What causes pigmentation to increase? Pigment spots on the face: causes, treatment. Whitening kefir mask

Before starting the fight against hyperpigmentation, it is advisable to find out the reasons for the appearance of age spots on the face in women and men - the choice of the right strategy and tactics for combating age spots largely depends on this.

What are pigment spots and how do they occur?

Pigment spots occur due to the uneven distribution of pigment – melanin – in the skin.

Melanin is produced by cells in our skin called melanocytes, and in general, the color of our skin largely depends on the activity and number of these cells. And if suddenly some groups of melanocytes, for some reason, become more active than others, that is, they produce more melanin, then a pigment spot appears in this place.

A simple example of increased melanocyte activity: as soon as the spring sun appears, some people immediately develop freckles.

Causes of age spots

What can trigger the appearance of age spots:

Excessive sun exposure or abuse of tanning beds.
Long-term inflammatory processes on the skin. For example, with acne, pigment spots often remain at the site of acne.
Various injuries and burns of the skin, for example, after or constant cauterization of acne with alcohol and other means.
Aggressive procedures - such as facial cleansing, chemical peels, injections, laser hair removal, plastic surgery.
Pregnancy and taking hormonal contraceptives.
Taking antibiotics and some other medications that increase our skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Predisposition to the appearance of age spots - for example, with a tendency to freckles or old age.

Therefore, before you start fighting age spots, you definitely need to find out the reason for their appearance. Since in some cases, pigment spots can go away on their own, and you should not spend either money or time on their removal.

And in some cases, on the contrary, it is impossible to completely eliminate pigment spots, so there is no point in using expensive, potent and harmless products for skin health for a temporary result.

Pigment spots during pregnancy and taking OK

If the appearance of your age spots is due to pregnancy or taking hormonal contraceptives, then bleaching such spots is a waste of time, money and effort.

Pigment spots that appear during pregnancy are called the “mask of pregnancy” and usually go away on their own a few months after giving birth.

And if pigmentation is caused by taking hormonal contraceptives, then to eliminate it it is usually enough to simply switch to other non-hormonal methods of contraception and after some time the pigment spots will most likely disappear on their own.

Freckles and age spots

If you are predisposed to the appearance of hyperpigmentation - freckles or age spots, there is no point in resorting to strong bleaching agents.

In such cases, it will still not be possible to eliminate stains once and for all; they will appear again and again, so it is wiser to limit yourself to sun protection and gentle bleaching agents that you can use yourself in home care.

Post-traumatic pigmentation

If your age spots appeared at the site of acne or after any aggressive cosmetic procedures, that is, we are dealing with post-traumatic pigmentation - in such cases, it is usually quite difficult to eliminate age spots, and you will have to be patient.

To whiten your skin, you'll likely need a combination of salon treatments, such as chemical peels, and at-home depigmenting serums and creams. Or alternatively, you can resort to laser pigment spot removal.

How to eliminate age spots quickly, effectively and safely

As you probably already guessed, today, unfortunately, there is no universal remedy that can quickly, effectively and safely eliminate age spots.

All existing means have their advantages and disadvantages. Relatively safe products for whitening age spots, as a rule, require quite a long and persistent use.

And the use of strong bleaching agents can cause serious complications - allergic reactions, skin irritation and even increased pigmentation.

Or vice versa, when removing pigment spots using a laser, another problem may arise - a depigmented spot. That is, you will exchange an awl for soap.

Contact a cosmetologist

Before you start fighting age spots, I still recommend that you consult a professional.

Firstly, in order to determine the causes of pigmentation disorders and choose the most optimal strategy for combating age spots in your case.

And secondly, in order to choose professional whitening products that are right for you.

General principles of combating age spots

Sunscreens– no matter what method of dealing with age spots you choose, you must use sunscreen, otherwise you can negate all your efforts to whiten your skin.

Exfoliants– peelings with AHA acids, both professional, which can only be used by a cosmetologist in a beauty salon, and peelings for home use are very effective in combating pigmentation disorders.

Whitening creams, masks and serums for home use– these cosmetics usually contain components that reduce the synthesis of melanin pigment by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, and also have whitening, antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

I will name just a few of the most effective and well-known components of whitening products:

Kojic acid
Vitamin C derivatives (ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate)
Arbutin
Extracts of brown algae, bearberry, mulberry and many others

That is, in some cases, for example, if you have freckles or age spots, it is enough to use good sunscreen and gentle exfoliators in your care - enzyme peels or cream with AHA acids for home use.

In other situations, in addition to sunscreen and exfoliating products, it is worth including whitening serums and masks in your home care.

And in difficult situations, to eliminate age spots, a combination of whitening home remedies and some salon procedures is necessary, for example.

Folk remedies for age spots

Quite often, people whiten their skin on their own - either for the sake of saving money, or because of the apparent simplicity - it seems that you don’t need to have special education to smear something on a spot and see whether it has lightened or not lightened :)

On the Internet you can find many folk recipes and tips on how to use effective means for whitening ill-fated stains in the kitchen - from completely harmless, but ineffective folk remedies such as kefir or lemon juice, to potent and rather dangerous drugs, such as salicylic alcohol.

But perhaps not everyone knows that melanocytes are very sensitive cells and they can enhance melanin synthesis not only when exposed to sunlight, but also in response to any aggressive procedures, including whitening. That is, as a result of illiterate actions, instead of lightening the stain, you can get the opposite effect - increased pigmentation.

Therefore, modern professional whitening products contain antioxidants and moisturizing components that smooth out the negative effects of whitening ingredients and reduce the risk of various undesirable consequences to a minimum.

But thermonuclear compounds prepared in the kitchen, as a rule, do not contain anything like that and therefore the risk of developing various complications in such cases is quite high.

If you decide to get rid of age spots, it is better not to self-medicate, but to find a good specialist in your city who will select suitable skin whitening products for you at home, and, if necessary, carry out a number of effective salon procedures.

Beautician.net

The appearance of unattractive age spots on the face is usually a problem for women. They are small spots of brown or white color with clearly defined boundaries, having different shapes and sizes. They appear most often on the face, since it is this exposed part of the body that is most exposed to sunlight.

Causes of pigmentation

The reasons for the appearance of spots can be very different: excessive exposure to sunlight, dysfunction of some internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, stomach, intestines, gall bladder. Spots can also appear when chemicals come into contact with the skin, as well as during pregnancy due to a lack of vitamins. As a result, under the influence of negative factors, the melanin pigment contained in the skin begins to be distributed unevenly. In those places where there is more of it, the skin color becomes noticeably darker. These dark areas are pigment spots. This manifestation does not threaten health in any way, with the exception of diseases of internal organs.

In spring, the sun is more active. The most favorable conditions are created for the formation of these manifestations, especially if the skin is prone to pigmentation. In such cases, it is necessary to take measures and protect yourself from ultraviolet rays using special creams.

