Age spots: causes and treatment
Age spots are dark areas of the skin that vary in size and shape. They are caused by various factors that lead to an increase in melanin production in skin cells. The changes may be neutral in nature, but can sometimes pose a threat to health. Before you buy anti-pigmentation cream reviews must be positive to avoid complications.
Contents of the article:
Main reasons
Symptoms of hyperpigmentation cannot be classified as skin defects. Therefore, it is necessary to use only cosmetic products. Using this approach may aggravate the situation and complicate future treatment processes. It is important to determine the cause of the pigment spot, and only then can measurements be taken.
UV exposure
A potentially dangerous factor that can cause age spots to appear is excess ultraviolet radiation. Sun rays can stimulate melanocytes. These skin cells in the deeper layers of the epidermis are responsible for the production of melanin. Moderate exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes a certain amount of the substance to differentiate and produce a uniform yellow-brown color in the skin. However, with longer exposure to active sun, cells begin to produce melanin in large quantities. And this is manifested by the appearance of pigment spots on different areas of the skin.
The degree of negative consequences depends on the length of the rays.
- Short waves are considered the most aggressive. It causes burns to the superficial layers of the skin. With proper treatment, the injury heals easily and darkening of the skin does not occur;
- Long waves penetrate deeper layers of the epidermis. They cause an increase in the production of melamine, which damages skin cells.
Skin injury
Skin tanning is a protective reaction of the body. Increased melanin production prevents burns from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The dark pigment creates a kind of barrier that scatters dangerous UVB rays.
However, if the skin is damaged for any reason, the body’s defense mechanism automatically activates. This manifests itself in increased melanin production. Therefore, if such areas do not heal quickly, they will become darker than areas where the skin’s integrity is intact. The damage can take many forms: scars, ragged pimples, acne, etc. The most persistent pigmentation is post-burn.
Other reasons
Hormonal levels influence melanin production by skin cells. As you know, women, due to the natural characteristics of their bodies, experience disruptions in melanin production at certain times in life. These include:
- Pregnancy;
- Lactation;
- Menopause;
- Puberty;
- Menstrual cycle.
Constant changes in hormonal levels cause the appearance of spots. However, in this case, they do not have pathological characteristics. Dangerous disruptions in the body’s functioning associated with various endocrine disorders.
Additionally, it’s important to identify other causes of dark spots on the skin:
- Age. With age, the skin becomes thinner, and melanin-producing cells rise to the surface. As a result, even a small amount of melanin is released, leading to the appearance of age spots;
- Certain medications. Tetracycline groups, retinoids, and antibiotic medications used during chemotherapy can cause age spots;
- Internal organ pathologies. Liver problems are the most common cause of pigmentation. Gastrointestinal disorders can also lead to the development of age spots.
Treatment
Effective treatment can only be provided after a complete examination by a dermatologist. It is futile to attempt to eliminate skin defects until the cause is determined. Self-treatment is only justified once the exact cause of hyperpigmentation has been established. Otherwise, it can be harmful and complicate treatment.
A specialist’s diagnosis always begins with collecting a medical history. The doctor carefully reviews the patient’s medical history, inquiring about health and lifestyle concerns, as well as current medications. A skin examination is then performed. If there are specific suspicions, the doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out melanoma.
If pigmentation is associated with problems with internal organs, treatment for the underlying condition is necessary. Only then can cosmetics be used. Otherwise, age spots will continually appear in new areas of the skin.
If skin spots are not related to a medical condition and appear for harmless reasons, it is necessary to increase the dermal layer over the melanocytes with properly selected daily cosmetics. This helps conceal the pigmentation. Skin care products should provide a strong, nourishing, and moisturizing effect. It is also important to maintain a proper fluid intake.
Creams and ointments with a whitening effect are effective. They provide gentle exfoliation and accelerate cell regeneration. The choice of products should be discussed with a doctor.
Beauty salons use various procedures to combat age spots.
- Mesotherapy, which involves injecting special preparations into the skin;
- Microdermabrasion, which involves “polishing” the skin;
- Chemical peeling, which uses special compounds to dissolve the upper layers of the skin;
- Laser therapy destroys melanin by exposing pigmented cells to a laser beam.
To prevent age spots, avoid exposing your skin to ultraviolet radiation. When exposed to the sun, it is recommended to use sunscreens.
