The pigment spots
The pigment spots on your skin can have a different causes, Here is what you need to know about age spots :
Pigment spots: some think they are pretty and unique while others would prefer to get rid of them permanently. But how is it that some people have so many while others don’t have a single one? We will explain to you what the exact causes of this pigmentation are and what you can do if you wish.
There are different factors that can cause pigment spots.
pigment spots
Age spots are skin discoloration that can occur on any part of the body. They develop when skin cells generate more melanin (pigment). The color of the spots can vary from light brown to black. They are not often larger than a few square millimeters.
Causes
Pigmentation spots can have different causes:
1. The Sun
In many cases, age spots develop late due to the aging process of the skin or excessive sun exposure. They often appear on visible parts of the body such as the face, neckline or hands, because these are the places most exposed to UV radiation.
2. Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can also cause age spots. The use of the contraceptive pill or being pregnant can cause the hormones estrogen and progesterone to generate an overproduction of pigment in women. This is why pregnant women often have spots on their face, this is also called the “pregnancy mask”.
3. Health issues
Skin discoloration can also be the result of certain diseases or disorders. People who suffer from vitiligo, for example, no longer produce pigment in certain places, which causes white spots to appear on their skin. Metabolic disorders or vitamin C deficiencies can also cause the appearance of pigment spots. Chemotherapy or antibiotics can also cause skin discoloration.
4. Inflammation
Inflammations or injuries can also create pigment spots. People who suffer from severe acne or eczema often face pigmentation problems. People who have dark skin are more prone to developing age spots because of it.
How to prevent pigment spots from developing?
Do you want to prevent the development of pigment spots? So, we have good news because it is quite easy to prevent their appearance. Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sunscreen to your skin daily. In autumn and winter, an SPF 30 is sufficient, but in summer and spring, it is better to choose a sunscreen with SPF 50. No need to stay in the shade or locked up all the time because only a large amount of sun can negatively affect your skin in the long run.
What to do against existing pigment spots?
Age spots are not a shame and can appear in people of any age. Discoloration can appear during pregnancy and often goes away on its own. Over the years, many products have been developed to help reduce pigmentation. Most of these products work with active ingredients that reduce melanin production, which helps discoloration become less and less noticeable. If you have stubborn spots that you really don’t like, it’s best to contact a dermatologist. They may prescribe medication or reduce the discoloration with laser or light therapy treatment, or with an intensive peel.