A tendency to pigmentation is observed most often in women over forty years of age. This is explained by the fact that at a more mature age, skin cells produce more pigment. During the same period, hormonal changes in the female body begin, further complicating the situation.

Increased pigmentation may begin after exposure to a southern tan, if various means of protection from the sun's rays were used. In this case, bleaching agents help well. Self-tanning products also hide uneven skin color well.

The reason for the appearance of age spots on the face may be the incorrect use of certain perfumes and cosmetics, as well as improper cleansing of the facial skin. Skin sensitivity can also increase as a result of using cosmetics that contain large quantities of essential oils.

The appearance of stains creates serious moral problems. A woman loses confidence in herself and her attractiveness. In addition, a lot of time and money are spent on purchasing miracle drugs in order to hide the shortcomings as much as possible.

Photos of manifestations on the skin of the face and hands

White spots Brown spots Multiple age spots in a woman

Pigmentation on hands

Removing pigment spots

Advances in modern medicine make removing excess pigmentation not such an insurmountable problem. Specialized salons and cosmetic clinics will be able to resolve this issue quite easily. In addition to the use of modern cosmetics, various types of whitening peeling are widely used. The essence of peeling is that when applied to the skin, its surface layer becomes necrosis. After this, the skin begins to intensively renew itself and completely changes, acquiring a uniform, healthy and light color.

Ultrasonic peeling is based on the introduction of special preparations into the facial skin using ultrasound, which give a whitening effect, helping to get rid of unsightly spots on the face, hands and other parts of the body. A good, sustainable result is achieved with at least ten procedures.

The effect of laser peeling is that with the help of a special laser the topmost layer of skin is removed. This procedure gives a tangible impetus to accelerate the growth of young new cells. This method is quite painful, so it is necessary to use special healing drugs for some time after the procedure. Laser peeling is used mainly in winter, since solar activity is lowest at this time of year. The skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight for 3-4 months. Laser treatment gives the most effective results.

In some cases, chemical peeling is used. In this case, the top layer of skin is removed under the influence of special chemicals.

Treatment at home

However, visiting beauty salons is quite an expensive pleasure. There are folk remedies for skin whitening that can be used at home:

making various masks: mixing yogurt and lemon juice, white lily with honey. You can wipe your face with fresh juices of currants, carrots, dandelions, celery or parsley;
for sensitive and dry skin use a mixture of finely grated radish and vegetable oil;
During the day, repeatedly wipe your face with a water infusion of parsley roots. The whitening effect can be enhanced by adding a few drops of lemon or plantain juice to the infusion;
the so-called “Swedish recipe”: boil potatoes in their jackets, peel, mash and add egg yolk. Steam the resulting mixture for about 20 minutes. Before application, the face must be cleaned, the mask must be kept for 20 minutes, covered with a thick cloth, and then the residue must be removed;
A yeast mask has a good effect. Mix brewer's yeast in an amount of 15–20 grams with lemon and grapefruit juice, one teaspoon each. Apply to the face, leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off with water. Be sure to apply skin cream;
Pour boiling water over half a glass of almonds. After steaming, grind the almonds through a meat grinder, add lemon juice and dilute with water until smooth. Keep on face for 20 minutes;
Grate the bell pepper (half a pod) through a grater, preferably a plastic one. Apply the paste to a cleansed face. After 20–25 minutes, rinse off and lubricate the skin with cream.

You should always remember about prevention. One of the reliable and proven ways is to eat as many vegetables and fruits as possible at the end of winter, which contain a lot of vitamin C. Additionally, take nicotinic acid. These measures will significantly reduce the risk of age spots forming on the face with the onset of spring.

On the facial area, unfortunately, they are often in no way related to age-related changes in the body; they can begin to appear at any age and are quite difficult to treat or disguise.

Risk group

The main group at risk for pigmentation on the face includes representatives of the fair sex, for whom this cosmetic nuisance becomes a real headache, forcing them to look for reasons and ways to get rid of these very unnecessary and sometimes very noticeable external manifestations.

Failure of internal processes occurring in the body, the impact of surrounding harmful external factors are sometimes expressed in a sharp concentration of the natural coloring substance - melonin - which manifests itself in the appearance of spots on the face. These can be light, almost white, or very dark formations, expressed in the form of freckles scattered across the face, or more serious and dangerous lentigines or benign nevi. Large concentrations of melanin under the skin often appear in the form of large protruding (sometimes pimply) circles, which clearly spoil the appearance and cause trouble to its owner.

The so-called melanin is responsible for the color of human skin.

Causes of spots

One of the most common reasons why such negative phenomena can occur is the harmful effects of sunlight on the skin of the face, which, as we know, needs additional special protection. This especially affects people with fair skin that is particularly susceptible to burns. When damaged by UV radiation, yellow spots appear that quickly darken. However, often the drugs themselves, designed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, can give such an unpleasant chemical reaction.

Paradoxically, the appearance of pigmentation on the face can become the main symptom of a malfunction of some metabolic processes in the body, such as diseases of the gastric tract, diseases of the renal system, liver and gallbladder, deficiency or excess of some vitamin or microelement. Typically, in such cases, the spots are red and the skin of the halo becomes dry.

Often, incorrectly selected or low-quality cosmetics can cause such unpleasant manifestations.

Pregnancy, accompanied by various hormonal changes, various disorders of the nervous system, age-related changes associated with the production of an excessive dose of pigment - all these are the reasons for the appearance of pigmentation on the face, which requires specialist consultation and long-term and high-quality treatment using gentle methods, limiting exposure to the sun and excluding active cosmetics.

Pigmented spots on the face bring women to a cosmetology clinic almost more often than the desire to undergo anti-aging procedures. This is not surprising, since the appearance of dark areas on the skin is not only alarming, but also upsetting due to its unaesthetic quality. Very often, after examinations prescribed by a doctor, it turns out that pigmentation on the face appears due to hormonal imbalance.

Pigmentation and hormones appearing on the face - what is the relationship?

As you know, pigment spots are a concentration of melanin pigment in large quantities. The production of this pigment is a kind of adaptive, protective mechanism, since melanin acts as an optical filter capable of absorbing UV radiation. Special cells called melanocytes, located in the basal layer of the skin, are responsible for the synthesis of pigment. Melanocytes are associated with keratinocytes with their receptors. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays on keratinocytes, peripheral receptors are irritated and transmit impulses to the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis, as a result, melanin-stimulating hormones begin to be synthesized and enter the blood. Under their influence, the production and transportation of pigment is activated in melanocytes.

However, we should not forget that the skin is a hormone-dependent organ, and the functioning of skin cells, including melanocytes, is influenced by sex hormones (estrogen). In addition, melanin synthesis is controlled by pituitary hormones such as thyroid-stimulating, somatotropic, and adrenocorticotropic.

All of these hormones, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, trigger a cascade reaction leading to skin pigmentation.

