

Laser skin rejuvenation

To obtain the result, the pigmented area is treated with a laser. As a result of this effect, excess melanin cells are destroyed without thermal or mechanical damage to the skin. For long-term effect, several sessions are recommended. After which it is important to avoid being in direct sunlight for 14-21 days. Be sure to use UV protection throughout your life.

Cryotherapy

During the procedure, pigmentation is removed using liquid nitrogen. The result is exfoliation of the top layer of skin, stimulating the growth of healthy cells. This service is suitable for those with isolated pigment spots. The duration ranges from a few seconds to 2-3 minutes, depending on the depth of the pigment.

Do not forget! When removing pigmentation on the face, it is extremely important to take into account the existing contraindications. This will help to avoid violation of the integrity of the skin and negative consequences after the procedure.

Photo removal

During the process, the specialist influences the changed areas with high-intensity light radiation. This effect stimulates additional production of elastin and collagen, significantly improves the overall condition of the skin. The operation is absolutely painless. No additional recovery is required after it. To obtain a noticeable and lasting result, several sessions will be required.

Mesotherapy

This whitening procedure works by applying a cocktail of special components to the required areas. During the operation, hyaluronic acid is introduced, which acts as a whitening component. This method allows you not only to quickly eliminate tumors, but also to rejuvenate your facial skin. However, experts consider this method to be relatively slow and less effective than, for example, laser whitening.

The cocktail used may include vitamin complexes that saturate the epithelium with nutrients.

Folk remedies for the treatment of age spots (recipes)

At home, various acidic solutions will come to the rescue in the fight against hyperpigmentation: citric acid, fresh lemon juice, 6% table or apple cider vinegar, fruit and vegetable masks, etc.

Lemon juice for skin whitening

The most effective and affordable folk component in the fight against hypermelanosis.

To obtain a life-saving remedy, mix 1 glass of lemon juice with 10 tbsp. spoons of water. This solution should be used to wipe problem areas several times a day.

Mask with starch and lemon juice

You need to mix 1 tbsp. a spoonful of starch with lemon juice until you get a paste consistency. Apply the mixture to pigmented areas and leave for 20 minutes. After time, rinse with warm water.

Remember! Lemon juice can cause irritation. You must be careful and test for an allergic reaction before using the product.

Cucumber infusion

This product does an excellent job of whitening freckles and birthmarks. Pour 50 g of fresh cucumber peel into 200 g of boiling water and leave for 6 hours. Use the resulting infusion to wipe problem areas daily, having previously cleaned them of cosmetics and dust.

Parsley in the fight against hyperpigmentation

Since ancient times, parsley has been used to treat skin diseases. The decoction became widespread. A bunch of chopped greens is poured into 1 liter of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 3 hours. Use to wipe the face twice a day - morning and evening.

A whitening mask is made based on this decoction. A special napkin is moistened in the broth and applied to the face. As the cloth dries, you can re-wet it.

Lemon-honey mask

The juice of one lemon is mixed with three dessert spoons of liquid honey. Soak a napkin in this mixture and apply it to your face. After 5 minutes the napkin is changed. This must be repeated three times. Then the remaining product should be washed off with warm water. This procedure is performed daily for 20 days. It is recommended to prepare the mask in portions. The finished mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 7 days in a hermetically sealed jar.

Parsley mask

This homemade recipe is really simple. Fresh parsley (leaves without stems), crushed using a blender. The resulting paste is applied to a previously cleansed face and left for half an hour. Afterwards, wash off with chilled water.

Bodyagi mask

It is recommended to use such a mask during periods of minimal solar activity - in autumn and winter.

Dry bodyaga powder is combined with hydrogen peroxide or vegetable oil until the consistency of homemade sour cream is obtained. The mixture is rubbed into the skin and left for a quarter of an hour. During this time, a burning sensation may occur, and after a few days, slight peeling of the epidermis may appear. The product is used once every 7 days until the pigmented area is completely whitened.

Oatmeal soap base

The flakes must be ground in a meat grinder or coffee grinder and placed in a nylon bag. Use every time you wash your face instead of soap.

Do not forget! After any procedure, regardless of the composition used, the face must be moisturized with a nourishing cream.

