What are age spots and how can they be prevented?

Pigmentation is due to the amount of melanin in the body, a natural pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their unique color. Skin can become darker or lighter as a result of changes in melanin production. These changes are determined by certain factors, including genetics, some skin conditions (acne), and sun exposure.

In this article, we explain what pigment spots are, their main types (melasma, sun spots, hyperpigmentation post-inflammatory), and what factors contribute to their appearance. We also present prevention methods and effective treatment options, from creams and exfoliating acids to retinol and advanced therapies such as laser.

Contents

What are pigment spots?

Hyperpigmentation is characterized by the appearance of dark spots due to aging or prolonged sun exposure. Pigment spots can appear as small, scattered points in small areas, or they can cover large areas of the body.

Although hyperpigmentation is not harmful, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Types of pigment spots

There are several types of pigment spots, but three of them are more common.

Melasma

Melasma is caused by hormonal changes and is more common in pregnant women. Hyperpigmented areas are extensive and can appear on any part of the body, but they primarily develop on the abdomen and face.

Sun spots

Also called solar lentigines (sun spots) or senile lentigines (age spots), these are caused by ultraviolet rays due to excessive sun exposure over several years. Generally, they develop on areas most often affected by ultraviolet rays, namely the hands and face.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

This type of pigment spots is the result of a skin injury or inflammation. A common cause of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is acne.

What causes pigment spots?

Skin tone is the result of a complex process, during which special cells in the epidermis, called melanocytes, produce melanin. This is stored in organelles (mini-organs of the cell) called melanosomes. Skin color variations depend on the quantity, size, and functioning of these small melanin producers.

• A common cause of hyperpigmentation is excessive melanin production. Several conditions or external factors can alter melanin production in the body.
• Also, certain medications can cause skin hyperpigmentation. For example, some chemotherapy drugs can have pigment spots as side effects.
• Pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women.
• A rare endocrine condition called Addison's disease can cause brown spots on the skin in areas most exposed to the sun (face, neck, hands).
• Excessive sun exposure can also lead to an increase in melanin production.

How to prevent hyperpigmentation

Although pigment spots are harmless and not life-threatening, they can be aesthetically unpleasant. There are a series of possible treatment methods and remedies that can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, as well as a series of measures that can prevent the appearance of spots on the skin.

Avoid sun exposure

Using cosmetic products with SPF 30 or higher protects the skin and prevents the accentuation of hyperpigmentation symptoms. Products for protection against ultraviolet rays should be used daily, regardless of the season. The cream should be applied every two hours if you spend a lot of time in the sun, even more so if you perform intense activities and sweat or swim.

Avoid inflammation

Skin traumas, such as acne, eczema, insect bites, cuts, and scratches, can trigger an inflammatory reaction. In turn, inflammation accentuates cellular melanin production. Therefore, avoid scratching affected areas, so that the result is not a dark spot remaining on the skin after the wound heals.

Using cosmetic products for hyperpigmented skin

The cosmetic ingredients used have two mechanisms of action: reducing the number of melanocytes and inhibiting the transport of melanin from melanocytes to the skin's surface through enzymatic inhibition. Et-VC™ is a stable derivative of Vitamin C, a depigmenting agent with anti-aging effects, which promotes skin luminosity. Also, niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, inhibits melanin transfer and significantly reduces brown spots. These ingredients, along with thyme extract, licorice extract, are found in the products from the Ivawhite range, intended for people with sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation.

Ivawhite Depigmenting Cream increases the luminosity and smooths sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation and dark spots, reduces the number, size, and intensity of age spots and sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Ivawhite Intensive Depigmenting Serum evens out and improves the brightness and radiance of the face, stimulates the disappearance of hyperpigmentation spots, and prevents their reappearance. Clinical studies on patients who used the two Ivawhite products for 57 days showed a decrease in the melanin index by up to 28%. The products are prescribed or recommended by dermatologists and are sold exclusively in pharmacies.

Pigment spots: treatment

There are several options for treating pigment spots.

Brightening creams

These are over-the-counter treatments that, thanks to their ingredients (niacinamide, N-acetyl-glucosamine, etc.), help reduce the intensity of brown spots on the body. It is usually recommended to apply them once or twice a day to support skin brightening. Also, topical brightening treatments also come in the form of gel or serums. Brightening products work best for melasma or sun-induced spots.

Alpha and beta-hydroxy acids for the skin

Acids for the skin contribute to exfoliating or removing the upper layer of the skin. Whenever the skin is exfoliated, new cells appear to replace the old ones. This process helps to even out skin tone. Among the beneficial acids for the skin are L-ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid. Skin acids work well for mild hyperpigmentation on lighter skin tones.

Retinol

Derived from vitamin A, retinoids are among the most well-known ingredients used for skin care. Their small molecular structure allows them to penetrate deep into the skin and treat the layers beneath the epidermis. Although retinoids are more often used to treat wrinkles, they are also beneficial for hyperpigmentation, especially among people with lighter skin. However, be aware of contraindications according to the dermatologist's recommendations. The allergenic potential of retinol is high.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy uses targeted light beams to reduce pigment spots. There are two types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers are the most intense and involve removing layers of skin. Non-ablative procedures, on the other hand, target the dermis to help increase collagen production.

Ablative lasers are more effective but can have side effects, such as excessive skin sensitization. However, both ensure cell renewal.

Hyperpigmentation is not a life-threatening skin condition, but it can be bothersome due to its unsightly appearance. Ultraviolet rays are responsible for the appearance of pigment spots as we age, which is why avoiding sun exposure is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent this dermatological problem.