Dark spots, appearing on the face and body cannot be called pleasant. No one is immune from this disease. Pigment spots appear not only as a consequence age-related changes in the body, more often they appear much earlier, and we ourselves are to blame for this: we abuse the sun and do not take care of the skin correctly. We will tell you what causes age spots, how to prevent their appearance and how to get rid of existing ones.
Spots and freckles appear in the spring with the first rays of the sun and become more distinct after summer. Over the summer, if you spent a lot of time in the sun and tanned intensely, the number of new spots increases.
Causes of pigmentation:
The color of our skin depends on how much melanin it contains. If melanin is produced unevenly in certain areas of the skin, pigment spots of different color and size appear. The main causes of stains are hormonal changes in the body (not only age-related), certain diseases and long stay in the sun.
The appearance of spots on the skin is a signal, the body warns that something is wrong:
The functioning of the endocrine glands (adrenal glands, gonads) is disrupted,
The functioning of the liver and bile ducts is impaired,
Intoxication of the body and chronic infections,
Weakened the immune system, metabolism or vitamin balance is disturbed (vitamin C deficiency),
Sunburn.
You can prevent the appearance of age spots that occur after too much sun by properly protecting your skin from the sun. To do this, you need to choose the right tanning cream, and also be in the sun as much as your phototype allows.
Another important point– spots appear in the sun if, before going to the beach, you applied perfumes or deodorants to your skin alcohol based, washed with antibacterial soap. If the body does not have enough vitamin C, the appearance of pigmentation is guaranteed.
Do not squeeze out pimples on your face and body yourself: a pigment spot may appear at the site of the former pimple, especially if your skin is prone to freckles.
How to prepare your skin for the sun?
You need to prepare for this in advance: in winter and autumn, eat citrus fruits, drink water with lemon, drink vitamin complex. Eat green onions and bell peppers. In summer, an excellent source of vitamin C is currants. Wash your face at any time of the year sour milk or whey at least once a week. In spring and summer, wipe your face with parsley juice and half lemon juice.
It is best to protect your face from the sun - wear it outside and on the beach in sunny weather. sunglasses and use sunscreens with a high protection factor. Cover your face with a Panama hat on the beach.
If spots have already appeared:
You can get rid of some stains, especially new ones, at home using folk remedies; old stains can be removed in beauty salon. So let's start with homemade recipes.
Rinse your face with a cucumber-lemon cocktail (mix the juice and gruel of fresh cucumbers with the juice of half a lemon), or grate a gruel of fresh cucumbers, apply to your face for 15 minutes,
Wipe your face with sour milk, yogurt, linden blossom decoction,
Wipe the spots themselves with grapefruit, lemon, currant juice,
Mix a quarter glass of sour milk with a tablespoon of oatmeal and half a teaspoon of grated horseradish. Place the resulting mixture between two layers of gauze and leave on your face for 20 minutes.
Grate the sweet pepper and apply the resulting paste to your face for half an hour. After the procedure, lubricate your face nourishing cream,
Wheat mask or rice flour: Mix 2 teaspoons of flour with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey, apply the mask on the face for 15-30 minutes,
Pour boiling water over finely chopped parsley, let it sit for 2-3 hours; moisten your face with the cooled and strained broth several times a day,
You can remove pronounced age spots using lotions: 100 g of hydrogen peroxide + 4-5 g
Ammonia. The lotions are applied for 10-15 minutes.
Face mask: whipped into foam egg white add a little crushed boric acid and one teaspoon of fresh cream; mix all this into a homogeneous mass, apply to the face for 30-40 minutes.
Pigmentation is usually considered an age-related problem. However dark spots They can appear on the skin at any age; it is enough for the body to disrupt the production of a substance such as melanin. Melanocytes are responsible for its correct synthesis; every square millimeter of skin contains almost one and a half thousand of these cells. So the appearance of pigmentation is not easy cosmetic defect, but a signal about problems in the body or the presence of negative external factors.
Dermatologists distinguish several types of pigment spots, and in each specific case the reasons for their occurrence differ. Let's start with the most common type of age spots - chloasma. They can be different color, yellowish-brown to earthy-brown and appear on the chest, abdomen, or face. Chloasma has clearly defined patches and is usually more noticeable in the spring or summer. Such pigmentation may be evidence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. Also, chloasma sometimes occurs due to improper treatment of dermatological problems.
Another, no less common, type of pigmentation is melasma. Some dermatologists do not distinguish between it and chloasma, although in this case pigmentation is provoked by an imbalance of a specific hormone, estrogen. The appearance of melasma can be caused by taking hormonal drugs or pregnancy. It’s not for nothing that this type of hyperpigmentation is called the “mask of pregnant women.” There is no specific treatment for melasma; these spots usually go away on their own after childbirth or stopping taking hormonal medications. The only inconvenience is that getting rid of melasma can take several months or even years.