This explains the fact that the risk of age spots increases significantly when taking hormonal contraceptives, a number of medications, and even during various phases of a woman’s ovulatory cycle, not to mention pregnancy or menopause. In addition, pigment spots also appear against the background of severe stress, neuropsychiatric disorders, and a number of endocrine diseases.

Pigmentation and hormones: different types of spots and their characteristics

Melasma is uneven brown spots with irregular outlines that can appear against the background of a pituitary tumor, as well as during pregnancy. Their occurrence is explained by fluctuations in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone in the blood. The location of pigment spots can be symmetrical on the cheeks, forehead, temples, chin, upper lip.

Chloasma- clearly defined spots of irregular shape, experts associate this pigmentation and estrogen hormones, to which increased sensitivity develops. The impetus for the manifestation of this type of pigmentation can be a girl’s first menstruation, childbirth, inflammatory gynecological disease, or the start of taking oral contraceptives. Chloasma spots often disappear on their own, but they can persist for many years.

Eyelid hyperpigmentation– provoked by solar active radiation, explained by an imbalance of hormones that develops in diseases of the ovaries, adrenal glands, thyroid gland; in young women under 25 years of age, it can be caused by oral contraception.

Lentigo– spots of round shape and different colors, from yellow to brown, appear most often in older people and are called senile ripples. This pigmentation and hormones are connected precisely by the patient’s age, when the amount of sex hormones produced in the body decreases significantly, their ratio changes.

Broca's dermatosis– pigment spots of yellow-brown color and unclear outlines that appear symmetrically around the mouth, near the nasolabial folds. The cause of pigmentation is a disruption in the production of hormones due to ovarian disease.

How to Consider Pigmentation and Hormones When Prescribing Treatment for Facial Spots

The choice of treatment for pigment spots depends on the cause of their occurrence, which is clarified in a preliminary consultation with a doctor. The principles of influencing pigmentation are as follows:

reduce melanin synthesis,
reduce the appearance of pigmentation using exfoliating procedures,
take measures against the reappearance of age spots.

Melanin production is reduced by drugs that inhibit the action of tyrosinase, which are usually administered by mesotherapy or phonophoresis. Next, peelings or hardware procedures are used to remove pigmented cells.

A pigment spot is not just an annoying cosmetic defect; often the appearance of pigmentation is associated with a malfunction of internal organs.

The article talks in detail about the types of stains and the reasons for their appearance. How to get rid of this yourself using “home” recipes, and in what cases is it better to consult a specialist?

Not everyone knows that age spots are not just a cosmetic problem. The condition of the skin directly depends on the functioning of internal organs and systems, therefore it makes no sense to fight any cosmetic problems only with the help of a variety of creams and masks.

Such methods are a necessary and important addition to complex treatment. The choice of treatment method should be based on the cause of pigmentation formation and requires a mandatory examination of the body.

The use of special products for external use gives the result - the spots may turn pale and decrease in size.

But such measures are usually not enough, since even the most expensive cream from a reputable manufacturer is not able to eliminate the cause of this cosmetic defect. Over time, the spots appear again and, often, they become even more pronounced.

Pigmentation – what is it? Why are there pigment spots on the face?

Pigmentation occurs in both young, middle-aged and elderly people. Most often, spots form between 40-50 years of age.

In some cases, the spots disappear spontaneously without treatment, but this is an extremely rare occurrence. Usually, pigmentation tends to increase and getting rid of it requires enormous effort.

Pigment spot - what is it?

This is an accumulation of melanin substance.

Reference. Melanin is a special pigment localized on different layers of the epidermis.

In cases where melanin is concentrated closer to the top layer of the skin, they speak of moles or freckles. Moles and freckles can be pale in color, or they can be light yellow or deep brown.

What is hyperpigmentation?

The deposition of melanin in the deep layers of the skin is hyperpigmentation.

External manifestation:

Spots on the skin that can be of different sizes and shapes, and even rise above the surface. The shade is more saturated - from medium brown to dark brown.

Types of pigmentation. Medical classification

freckles;
chloasma;
lentigo;
birthmarks (moles).

Causes of formation - increased synthesis of melanin

Why is melanin synthesis activated?

There are many reasons:

Hereditary (genetic) factor. It is the result of a genetic predisposition and is usually diagnosed at birth. Severe pigmentation can be treated with modern surgical techniques (for example, laser resurfacing).

Hormonal imbalance in the body. Such pigmentation can be quite noticeable and is a consequence of hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and hormonal imbalance due to any disease.

The pigmentation is called chloasma. Experts do not recommend self-treatment in this case, since it is important to accurately establish the diagnosis and conduct a course of treatment for the underlying disease.

For example, with some endocrine pathologies, characteristic pigment spots appear, which are caused by a malfunction of the endocrine system. There are a number of factors that result in pigmentation on the skin, by which an experienced specialist can diagnose the disease.

These are some women's problems, malignant tumors of the pituitary gland, malfunction of the thyroid gland, etc. The course of treatment for the underlying disease leads to a gradual normalization of hormonal levels, so the spots become smaller and lighter.

Mechanical damage to the skin. Pigment spots are formed as a result of attempts at illiterate treatment of acne, with chronic and severe furunculosis, due to exposure to chemical and thermal factors (burns), as well as peeling, etc. and so on.

The intensity varies and directly depends on many components - the characteristics of the skin of a particular patient, the degree and depth of the injury. Often, local treatment with creams and other methods in such cases is not enough, so complex complex therapy must be prescribed.

Aggressive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Sun rays are a common cause of pigmentation in varying degrees of manifestation, including severe cases. This is not just an unpleasant cosmetic defect, but an alarming sign.

Ultraviolet radiation in high doses is dangerous to health and even life and is the main cause of the formation of malignant neoplasms of both the skin and internal organs. The face is the area where this type of pigmentation is most common, since the skin of the face is thin and delicate.

The substance melanin is necessary for the body; its main task is to provide reliable protection against adverse external factors. Therefore, with the active production of melanin, the skin becomes darker. This measure serves as a natural protection against burns. When a person abuses treatments in a solarium or sunbathing, pigmentation may be unevenly distributed, resulting in this defect.

The rays of the sun are especially dangerous in the spring, when the heat is not yet felt. In addition, in spring the skin is partially depigmented. The use of special protective equipment in the spring and summer is a mandatory measure, but such methods do not always give results. If you are prone to the formation of age spots, you should not be in direct sun for even a short period of time.

Gastrointestinal diseases and kidney pathologies (liver, gall bladder and intestines). The formation of pigment spots of a slightly reddish color is characteristic of indigestion; brown spots more often appear with a common diagnosis of cholecystitis and with various diseases of the liver and gall bladder.

Problems with kidney function are signaled by the appearance of yellowish-brown pigmentation. Monotherapy is not necessary for such diagnoses. After examinations and proper therapy, as well as following a special diet, the spots disappear on their own as the health status stabilizes.

Chronic stress and mental illness. The appearance of pigmentation is explained by hormonal imbalance and general metabolic disorders. These spots come in different colors, shapes and sizes.