Pharmacy whitening products

Modern whitening preparations include components that, along with skin lightening, can inhibit melanin synthesis, minimizing the risk of reappearance of hyperpigmentation.

1. Salicylic acid. One of the most famous and affordable means for removing traces of hyperpigmentation. Available in the form of ointment, tablets and solution. To achieve the result, the drug is applied to the pigmented area in the form of a mask or lotion for 15-20 minutes.
2. Hydrogen peroxide. Another popular skin lightening product with an affordable price. Peroxide has strong whitening properties and does an excellent job even with age spots. This product must be applied pointwise, as it dries out the skin greatly.
3. Cream for pigment spots Melantiv. The cream contains kojic acid and alpha-arbutin. These components inhibit melanin synthesis. Glycolic acid and tocopherol stimulate regeneration processes, promoting rapid restoration of the skin.
4. Cream Skinoren. This drug is used for a wide range of skin defects, including hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid, which is the main active component of the cream, can minimize the synthesis of melanin and lighten areas of the skin with increased pigmentation.
5. Vichy Idealia Pro corrector serum. The drug eliminates problems associated with hormonal, solar, age-related and vascular pigmentation, and also removes post-acne. The product inhibits the production of melatonin and does not contain parabens.
6. Ayurvedic cream Clearvin. Clearvin contains many plant components, which, when exposed to them, lighten age spots. Thanks to the excellent caring composition of the cream, the skin is saturated with beneficial components, and melanin synthesis is normalized to normal.

Pigment spots on the face after childbirth: how to get rid of them

During the period of bearing a child, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. The functioning of the hormonal system and all internal organs changes. It is the change in hormonal levels that is the key factor in the appearance of pigmentation on the face of the expectant mother during pregnancy and after childbirth.

To eliminate pigmentation, you can use special whitening cosmetics. When choosing a particular drug, you should carefully study the composition. The product should not contain substances that can have a negative effect on the quality of breast milk. Doctors recommend using Skinoren cream for such purposes. The drug is effective and harmless for babies. Apply twice a day, strictly to problem areas. The cream can be used for 1-3 months. A more precise treatment period is prescribed by the attending physician.

With the birth of a baby, a woman’s dermis becomes sensitive to solar ultraviolet radiation. To prevent the manifestation of hypermelanosis, it is necessary to use formulations that have protective UV filters, especially in the summer. The sunscreen should contain kaolin, zinc oxide, and talc.

A properly selected cream will provide complete protection of the epidermis from exposure to the scorching rays of the sun. However, there is a small condition - even a few drops of water are enough to remove the protective layer from the surface of the epidermis.

Note! When choosing a product, you should take into account the protection index, which shows the effectiveness and duration of action of the cream. If the index is 15, the drug will provide effective and long-term protection from ultraviolet radiation.

Whitening cosmetics

You can fight pigmentation spots that appear on the face with the help of whitening cosmetics. To solve a minor problem, it is recommended to use a cream with lightening ingredients. You can purchase such a product at a pharmacy or specialty store, but first you need to find out its composition and effect.

Whitening cream usually contains chemical or herbal ingredients:

• mercury;
• melanozyme;
• hydroquinone;
• rucinol;
• glabridin;
• arbutin;
• retinol;
• kojic acid;
• glycolic acid;
• azelaic acid.

Useful tips

Be that as it may, the face has always been and remains the calling card of any person. The condition and cleanliness of the skin is especially important. Ever since kindergarten, kids have been making fun of their peers who are gifted with freckles. And, as you know, freckles are one of the types of hypermelanosis.

The problem is precisely that in the process of growing up, such children acquire a bunch of complexes about their appearance and feel insecure in social society. This issue especially affects girls.

How to get rid of age spots on the face without harming the skin

To begin with, it is important to determine the reason why pigmentation of the epidermis occurred. It is this factor that is decisive in choosing the method and means of whitening. Before using any composition, a sensitivity test should be performed.

You should not overuse the number of procedures, hoping for a faster result. Any mask is applied strictly to the damaged area, avoiding contact with eyes and bright areas. If any sensations of discomfort occur (burning, tingling, etc.), you must immediately wash off the composition.

Salon procedures, despite their popularity and effectiveness, have a number of contraindications. Especially when the integrity of the upper layer of the epidermis is affected during the operation. Those with sensitive dermis prone to peeling and allergies should be wary of such methods of eliminating cosmetic defects.