Another type of hyperpigmentation is called lentigo. These small brown spots can occur both under the influence of ultraviolet rays from the sun and due to age-related changes. In the first case, such pigmentation is called solar lentigo and appears after sunburn on affected areas of the skin. In the second case, we are dealing with age-related, or hepatic, lentigo, which usually appears on the face, décolleté, neck, and hands. This localization of spots is associated with a decrease in the number of melanocytes in the body with age and the movement of the remaining cells to where there is the most direct sunlight. Another type of lentigo is genetic, passing from parents to children and is very rare.
Freckles, which either come into fashion or are actively combated, also have scientific name– ephelides. They can appear all over the body, have a reddish color and are also associated with excess melatonin in a particular area of the skin. Freckles do not indicate any problems in the body and may disappear completely over time. In addition, they are completely safe for health.
Often, moles or nevi are considered a manifestation of hyperpigmentation. However, these formations are of a different nature and their removal is fundamentally different from the fight against hyperpigmentation.
To effectively remove age spots, you first need to correctly determine the cause of their occurrence. Therefore, first of all, consult a dermatologist who will determine the type of pigmentation and prescribe appropriate therapy. Self-medication is dangerous because with incorrectly selected treatment methods, you can not only not get rid of pigmentation, but also worsen the problem. If you “drive” pigmentation into the lower layers of the skin, then even the most experienced dermatologist will not be able to help you.
This does not mean that we, as patients, have absolutely no need to know about modern methods fight against pigmentation. Often to remove stains on initial stages melasma is prescribed laser resurfacing skin. However, today there are quite effective products for external use that help reduce pigmentation without mechanical impact on the skin. Most often, specialized products use ointments with low concentrations of retinol, then switching to combined ointments with retinol and the brightening agent hydroquinone. At the end of this course of treatment, steroids are usually added.
A more gentle procedure for treating age spots is described above. A more aggressive technique (but also more effective) involves combining ointments with a gentle chemical peel. Another way to remove pigmentation is cryotherapy, in which the top layer of skin is frozen with nitrogen and then removed along with the pigmented areas.
During the treatment of pigmentation, the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation increases, so before going outside, be sure to apply a cream with a high protection factor (preferably SPF 50). In addition, treatment does not guarantee absolute relief from pigmentation, for example, if it is melasma in the later stages. It is quite possible for melanomas to reappear, especially if you forget to use sunscreen.
As mentioned above, treatment of age spots should be carried out after consultation under the supervision of a dermatologist. But to prevent hyperpigmentation, your common sense and regular compliance simple procedures. First, make it a rule not to go outside without sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 30. Remember, when applying several products with SPF, the most effective high factor protection. That is, when using cream with SPF35 and powder with SPF30, the skin protection factor will be 35, not 65. Secondly, try to tan evenly, then it will be more difficult for melanocytes to find the most ultraviolet-treated areas of the skin.
Pigment spots on the skin represent the body’s reaction to the influence of external and internal factors, which consists of increasing the production of melanin. This component makes human skin darker Brown color. The skin becomes dark when melanin is released in large volumes. In a situation where the pigment is imprinted in top layer dermis, he can gain yellow. If the concentration of melanin is located in the epidermis, neoplasms on the facial part appear in the form of a brownish and dark gray spot or several. The causes and treatment of age spots on the face are described in detail in this article.
Pigmentation can occur at any age. The most susceptible to pigmentation are people over 50 years of age, women who can give birth to children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
Causes of age spots on the face
There are many causes of pigmentation that can provoke a failure in melanin production:
The environment and other external irritants are not the last reasons for the formation of age spots on the face.
Most often, spots occur due to prolonged sun exposure of the skin, lack of oxygen, use cosmetics, which contain sulfur and some metals, aggressive procedures, injuries and burns.
It is very easy to notice pigmentation on the body in people with fair skin. The spots stand out against the light background of the skin in the form of dark-colored areas with clear and blurry boundaries of different colors.
A common provoking factor for severe pigmentation on the skin is the influence of sun rays. For every person who is not prone to this kind of spots, melanin will be useful. After all, the most important function of such a substance is to protect the skin from the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Despite the fact that many people like to lie in the bright sun, and the sun's rays give the body vitamin D, it has long been known that the sun's rays can bring great harm health. 