Deficiency of vital vitamins or minerals. This is a fairly common reason; treatment consists of correcting nutrition, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, changing lifestyle and giving up bad habits. For example, with a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or an element such as copper, the appearance of age spots is a common occurrence.

Use of certain medications especially uncontrolled or prolonged. Pigmentation may appear after treatment with certain types of antibiotics. If pigment spots appear that were not there before while taking such medications, you should inform your doctor about this.

Allergic manifestations due to the use of low-quality or unsuitable cosmetics and care products. Creams, lotions, decorative cosmetics are a provoking factor, which in many cases causes the appearance of pigment, skin rashes, etc. Typically, such manifestations are visible immediately after using any drug for a similar purpose, so the issue of diagnosis is not acute here.

Stains can cause:

Natural concentrated essential oils;
Cheap, low quality ingredients (especially in decorative cosmetics);
Excessively aggressive skin cleansing with scrubs and other preparations designed to deep clean the skin.

Skin aging

At a certain age (after 40-50 years and older), some people develop characteristic age spots, which are located on the face, neck, and hands. This is the result of the active synthesis of melanin and a consequence of its uneven distribution in the layers of the skin, as well as changes in hormonal balance and natural aging of the body and skin in particular.

In addition, pigmentation at this age can be a consequence of the appearance of various chronic diseases. This manifestation usually does not pose a danger to humans, but requires more careful monitoring of the state of health.

Treatment of pigmentation on the face

The basic principle of therapy is to determine the cause and treatment adapted to this factor.

You should consult with doctors:

therapist;
gynecologist;
gastroenterologist;
endocrinologist.

It would be a good idea to visit a cosmetologist.

After research, including laboratory tests and hardware examinations, treatment is selected.

There are such cosmetic treatment methods:

whitening;
special procedures;
use of cosmetics;
masks and lotions made according to “grandmother’s” recipes.

For whitening use:

Hydrogen peroxide 3% solution. It is used very carefully and only after consulting a specialist, especially on problem areas. The solution can injure the skin and further aggravate the problem!
Creams for external use, including mercury. They are prescribed by a cosmetologist and can be used for a short period of time. It has a large list of contraindications, including pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cream pastes with zinc. Softer products that not only whiten, but also, when used correctly, fight wrinkles and old acne.
Special cosmetic procedures. They are performed only in specialized centers and only by experienced professionals, otherwise serious complications are possible. The choice of technique is the prerogative of a dermatologist, cosmetologist or other specialist with relevant experience and permission to practice. When choosing a method, the severity of pigmentation, the location area, the nature of the spot, its shape, size, as well as indications and contraindications for a specific method for each patient are taken into account.
Peeling (ultrasonic and chemical method). Each procedure has its own advantages, disadvantages and contraindications, as well as side effects, so choosing the optimal method is a difficult task. Consultation with an experienced specialist is required. So, for the chemical method, various acids are used (glycolic, fruit, etc.). The result of the action is the peeling of the skin layer and the regeneration of the epidermis. When using the ultrasound method, special equipment is needed to inject various drugs into the skin. The result is skin renewal and whitening.
Modern method – laser peeling. It is carried out using special equipment, using a laser beam to remove a layer of skin, triggering the mechanisms of its renewal and rejuvenation. The method is considered to be the most progressive and gentle, after which the list of negative complications is limited, although the method is quite traumatic and is accompanied by pain. Typically, after the procedure, it is recommended to use special healing products, and advice is given on skin care during the entire rehabilitation period and after it. Treatment should be planned in winter, since in spring and summer the skin is exposed to aggressive solar radiation and this aggravates the rehabilitation period. Laser, when used correctly, gives excellent results - rejuvenating the skin, increasing its elasticity, and acquiring a beautiful and even color. Not only the professionalism of the specialist plays a big role, but also the choice of laser device, so you should only contact reputable centers with a good reputation.
Phototherapy method. Light pulses are used that target only problem areas. The result is the destruction of cells containing a lot of melanin.

Cosmetic whitening creams

There are a huge number of different products on sale for pigment spots in the form of whitening creams for home use.

Attention! Such creams should not be used without specialist consultation and individual selection, since illiterate use can often give the opposite result - increased pigmentation. In addition, many creams contain components that are contraindicated in the presence of diseases of the internal organs (kidneys, liver) and are prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Popular skin whitening products

It provides not only high-quality skin care and removal of unaesthetic stains, but also protection of facial skin from aggressive ultraviolet radiation.

Retin-A

The cream blocks the increased production of melanin in the body. It has an affordable price and has shown good results (clinically proven).

Drug VC-IP

VC-IP preparation (in the form of a solution) made on the basis of highly purified ascorbic acid. Effectively combats hyperpigmentation of the upper layer of the epidermis and has a rejuvenating effect.

A complex approach. UV protection and pigmentation treatment

Any problem should be approached comprehensively, and the treatment of hyperpigmentation is no exception.

The high effectiveness of complex cosmetic preparations in the treatment of age spots has been clinically proven.

Such drugs act in two directions:

Provide protection from aggressive ultraviolet radiation.
They provide therapeutic and cosmetic local results.

Neotone complex product. Includes Neoton in the form of a serum (using modern ingredients - alpha-arbutin, Lumiskin and licorice), which is intended for skin care before bed, as well as a morning preparation - Radiance (with a high degree of protection - SPF50+).

This is a popular product with a high effect, time-tested; the manufacturer has provided a whole line of modern products that provide all stages of skin care.

It is effective against stains of various origins and is both a medicinal and a cosmetic care product that can act as a safe prophylactic agent.

Folk recipes - top 7 "grandmother's" methods for skin spots

A course of fresh cucumber masks. The grated vegetable in the form of a paste is applied to cleansed skin for 30 minutes. The mass is not washed off, but carefully cleaned with a cotton pad. 10-15 masks per course are enough, do it 2-3 times a week. Repeat courses several times a year.
Yeast and lemon juice. For the mask, take 15 g of fresh yeast, add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and apply for 20 minutes on clean skin. Rinse your face with cool water. Course – 10 masks, 2 times a week. Repeat every 2-3 months.
Lotion for wiping the skin, made from parsley. Chop fresh herbs (2 tablespoons) and steam for one hour in 100 ml of water. Strain, wipe your face in the morning and evening before bed, adding 100 ml of fresh milk to the infusion. To preserve the lotion, you can freeze it in molds and place it in the freezer. The result is whitening, increased tone, tightening of enlarged pores.
A mixture of rice flour, natural honey and vinegar(ratio 2:1:1 in teaspoons). The mass is applied for 30 minutes to clean skin two to three times a week. Do not rinse, wipe the skin with a dry cotton pad, then gently rinse with cool water. Course – 15 masks. Repeat every 2 months.
Almonds and lemon juice. An effective mask that successfully treats age spots and also serves as an excellent cosmetic care product. About half a glass of almonds are passed through a meat grinder, a few drops of lemon juice and a spoon or two of water are added. Apply for 20-30 minutes to cleansed skin, rinse with cool water. Course – 15 masks, 2-3 times a week, several times a year.
Boiled potatoes and egg yolk. A budget but effective mask that nourishes and whitens the skin. Puree from boiled potatoes “in their jackets” is mixed with egg yolk and applied to clean skin in a pleasantly hot state. Leave until completely cool and wash off with warm water. Course – 10-20 masks, twice a week. Repeat as necessary.
Protein mixture. A mixture is prepared from egg white, a tablespoon of lemon juice and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Apply for no more than ten minutes, wash off with warm milk, and be sure to apply a nourishing cream. Course – 10 masks 2-3 times a week.
Washing with fresh milk and vodka. Ratio 3:1. Rinse your skin before going to bed. Can be used for a long time.