For your information! If you were unable to eliminate the darkening the first time, do not despair. Sometimes it takes some time and, of course, the use of various methods and formulations to find a suitable treatment method.

Methods of laser exposure

Laser resurfacing

To carry out the procedure, a CO2 laser is most often used, which literally removes the top layer of the epidermis along with melanin. Laser radiation causes heating and vaporization of moisture, which causes epidermal cells to disintegrate.

The method is only suitable for removing superficial, shallow age spots. In general, laser resurfacing provides a complex effect: eliminating pigmentation, leveling the relief and smoothing out wrinkles, improving skin quality.

Fractional photothermolysis

Fractional photothermolysis is considered a gentle option for resurfacing, when individual areas of damage are formed on the skin, alternating with untouched areas. Thus, processes of high-quality regeneration begin in microzones - the skin is gradually renewed, pigment spots and other defects disappear.

The method allows you to adjust the depth of exposure according to the needs of a particular patient. To obtain a pronounced result, a course of procedures is usually required.

Effect without damaging the skin

Laser radiation does not damage the skin at all and only affects melanocytes. It starts the process of destruction of melanocytes, after which the products of their breakdown are removed from the body through the lymphatic system. Therefore, the result of the procedure appears gradually.

Forum, reviews

The problem of hypermelanosis worries most modern women. Many forums and websites are devoted to this issue. Everyone is interested in the most effective, affordable and fastest way to get rid of tumors. Topics that reveal ways to combat defects at home are especially relevant.

Many forum guests complain about the appearance of spots after childbirth. In addition, it is clarified that such formations are resistant to removal and have a recurrent effect.

Among the traditional methods, lemon juice, cucumber masks, and parsley are most often recommended. Based on these components, there are many drugs (masks, decoctions, infusions). They show good effectiveness in removing darkening and are considered completely safe for the epidermis.

As usual, there is a “second camp”. Adherents of a different opinion believe that cosmetic procedures will not help cope with the changes. It is necessary to treat internal organs. It is the disruption in the functioning of a specific organ that is responsible for one or another type of hypermelanosis.

Conclusion

The appearance of pigmented neoplasms on the face and body may indicate possible changes in the functioning of various working systems of the body. In rare cases, neoplasms are a manifestation of cancer. Whatever the reason for the appearance of darkening, they cause some discomfort to their owners. Especially when their localization is focused on the face. The question of how to get rid of age spots on the face has always been and will be exciting and painful for the fair sex. Therefore, it is important to have information about the correct, and most importantly safe, removal of dark spots on the epidermis.

Treatment

Age spots are not a disease, but a sign of certain malfunctions in the body, so there is no point in eliminating external symptoms while ignoring the underlying processes that caused them. Affected areas of the skin require delicate and competent handling, so without consulting a dermatologist, you should not attempt to get rid of a cosmetic defect - this can be dangerous, especially when it comes to birthmarks.

Chemical peeling

This method of removing age spots is relevant if there are a lot of them, but they are small in size, for example, like freckles. The affected areas of the body are exposed to fruit acids, which leads to uniform lightening of the skin and makes it velvety.

Mesotherapy

Injection method. Special substances are introduced into the upper layers of the skin that increase microcirculation in the bloodstream (linoleic acid, vitamin C, multivitamin complexes, placenta extract, emoxipin), which helps to eliminate age spots and improves skin condition. The choice of drug depends on the individual characteristics of pigmentation and the patient’s health status.

Biorevitalization

The point of the procedure is to saturate the deep layers of the skin using local injections or laser therapy, allowing you to maintain youthful skin for a long time and get rid of age spots. Read more about biorevitalization.

Video: the fight against age spots (narrated by a cosmetologist)

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How to deal with pigmentation on the face (video)

In this video you will find useful information about the causes of age spots and methods of dealing with them.

The fight against uneven skin color on the face is a procedure that requires a long time, and so far there is no product that would eliminate this problem in a couple of days. In general, the formation of colored spots is easier to prevent than to treat, so if you are prone to their occurrence, it is better to immediately purchase high-quality facial care products, avoid being in the sun for a long time and avoid visiting a solarium.