Melanin is designed to protect the skin from the influence of external factors. Human skin is very delicate and in order to prevent the occurrence of any defects, its condition should be monitored. Basically, the pigment spreads evenly, but in people who are susceptible to heavy pigmentation, the entire skin becomes covered with spots. As a result, instead nice tan You end up with unattractive spots on the face and body.
Also, the occurrence of pigmentation is possible due to disturbances in material metabolism:
- diseases of the stomach and intestines. Doctors have long determined that the condition of the skin directly depends on the condition of the digestive system;
- skin contact with various chemical components. Often, the appearance of pigment is caused by the use of certain perfumes and cosmetics, especially when they are used frequently. Most often, a similar effect is achieved by cosmetics that contain essential oils;
- diseases of the kidneys, liver, gall bladder;
- deficiency of vitamin substances in the female body.
In some cases, girls develop age spots during pregnancy. Female body at this moment you are very fragile and you need to take care of yourself.
Changes, causing pigmentation and associated with age are called senile lentigo. This is a collection of small round spots. Speck color 
may vary depending on the human body.
Pigmentation due to age-related changes is associated with a lack of total melanocytes. Every 10 years after crossing the 30-year mark, their number decreases by 8%.
If pigment spots on the face were not caused by cosmetics or the sun, they can be caused by general disorders of the body over a period of time.
It has been established that red spots often appear on the body of those women who have hidden or discovered intestinal diseases. Therefore, it is worth first treating the gastrointestinal tract, and only then getting rid of pigmentation on the body.
In addition to application various masks and drugs to remove pigmentation, you should limit your diet.
Sometimes pigmentation can occur due to eating unhealthy foods, so it is recommended to consult a dermatologist about what in your diet may be triggering the appearance of age spots.
Treatment of age spots on the face at home
If you know that your body is prone to pigmentation, you should try to be less likely to be exposed to the scorching sun without protective equipment. It is necessary to smear the skin with various creams, at any time of the year. IN winter period From time to time, it is also worth protecting the skin from direct sunlight, since during this period it is also possible for spots to appear on the body.
There are many different ways to combat blemishes on the face. folk recipes. The most popular and most effective according to reviews on the Internet are listed below. 
Vegetable and fruit juices
To eliminate pigmentation, it is not always recommended to resort to expensive cosmetics. You can also use grapefruit, lemon, cucumber, and radish juice. To whiten stains in the juice of one of the listed plants, you need to wet a gauze bandage and apply it to the stains for 10 minutes. After this, you need to rinse your face clean water, wipe and apply some moisturizing cream. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening for 10 days. After this, you should take a break for a week.
Yeast
A yeast mask can also help minimize pigmentation instantly. 10 grams of yeast should be diluted with one tablespoon. lemon juice and mix thoroughly, dilute with water to a paste consistency. Apply this mixture to the pigmentation and cover the top with a bandage, hold for 30 minutes. After the procedure, you need to rinse your face with cold water and apply moisturizing cream. The treatment cycle will be 10 days.
Curd
An excellent ally in the fight for clean skin maybe a simple curd mass. The preparation of this mixture is quite simple: 1 tbsp. cottage cheese, 10 drops of ammonia and 5 drops of hydrogen peroxide, mix well and lubricate the spot that appears. The solution should be left for 15 minutes. After this, rinse with water.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice can effectively help eliminate pigment spots. 2 tbsp. fresh juice must be mixed with 2 tbsp. 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply this mixture to a bandage made of natural materials and apply to the affected area. Keep the resulting decoction for 15 minutes. After this procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the skin with boiled water and apply a moisturizer.
Calendula
Calendula is also considered an effective folk remedy, which removes pimples and blackheads. You just need to squeeze the juice of the flowers of this plant and lubricate the skin. To do this, take 1 spoon of calendula juice and 1 spoon each of viburnum and lemon juice. After this, mix the ingredients, rub 
Apply the resulting mixture several times a day to areas of pigmentation.
Mask "Cleopatra"
To make it, you need to mix equal amounts of sour cream, clay, lemon juice and honey. Apply the resulting mask to your face and keep it for about 15-20 minutes, then rinse off first with boiled and then cold water. It is always worth remembering that after the procedure you need to apply a moisturizer to the skin.
Honey mask and fish oil
Another excellent folk remedy is a mask made from honey and fish oil. It is worth taking the components in equal quantities, mixing thoroughly and lubricating the pigment spots. This mask can be intended for any skin. It helps not only get rid of pigmentation, but also smooth the skin, hide wrinkles, and improve complexion.
Quitting smoking not only dramatically affects the formation of pigmentation, but generally improves complexion, making it lighter and healthier. The same applies to alcohol.