“Grandma’s” recipes are quite effective, but require discipline and regular use. However, with some types of masks and washes, allergies may develop. To prevent an undesirable result, you can do a preliminary skin test (on the bend of the elbow). If after 20-30 minutes there is no reaction, the mask can be used without fear.

We begin to fight for an even complexion from a young age: we go to a cosmetologist to remove youthful rashes, and intensively whiten freckles acquired from our parents. In our minds, age spots on the skin are not associated with something good, especially when it comes to old age. After 40 years, age spots seem to be the very swan song that youth sings to us.

The appearance of age spots, scientifically called lentigo, will not harm your health. The question is purely about aesthetics and moral dissatisfaction, finding ways to get rid of age spots on the face.

Let's look at the origins of the problem and ways to solve it.

Causes of pigmentation: failures, lifestyle, heredity

Lentigines are not tumor formations that require action. The reason is hormonal changes after 40 years, affecting the synthesis of melanin - the coloring substance of the skin, hair, and iris. Melanin begins to accumulate unevenly, and in some places there is a lot of it. This is how age spots appear.

With the advent of old age, lentigo appears in everyone, even if everything was fine in youth. Bad habits may influence earlier appearance:

A tan.“I don’t burn,” we say in our youth, brushing aside recommendations to use creams with an SPF filter. In the summer we don’t even go into the shade during lunch hours, and in the winter we run to the solarium as if we were going to work, sometimes to the point of notorious fanaticism. The production of melanin is a protective process - as the skin darkens, it becomes less susceptible to sunlight. By exposing ourselves to ultraviolet radiation in our youth, we deliberately deplete the ability of the skin layers to properly produce melanin.
Incorrect care. During the summer, it is not recommended to carry out deep cleansing and thermal procedures. Under the influence of high solar activity, the epidermis cannot recover normally, the same failure occurs: excessive production of melanin, as a way to increase the protective functions of the epidermis, and the formation of age spots on the face.
Inflammatory manifestations. Acne and severe rashes may be accompanied by pigmentation. To achieve results, drugs and procedures for removing spots must be combined with acne treatment measures.
Disturbances in the production of hormones. Chloasma - dark, brown spots with jagged edges - appear during sudden hormonal changes - age-related, during pregnancy. The most important thing is to focus your energy on restoring hormonal levels. Then the chloasma goes away on its own.
Stress and senile disorders.“Nerve” spots are difficult to classify by color and size. The key point is metabolic disorders due to chronic fatigue. For severe skin manifestations, consultation with a neurologist and psychotherapist is recommended.
Taking medications. Antibiotics, hormonal drugs and even a course of vitamins lead to pigmentation. Tell your doctor about this so that your medication regimen can be adjusted in a timely manner.
Poor nutrition. Pigmented formations signal the body about a lack of copper and vitamins C and PP.
Allergy to low-quality cosmetics. They go away when changing cosmetics, or after light whitening procedures.
Heredity. Before deciding how to get rid of age spots on your face, it’s worth remembering how your relatives dealt with this problem? Freckles, moles - all of these, as well as the production of melanin, are hereditary “gifts”. And you don’t always need to devote all your efforts to removing them if there is no threat to health.

Diagnosis of problems in the body

If all cosmetic procedures do not help remove pigmented spots, then your way is to explore the condition of your body as much as possible. Disturbances in the body lead to the appearance of certain types of spots:

Until you work on the cause of the appearance of pigmented areas, it is useless to whiten and remove pigmentation with cosmetics and courses from a cosmetologist. But with the treatment of a malfunctioning system, pigmented manifestations will disappear in the process.

Weapons for battle: getting rid of lentigo

The functioning of the body directly depends on the quality of the diet and the rejection of bad habits. Consult with a nutritionist, find out what kind of nutrition will be the most balanced for you, and will allow the body to receive all nutrients from food in optimal quantities.

At the same time, consult a dermatologist-cosmetologist. He will prescribe the necessary therapy and select creams for home care.

Salon treatment for removing age spots

Professional care in the salon offers a range of activities for whitening age spots:

Chemical peeling– is strictly prohibited in the summer during increased solar activity, since it involves the removal of the upper layers of the skin, after which they become very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. For slightly pigmented areas - a course with weak solutions of glycolic and fruit acids. If age-related pigmentation on the face is increased, then deep TCA peeling with trichloroacetic acid is used.
Ultrasonic peeling– after cleaning, the cosmetologist uses ultrasound to introduce whitening agents that penetrate the lower layers of the epidermis, “dissolving” pigmented areas of the skin.
Laser resurfacing– laser removal of the upper layers of the epidermis. To reduce the pain of resurfacing, local anesthesia is used.
Phototherapy- cosmetologists have learned to use ultraviolet light to whiten pigmented areas, which it also created. The therapy involves the use of ultraviolet light, which affects only melanin. Painlessly lightens pigmented areas of the skin - the patient feels a slight tingling sensation.
Cryotherapy– consists of a targeted effect on the spots with liquid nitrogen. After therapy, the pigmented top layer is peeled off.
Mesotherapy– Suitable for sensitive types. Consists of introducing microinjections with bleaching solutions.
Dermabrasion– heavy artillery in the form of mechanical peeling with bleaching crystals. After exposure, a medicinal gel or ointment is applied. Due to high pain, dermabrasion can only be performed by a doctor under general anesthesia.

Removing stains with folk remedies

If pigmentation has just begun to bother you, and there are no contraindications from the body, then whiten your skin using homemade masks and oils. A couple of home care recipes.

Yeast mask with grapefruit and lemon

Preparation:

15-20 grams of brewer's yeast;
1 tsp grapefruit juice;
1 tsp lemon juice.

The mask is applied for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Cottage cheese mask

How to cook:

1 tbsp. cottage cheese
10 drops of hydrogen peroxide
10 drops of ammonia

The mask is applied for 15 minutes, then washed off with water. Effectively evens out tone with regular use.

