Sun spots are a common, unwanted souvenir from a vacation. Dark, irregular spots, especially visible on sun-exposed areas of the body, can significantly lower our self-esteem, as they look very unsightly. How do they form, and is UV radiation the only factor contributing to their appearance? What types of sun spots are there, and how can you deal with them?
Discoloration is one of the pigmentation changes, which are among the most frequently diagnosed skin ailments. Their the formation is related to the pigments contained in the skin, and primarily to melanin. It is its excessive accumulation or local deficiency that results in the appearance of discolorations, which can take various forms and sizes.
Among the discolorations that appear on the skin, the following can be distinguished:. melasma, also called chloasma or chloasma, taking form irregular spots clearly demarcated from the rest of the body. Melasma most often appears on the face – forehead, cheeks and around the mouth. Pregnant women also often struggle with this condition, which is directly related to hormonal fluctuations. However, the changes are more pronounced during periods of intense sun exposure. UV radiation is the main cause of melasma.
Skin discoloration on the face, hands, forearms, décolleté and other parts of the body exposed to sunlight they can also take the form of lentigines. They are characterized by light or dark brown color and clear demarcation from the surrounding skin. Discolorations resemble freckles, but are much larger. A special type of discoloration is the so-called. liver spots, also called age spots, the number of which increases with age.
Discoloration They arise due to uneven accumulation of melanin in the skin., which may be caused by several factors, including hormonal fluctuations and the use of a specific group of cosmetics. However, excessive melanin production is most often caused by the action of sunlight., hence pigmentation changes are often collectively referred to as sun spots. How does this happen?
UV rays penetrate the epidermis and stimulate melanocytes, i.e. pigment cells, to produce pigment., or melanin. Because some melanocytes begin to secrete more of it than others, darker spots appear on the skin in the areas where they are located. It's worth remembering, that the metabolism of melanocytes also depends on the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme, which participates, among others, in the production of thyroid hormone. Other hormones also influence their work., including melanotropin, the production of which is in turn stimulated by UV rays. It is therefore clear that Excessive exposure to the sun aggravates the problem of discoloration, which is caused by hormonal changes..
The sun's rays are also responsible for the formation of discoloration associated with the use of photosensitizing products, i.e. cosmetics – creams, perfumes, balms that contain UV-sensitive essential oils, plant extracts, and AHA and BHA acids. In the summer, they most often take the form of a slight redness, and over time, they become dark brown discolorations.
It is also worth remembering that Skin with even minor wounds is much more susceptible to sun discoloration. As well as skin that has been subjected to aggressive aesthetic medicine and/or cosmetology treatments, such as CO2 laser therapy. Therefore, people who have undergone acne treatment often struggle with discoloration.
What are effective ways to combat sun spots? First and foremost, preventing them from forming is paramount. Therefore, the most important thing is protection from the sun's rays, which means use cosmetics with filters sunscreen, preferably SPF 50. Remember that you should reach for them not only in the summer, but at any time of year. However, it's especially worth choosing higher SPFs during the holiday season. Be sure to reapply the SPF product every 2-3 hours.. The other rules should also be followed. principles of photoprotection. Therefore, avoid sun exposure during peak hours, wear sunglasses, use hats/caps, and, if possible, cover your skin with natural, soft fabrics. Also, remember to moisturize and regenerate.
If, however, you've left some unwanted reminders on your skin after the summer in the form of discoloration, don't worry, they'll stay with you forever. aesthetic medicine you will find a whole range of treatments, that will effectively help you deal with them, including laser therapy and chemical peels. Unfortunately, areas where discoloration has already occurred are more likely to reappear.. You can also successfully use cosmetics that will help you get rid of discoloration in the comfort of your home. What ingredients should you look for in them? Pay attention to arbutin, a substance of natural origin that perfectly supports the fight against discoloration. One of the extremely valued ingredients of creams and balms is also kojic acid, which eliminates changes, and also ferulic acid, which, in the right concentration, additionally moisturizes and strengthens the protective barrier. It also has a brightening, illuminating, and moisturizing effect on the skin. licorice root. It's also worth looking for vitamin C and its derivatives, which inhibits melanin production in melanocytes. It protects against the formation of new discolorations (of course, in combination with rigorous sun protection) and also limits the negative impact of free radicals on our skin.
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