Brown spots, also known as age spots, dark spots, sun spots, liver spots, lentigines, lentigos are concentrations of melanin trigged by unprotected exposure to the sun over a long period of time. These brown spots are also called “hyper pigmentation” – patches of the skin that become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin.Hyperpigmenation can be shortly defined as increase in the natural color of the skin. It occurs usually when an excess of melanin forms deposits in the skin.
WHAT CAUSES BROWN SPOTS:
◦Sun exposure
◦Aging
◦Genetics
◦Hormones
◦Pregnancy
◦Stress
◦Improper skincare
◦Menopause
◦Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
◦Liver disease
◦Birth control pills
◦Result of acne
◦Result of harsh chemicals
Brown spots are caused by a combination of sun damage and a decline in the hormones that regulate the production of melanin. When your skin is exposed to sun, the UV rays can easily break down the collagen and elastin and as a result the skin may become rougher and cause formation of brown, reddish spots due to the excess melanin. Prolonged sun exposure causes the skin cells to produce more melanin and cause surface pigment changes. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair. It helps protect the skin from the harmful sun’s rays but increased amount of melanin pigment often result in formation of dark, brown spots.
Brown spots, reddish spots often appear in the location where a pimple used to be and it is called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” / darkening of the skin/. The post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is normal. Some acne lesions as cysts and nodules usually leave dark discolorations after the blemish heals, as well as rashes and allergies. Fortunately most of these marks are temporary and the pigmented areas will fade in time / it usually takes approximately 3 months, but if the skin is exposure to sun without a protection it can take up to 2 years. Aside from sun exposure and hormones, hyperpigmentation can be caused by skin damage, such as remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes.
Brown spots usually appear in areas exposed to sunlight – especially on the chin, around the nose and mouth. In older people brown spots may appear on the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands. These dark spots are a matter of great concern for many Latinas due to their skin characteristics and the environmental factors hot weather, sun, humidity.
HOW TO TREAT BROWN SPOTS
The available treatments for brown spots involve products that diminish the appearance of dark spots and discolorations. Common ingredients in the precuts treating skin spots are: hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, Retin A, alpha hydroxyl acids, beta hydroxyl acid, salycilic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, aloe vera, hydroquinone, kojic acid, antioxidants.
Hydroquinone and kojic acid are powerful bleaching agents that slow the production of melanin. Kojic acid is an excellent antioxidant as well.
Salycilic acid and glycolic acid eliminate pigmentation and gently exfoliate the skin, stimulating it to produce new skin cells faster.
The antioxidants are essential as they prevent the formation of new brown spots on the face and protect the skin from the free radicals.
Laser therapy for brown spots
The laser therapy is the fastest and easiest way to get rid of brown spots, red spots and age spots. A laser generates and intense beam of light. The emitted light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin -bright red blood cells carrying oxygen and melanin causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Treatment with the laser is more comfortable and requires less recovery time than some other treatment methods. In 70 percent of the cases the brown spots are completely removed after only one treatment.
Chemical peel for brown spots
A chemical peel works great for those with many brown spots. A chemical peel is a safe and effective form of treatment for many pigmentation problems.An acid is used to remove the surface layer of the damaged skin with light peeling. After the treatment, the dead skin peels away, allowing healthier, clearer skin to emerge.The acids typically used in this type of peel are natural fruit acids, otherwise known as alpha hydroxy acids. The chemical peel will lighten brown spots and even out other irregularities in pigmentation to give the skin a more uniform color.
Microdermabrasion
Brown spots can also be removed with microdermabrasion. The microdermabrasion procedure uses highly controlled vacuum and pressure to move microscopically abrasive aluminum oxide crystals over the surface of the skin.By gently abrading the skin with ultra-fine crystal particulates, microdermabrasion can reduce unwanted pigmentary changes and age spots. Microdermabrasion is absolutely painless.
HOW TO TREAT BROWN SPOTS AT HOME
how to get rid of dark spots on face
Exfoliate regularly
The best way to treat brown spots and to get rid of them is regular exfoliation. It is the best way to keep your skin clear and healthy looking. When exfoliating you remove the dead skin cells and the oil that cause pores to plug and lead to problems like blackheads and whiteheads. If you don’t remove these cells regularly they can clog the sebaceous pores and make your skin look dull and patchy and worsen the condition of hyperpigmentation. Look for exfoliators containing alpha hydroxyl acid, beta hydroxyl acid, Retin A as they expedite the progression of pigmented cells to the surface and ultimate removal.
Wear sunscreen
As we said the sun in the leading cause of brown spots, that’s why wearing a sunscreen every day is crucial. Applying a sunscreen is the best way to prevent future brown spots and red spots. Daily use of sunscreen also helps resolve the brown spots more quickly. The sunscreens deliver long-lasting moisture where it is required, vitamin D and vitamin E to combat the free radicals, they help prevent premature ageing ,ensure a more even and longer-lasting tan and prevent the formation of new brown spots.
Use lightening creams
It’s important to use lightening face cream to reduce the brown spots. Look for a face cream containing hydroquinone – an agent that bleaches and fades darkened skin, as it slows the production of melanin. A lightening cream will reduce the appearance of brown spots and other skin discolorations. It will normalize pigment production and lighter skin will appear over 3 to 6 weeks. Most of them also fade freckles, remove small pimples scars and combat pigment changes caused by pregnancy or certain forms of medication. A good lightening cream will visibly diminish sun, age or liver spots and post acne marks.
Do a whitening mask
Do a whitening mask twice or once a week. It will remove hyperpigmentation, even and brighten your skin tone. A whitening mask targets imbalanced skin pigmentation and gradually lightens and purifies skin.
Eat many fruits and vegetables, especially lemons, oranges, tomamoes, cucumbers – they purify blood-carrying veins in the body and maintain the natural glow of your skin.
Do it yourself: at-home masks treating brown spots, age spots, discolorations:
Lotion for dark spots:
You will need: parsley, fresh lemon juice.
Chop up the parsley and pour it with water. Boil the parsley for approximately 15 minutes, then strain the infusion and add 5 tbsp. fresh lemon juice. Use a cotton pad to apply the infusion only over the discolorations. Pour the remaining infusion in a bottle and apply to your face everyday. The lemon juice is a great remedy to bleach dark spots, age spots, post-acne scars.
Mask for dark spots I
You will need: brier infusion, 1 tbsp. camphor oil, 2 tbsp. chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. grated cucumber, 1 tbsp. chopped onion, 1 tbsp. fuller’s earth.
Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve homogeneous mixture. Apply the mask over the entire face or only to any problem areas. Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. Do the mask every day for 15/ 20 days to achieve best results.
Mask for dark spots II
You will need: 100gr. onion, 3 tbsp. acacia honey.
Grate the onion and mix it with the honey. Apply the mask over the entire face and neck. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and remove it with damp cotton pad or washcloths. If your skin is oily you can add 1 tbsp. vinegar to the mixture.
Mask for dark spots III
You will need: 30gr. oat flakes, 1 tbsp. honey, 4 tbsp. milk.
Boil the oat flakes until soft together with the milk for 5/ 10 minutes. Add the honey to the mixture and stir carefully. Apply the mask over the dark spots. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and rinse well.
and dryness. Contains Brightening Powder with light reflecting properties to enhance the natural luminosity of skin and minimize dullness.
If you have any more advice or cure please comment:)
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