Simple rules for preventing age-related pigmentation

So that after 40 years you don’t have to wonder how to remove age spots on your face, review your bad habits and lifestyle:

Proper care. Choose suitable cosmetics, consult a cosmetologist. Failures to leave when you are young are less scary. After 30 years, our body becomes more capricious in experimenting with itself.
If you can’t resist sunbathing, do it safely. Use sunscreens with at least 15 SPF, according to your skin type. Apply the cream 30 minutes before going outside. And after every 2 hours, reapply it. Avoid sunbathing between 10 am and 3 pm. The face is more susceptible to aging than the body; it is better not to expose it to the sun at all: the skin is very thin and easily reacts to an aggressive environment. In sunny weather, it is better to wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap with a wide visor, and it is better to cover your arms and legs with clothing. Take a philosophical approach to the issue of tanning and solarium - the health of the skin is not determined by its colors, but not by its shades.
Eat right. Let your body have enough vitamins C and PP. This way you will protect yourself from metabolic problems and excess weight, which are the cause of skin pigmentation even in young people. Eat more citrus fruits, berries like currants, strawberries and raspberries, grapes, bell peppers and sauerkraut are good vegetables. Give up coffee in favor of tea or even juices and water.
Exercising will improve your metabolism. If there are contraindications to active exercise, implement physical activity in the form of walks in the park or forest. Walking in the fresh air is good at any age - what can we say about the undoubted benefits of walking for those aged “40+”;
Don't give up on chronic diseases. This is not about the condition of your face, but about the quality of life globally - a healthy life is more enjoyable, and you won’t even know what aging is.

Finally

If everything in the body functions normally, and the only reason is age, lentigo can and should be fought. But treatment requires complex measures.

If the pigmentation is intense, then it is better not to experiment with independent attempts to remove age spots on the face at home, but to immediately contact experienced cosmetologists. In this case, it is better to consult a dermatocosmetologist. He will select creams and whitening therapy, give recommendations on possible studies and drug courses.

In the future, audit your habits and daily diet. Moderate physical activity, walks in the fresh air, fresh fruits and vegetables, juices instead of coffee will have a beneficial effect on the condition of your face and body. In addition, you will get a cheerful mood and well-being.

Pigment spots on the body are a fairly common aesthetic defect that many women and men try to cope with. But you need to understand that you can get rid of such stains only by identifying and eliminating the cause of their appearance.

In some cases, the appearance of pigmented spots on the body can be a symptom of a serious disease, such as skin cancer. Therefore, the treatment of pathological pigmentation should be carried out by a specialist - a dermatologist, since the use of folk remedies is not always successful, and sometimes has a negative impact on health.

A dermatologist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the body and, if necessary, refer you to related specialists. Only after the cause of pigmentation on the body is known, the doctor will give medical recommendations or prescribe cosmetic procedures that will help lighten problem areas on the skin.

The most common causes of age spots on the body are:

prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
hormonal imbalance;
diseases of the skin of an inflammatory nature;
use of low-quality cosmetics;
side effects of certain medications;
skin aging.

Let's look at each reason in more detail.

Pigment spots are an accumulation of melanin pigment in skin cells, which is synthesized in the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, long exposure to direct sunlight leads to excessive formation of melanin, mainly in exposed areas of the body. As a result, pigmented spots appear on the skin.

Pregnancy– this is a period characterized by enormous hormonal changes in the body. Hormones are involved in the regulation of all processes in the human body, including melanin synthesis. Therefore, many women, while carrying a child, develop pigment spots on their bodies, especially in the face and along the midline of the abdomen.

Also pigment spots act as residual effects after acne, injuries or cuts, since these defects are most sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

Some cosmetic ingredients, for example, retinoic acid, bergamot, fragrances or lime essential oil, help increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, causing pigmented spots to appear on the body.

In addition, there are medications, side effects of which manifest themselves in the form of pigmentation on the body. These medications include oral hormonal contraceptives (progestins, estrogens), antimicrobials (Levofloxacin), cytostatics and others.

According to the classification, there are five types of age spots, namely:

chloasma;
lentigo;
post-acne;
freckles;
nevi.

Chloasma It is dark or yellow, predominantly irregularly shaped spots that have a smooth surface and clear contours. Such defects are most often observed during pregnancy due to changes in the woman’s hormonal levels. Typical locations for chloasma are the face, torso, abdomen, and thighs.

After childbirth, a woman’s hormonal levels normalize, so chloasma in most cases goes away without a trace. But for some women, such defects can remain for life, and you can get rid of them with the help of medications or salon cosmetic procedures.

Lentigo It is customary to call dark brown or brown spots raised above the skin of a round or oval shape, which can be of various sizes - from a dot to a five-kopeck coin. In turn, such age spots are divided into juvenile and senile.

Juvenile lentigo appear on the skin of adolescents during a surge of sex hormones, when puberty occurs.

Senile, or whatever they are called age spots, age spots, appear in older people due to aging of skin cells.

Lentigo can also be removed using cosmetics or procedures.

Post-acne– these are pigment spots that remain at the site of pimples, blackheads and other inflammatory skin processes. This type of pigmentation is more common in young people who suffer from acne. Post-acne may go away over time without any intervention, but if this does not happen, cosmetic products can easily cope with such a skin problem.

Freckles They look like small specks of yellow, copper or brown color. The favorite place for freckles to appear is the face, since it is the most exposed part of the body. But pigmentation can also often be present on the skin of the neck, collar area of the chest, shoulders, back and back of the hands.

During the cold season, freckles lighten, and with the onset of the spring-summer season, their color becomes brighter. Such pigmentation does not bring any subjective sensations. Some people with freckles are ashamed of their appearance because of them, while the other part considers themselves special, turning such cosmetic defects into their dignity.

Nevi, which are popularly called moles, are the same age spots that have different color intensities, shapes and sizes. Moles can have a convex or flat surface. Despite the fact that nevi do not cause any discomfort, you need to carefully monitor any changes that may occur to them. This is explained by the fact that they can transform into a malignant neoplasm - melanoma.

Signs of transition of nevus to melanoma There may be a change in shape, the presence of inflammation, ulcers on its surface, pain, or a change in color. If you detect at least one of the listed signs, you should consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis of melanoma significantly increases the chances of recovery.

How and with what to treat age spots on the skin?

Unfortunately, not all age spots can be treated, but with the help of modern means and methods they can be made less noticeable. The hardest ones to get rid of are freckles and lentigo.

Also, some stains may disappear on their own without any action on them. This is often observed in the case of chloasma, which disappears without a trace after childbirth.

It is also important to determine the cause of age spots, since eliminating it will lighten the pigmentation or completely remove it.

Can be used in the fight against age spots the following methods:

drug therapy;
salon cosmetology procedures;
cosmetical tools;
traditional medicine.

Let's take a closer look at each method of treating pigmentation on the body.

Since pigment spots are accumulations of melanin, which is formed in excess quantities in the skin, drugs that inhibit its production are used to treat pigmentation.

Folic, ascorbic, azelaic and koyenoic acids reduce the production of melanin, so you need to select a drug that contains at least one of the listed components.