You need to include more dairy products, fruits, vegetables, dietary meat and everything rich in vitamins C, A and E into your diet.
Take care of your skin. The use of properly selected creams, lotions, masks and wraps will prolong the health of the skin, its freshness and service additional measure prevention and control in the battle against age spots.
Exfoliate and use scrubs regularly.
Strengthen your immune system with vitamin complexes.
If your mother or grandmother has such a problem, contact a cosmetologist as soon as possible, who will help you do the maximum to avoid the appearance of pigmentation in you.
Radical methods of combating pigmentation
These methods are conventionally divided into 2 large groups: independent use of specialized cosmetics and salon treatments 
bleaching. When choosing any of them, you need to understand two very important points:
- If you do not find the cause of pigmentation and do not neutralize its effect on the body, after removal the spots will return again.
- If you do not first consult with a cosmetologist and do not receive an appointment for an effective procedure specifically in your case, you risk provoking the opposite effect: pigmentation will increase significantly.
Skin whitening with laser is very effective procedure, even if the woman has strong pigmentation. It is performed quickly, and the skin recovers very quickly after it.
However, there are cases of uneven skin lightening. The procedure has virtually no contraindications. Performed in winter.
Phototherapy is a procedure similar in its method of influencing the skin, but not good for women with impaired liver and kidney function, as well as hormonal disorders.
The use of folk remedies with medicines can have a beneficial effect on the skin of the face. Every woman dreams of being the most beautiful and the occurrence of such a defect on the skin can ruin her self-confidence. Before you use folk remedies on your facial skin, be sure to consult your doctor.
You need to pay attention to the fact that each skin lightening procedure should be carried out before bed. This is explained by the fact that immediately after bleaching you need to carefully protect your skin from exposure to sunlight. If you let the sun hit your skin, it can cause the opposite effect - pigmentation will appear even more intense.
Often pigment spots that appear around the age of 30-40 are considered age-related manifestations. But it is not so. These nasty ones brown spots appear as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation on our skin.
The sun's rays stimulate the release of melanin, a natural coloring pigment that is responsible for tanning the skin. Gradually, the connections between epidermal cells are disrupted, and therefore melanin is distributed unevenly. Excess released melanin is more pronounced in certain areas of the skin of the face, neck, and hands.
If a woman abuses artificial tan, lies immoderately on the beach and does not use protective equipment from the sun, then she may develop pigment spots very early. And if a woman after 50, and even much earlier, carefully takes care of her skin, then she will not face such troubles.
In order to get rid of such age spots, you need to use natural natural remedies, they will cope with this problem perfectly. One of these effective means Lemon juice is a natural whitening agent. It contains alpha hydroxy acid. It is included in many products that slow down the aging of our skin. Lemon acid softens dead skin and enhances its ability to regenerate. Over time, excess pigmentation (in particular age spots) turns pale.
Homemade beauty recipes for age spots
1 recipe:
After washing, you need to wipe your face dry and apply a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice to the pigment spot. Soon you will feel a burning sensation - this means the acid has begun to act, the unpleasant tingling sensation will quickly pass. The main thing is to prevent acid from getting into your eyes.
If no signs of irritation appear within 2-3 weeks, carry out the procedure described above 2 times a day, morning and evening. Typically, an improvement in skin color occurs within 6-8 weeks; in some cases, procedures may take up to a year.
Recipe 2: lemon mask. Grate one lemon with zest on a fine plastic grater. Pour half a glass of alcohol and leave for a day in a dark place, shaking occasionally. Then strain the mixture through several layers of gauze. Add a glass of cream or sour cream, one beaten chicken protein and 1 teaspoon of glycerin. Use the mask 2-3 times a week.
Recipe 3: honey mask She is good, prone to pigmentation. Mix 50 g of honey with the juice of one lemon. Soak gauze wipes with the mixture and apply to cleansed face for 15-20 minutes. You can apply this mask 2-3 times a day, and then wash your face warm water. Course - 15-20 masks.
Recipe 4: lemon lotion. Pour a glass of vodka over the grated lemon and zest and leave for two weeks, shaking occasionally. and then strain. Apply to age spots overnight.
Recipe 5: lemon honey lotion. Mix 1 teaspoon each of liquid honey and lemon juice, add 0.5 teaspoon glycerin. Pour half a cup into the mixture mineral water and stir thoroughly. Apply the lotion to cleansed, dry facial skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Helpful advice: citric acid increases sensitivity to sun rays. Therefore, before going out, give lemon juice dry and apply on top. Helps older people avoid excessive pigmentation leather hat with a wide brim and a dress covering the neckline and arms.
Double action cream fluid evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.