Quite affordable and effective in the fight against age spots on the body are the following drugs:

Melanativ cream;
Achromin cream;
Clotrimazole ointment;
syntomycin emulsion;
salicylic alcohol.

To achieve the desired result, you must regularly use the listed products for 4-8 weeks.

Treatment of age spots using salon procedures

Modern hardware cosmetology is the most effective method of getting rid of pigmentation on the body. But, unfortunately, due to the high cost of the procedures, not everyone can afford them. It is also important to entrust your skin only to an experienced cosmetologist who has a higher medical education.

Pigment spots on the skin can be remove using the following salon procedures:

laser removal;
removal with liquid nitrogen;
phototherapy;
chemical peeling.

Let's talk separately about each method.

Removing pigmentation with laser has a number of advantages, including painlessness, minimal trauma, local impact and high efficiency.

During the laser therapy procedure, a laser is directed at the pigment spot, which destroys melanin, due to which the problem area becomes lighter. After the first procedure, the pigment spot turns red and begins to peel off; when the surface of the defect is cleansed, the skin becomes its normal color.

liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) It is also a highly effective method that removes old epidermal cells and activates skin regeneration. The disadvantage of cryotherapy is that red spots remain at the site of pigmentation, which disappear only after a few weeks.

Phototherapy- This is the destruction of melanin in skin cells using infrared flashes. This procedure is also painless and atraumatic, and the recovery period lasts several days.

Chemical peeling involves applying chemical compounds to problem areas that lighten the skin and eliminate pigmentation. The most popular and effective are peels with salicylic or triacetic acids. In addition, this procedure normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, prevents the appearance of age spots and acne, and smoothes out wrinkles.

Cosmetics to combat pigmentation on the body

In the fight against pigmentation today, cosmetic products from various manufacturers have shown themselves to be excellent, namely:

Bodyaga and Bodyaga forte;
Boro plus cream;
Klivrin cream;
Idealia Pro serum from Vichy;
Vitex mask;
Biocon whitening cream and many others.

The listed cosmetics received a lot of positive reviews both from those who used them and from specialists.

Folk remedies can also lighten age spots on the skin and even completely eliminate them. To prepare masks, compresses or lotions, natural ingredients rich in ascorbic and other acids, which have a whitening effect, are used.

Top effective and simple folk remedies against age spots on the body:

daily rubbing of problem areas on the body with the juice of parsley, cabbage, lemon, raspberries or viburnum;
rubbing skin affected by pigmentation with kefir or yogurt;
mask with cucumber and kefir;
white clay and chamomile. 100 ml of chamomile decoction is mixed with two tablespoons of white cosmetic clay and applied to the skin for 30 minutes, then washed off with warm water without soap;
bearberry, yarrow or licorice extract, which are added to cream or body lotion;
compresses and lotions with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

How to prevent the appearance of age spots on the body?

Preventing the occurrence of such defects is much easier than getting rid of them. The following recommendations will help you with this:

avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
use sunscreens with a high degree of protection in the summer;
wear hats when going out in the sun;
minimize visits to the solarium, because tanning, of course, is beautiful, but pigment spots are not so much;
use only high-quality skin cosmetics;
eat enough foods rich in vitamins (fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries).

Pigment spots on the skin today are not a global problem, since they can be eliminated using modern technologies, supplemented by traditional methods.

From birth, most people have impeccably clean skin, but over the years, moles, hemangiomas, and age spots appear on it. For girls and women, they become a real problem, especially if they stick out on the face and spoil their appearance. Not all stains can be “washed off”; sometimes fighting them only makes the situation worse. How to properly work with skin pigmentation and restore health and beauty to it?

Skin color is determined by the presence of pigments in it, the combination of which determines the color type and skin tone of each person. When a failure occurs in the production and distribution of pigments, spots appear on the skin: brown, yellowish, red, white.

Skin pigments

Pigment is a coloring substance that is produced by the cells of the body for certain purposes. There are 4 pigments involved in the coloring of the skin:

melanin is a brown pigment produced by cells of the deep (basal) layer of the epidermis, melanocytes. The main function of melanin is optical protection against harsh ultraviolet radiation. When the sun's rays hit the skin, the central nervous system receives a danger signal and triggers the reaction of melanin synthesis; it rises from the deep layers of the skin to the surface - into the stratum corneum and covers the skin with an even brown color. Tanning is a protective reaction of the body from life-threatening radiation;
carotene is a yellow pigment. Its main function is the regeneration of skin cells after wounds, burns and other injuries. It also provides antioxidant protection and protects the skin from aging;
oxyhemoglobin (saturated with oxygen) - a red pigment, an element of blood, found in blood vessels, gives the skin a blush and pink color;
blue hemoglobin (restored) - a pigment characteristic of venous blood, gives a bluish tint to the skin.

The most common cause of pigmentation is a violation of the protective functions of the skin associated with melanin.

Spot spot discord

Any spot on the skin is a signal of a failure in the processes of synthesis and distribution of pigments. The deposition of excess dyes may be a disease, then it will be possible to get rid of the stains only after treatment:

red pigmentation is the result of damage to the blood vessels of the skin, causing blood to seep through the walls and collect in certain places, forming red moles or capillary hemangiomas;
yellow pigmentation is formed due to excessive accumulation of carotene, but most often it is a consequence of liver disease and deposition of the bile pigment bilirubin in the epidermis;
white spots on the skin (vitiligo) - appear in places with insufficient melanin, which may be associated with autoimmune processes that kill melanocytes that synthesize dark pigment.

Pigment spots: red, yellow, white - photo gallery

Red moles, if they do not exceed 4 mm in diameter, do not pose a health hazard
Capillary hemangioma forms most often on the neck or face in children and women and is associated with a hereditary or hormonal factor. Liver disease or poisoning leads to yellowing of the skin. Vitiligo can be treated with modern medical methods

Brown spots

Brown spots on the body and face are the most common cosmetic problem, and they are associated with increased production and uneven distribution of melanin in the epidermis.

Hereditary pigmentation

Manifestations of hereditary pigmentation include:

moles are hereditary formations with a high concentration of melanin. They are harmless, but their removal or trauma can provoke cancer;
Freckles are a decoration for fair-skinned and red-haired people. Freckle season comes in the spring and summer; in autumn and winter they fade and are not so noticeable. It is impossible to completely get rid of freckles; their formation is determined at the genetic level. But with proper facial care they can be made paler and more invisible.

Chloasma

Chloasma - uneven brown spots protruding on the face, neck, and other parts of the body have different etiologies:

pregnancy - appear during pregnancy, and gradually disappear after childbirth;
taking hormonal medications, contraceptives;
excessive sunbathing, when instead of an even tan, shapeless spots appear on the skin;
hepatic chloasma is a symptom of chronic hepatitis.

Getting rid of such stains should begin only after the cause of their occurrence has been established.

Lentigo

Lentigines are small spots, but they form on the skin in large numbers. There are several types of such pigmentation:

solar lentigo is the result of excessive tanning. Numerous dark spots cover the face, shoulders, and arms;
juvenile lentigo - appears in childhood and adolescence and is not associated with ultraviolet radiation. The rash is not a disease, but it seriously spoils the appearance. Treated by lightening spots;
senile lentigo - pigment spots appear after 40–50 years in fair-skinned people on the face and hands under the influence of direct sunlight.

Why do spots appear on the skin?

The synthesis of melanin, the main “culprit” of pigmentation, is a complex systemic process. It begins with the effect of sunlight on nerve receptors in the skin and transmission of signals to the brain. At the command of the central nervous system, a whole cascade of hormonal transformations is launched, which leads to the rapid formation of melanin and its transportation to the upper layers of the skin. The uniform distribution of pigment over the entire surface of the stratum corneum depends on the interconnection and coordinated work of all epidermal cells. If the process of degeneration begins among them (under the influence of free radicals, after injuries, burns), closed areas are formed in which excess melanin accumulates - a spot appears.

Thus, experts today identify the following factors of unwanted skin pigmentation:

50–60% of all pigment formations occur due to abuse of ultraviolet radiation, especially in the spring during the period of active sun;
25–26% - due to hormonal imbalances in the body after taking contraceptives, hormonal pills, as a result of stress;
18–24% of spots occur during pregnancy;
in 5–7% of cases, pigmentation is due to aging of skin cells, traumatic processes, cosmetic procedures using trichloroacetic acid, which leaves burns on the face. Spots also appear due to a lack of vitamins, such as vitamin C, folic acid, and retinol.

It has been noticed that most often unwanted skin pigmentation appears in the following categories of people:

fans of bronze tanning, skiers and mountain tourists;
elderly people who neglect sunscreen cosmetics;
women using hormonal contraceptives;
patients taking medications that increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (tetracycline derivatives and sulfonamides, antipsychotics, infusions of St. John's wort and parsnip);
people who abuse peeling during the spring-summer season.

A careless attitude towards the skin ends in failure: ugly spots appear on open areas of the body, which will take months to be “erased”.

Comprehensive treatment of pigmentation

In 95% of cases, pigmentation affects the most visible part of our appearance - the face. Anyone who sees a pigment spot on their face for the first time will, without a doubt, begin to fight it. To ensure that your efforts are not in vain, you need to know the basic rules of treatment, take into account the entire range of procedures, and avoid mistakes that will only aggravate the problem.

Basic rules for treating age spots

When treating age spots, you must follow the following rules:

Before you start erasing stains from your face, you need to diagnose them and consult a dermatologist. Perhaps they are of hereditary origin - then removing them is useless and even dangerous. If spots are a symptom of a disease, then you need to start with treating the disease, not the pigmentation. Consultations with a therapist, gynecologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist are a mandatory stage of therapy.
The problem of getting rid of stains cannot be solved with one product or method. A set of measures is needed, which includes radical treatment in beauty salons, peeling and whitening of the skin with creams, and the use of folk remedies.
Active fight against pigmentation cannot be carried out during the period of active sun (spring and summer), this will only increase the production of melanin, the spots will increase and become darker.

Salon treatments

Pigment spots are removed quickly and effectively in beauty salons, but such procedures are not cheap:

Laser facial resurfacing. Using a finely tuned laser beam, melanin is burned, which is deposited in the upper layer of the epidermis. In this case, the beam does not penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and does not injure nearby tissues. Complete removal of the stain is achieved in 2–4 procedures with an interval of 14 days, i.e. in 1–2 months.
Chemical peeling. A series of procedures using acids (lactic, malic, glycolic, citric) dissolves the stratum corneum of the skin, and with it the pigment spot. Removing dead cells stimulates the regeneration of a new surface layer, but until it is formed, the skin becomes defenseless against external factors. Such procedures can only be done in the autumn-winter period. In addition, strong acids can cause skin burns, which provoke a protective reaction of the body with increased melanin synthesis. Competent and safe use of chemical peeling on problem skin can only be carried out by cosmetologists.
Cryotherapy. A good effect is achieved by applying liquid nitrogen to the stain, which freezes the pigmented area to form a protective crust. Under the dead cells, the process of formation of new cells without hyperpigmentation begins.
Photorejuvenation. Exposure of the pigmented area to a light beam, the thermal energy of the light causes proteins to stick together, dead cells are easily exfoliated and the skin is renewed.

Whitening cosmetics

The use of whitening creams is an essential component of the fight against pigmentation, but they must be used with skill. Cosmetics with a whitening effect perform three functions:

blocks the formation of the enzyme tyrosinase - a catalyst for the reaction of melanin synthesis;
prevents the formation of melanin itself;
enriches skin cells with vitamins A, C, E, which stop cell aging and stimulate their renewal.

Thus, whitening creams should include:

hydroquinone is the main component that blocks melanin synthesis;
kojic acid, arbutin, ascorbic acid - suppress the production of tyrosinase;
vitamins with antioxidant effects.

Hydroquinone is an aggressive substance that damages the structure of skin cells, causing inflammation and dermatitis. Therefore, it is not recommended to use hydroquinone cream for longer than 2-4 months.

The best whitening creams include: Achromin, Retin-A, Evinal, Vichy. Lightening cosmetics are used during the period of least sun activity, when the body is not configured to synthesize melanin.

Whitening using folk remedies

Homemade recipes will help consolidate the effect of salon treatments and whitening creams:

kefir or yogurt applied to the face acts as a soft peeling, dissolving the top layer of the epidermis and thereby lightening age spots;
a mask with starch and lemon juice (1:1), when used regularly, also gives a brightening effect;
It is useful to wipe your face with the juice of sauerkraut and dandelion;
Celandine juice should be applied pointwise to the pigment spot;
Viburnum juice has a brightening effect, especially when mixed with egg white in equal proportions;
A mask made from yeast (20 g) and lemon juice (15 ml) gives good results. The ingredients are combined and kept on the skin for 15–20 minutes.

How to avoid pigmentation

The rules for preventing pigmentation are simple - you need to avoid the factors that contribute to its formation:

Limit exposure to the sun during activity and use sunscreen. Their purpose is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. UVB radiation is hazardous to health and causes burns and skin cancer. The harmful effects of UVA rays are not so obvious, but they penetrate deep into the skin, to the basal layer of the epidermis, affect melanocytes and provoke the appearance of freckles and other age spots. An effective cream should contain protection against UVA and UVB rays;
hormonal contraceptives that cause disruption in the protective functions of the skin must be replaced with other means of protection;
Make homemade whitening masks regularly.

Video: home remedies to combat pigmentation

No one is immune from skin stains. Their appearance is a signal that there has been a malfunction in the protective functions of the epidermis. Disfigured skin is our retribution for careless behavior. It is much more difficult to restore your body to health than to lose it.