Pigment spots are darkened areas of the skin that differ significantly from the color of the surrounding dermis. They are not dangerous, in some cases they appear and go away on their own. But sometimes they indicate diseases of the internal organs, so you should treat them with extreme caution.

Types of pigment spots and features of their occurrence

The shade of a person's skin depends on the level of melanin in the epidermis. Pigment spots are a consequence of accumulations of melanin in the subcutaneous layers. Their color can vary, ranging from light yellow to brown.

Cosmetologists distinguish the following types of age spots:

• freckles - accumulations of melanin in the outer layer of the epidermis;
• moles are deposits of melanin in the deep layers of the skin;
• lentigo - benign spots that are typical for older people;
• chloasma - hyperpigmentation on the face.

Freckles are common in people with fair skin. Most often they appear after long exposure to the sun. We have had moles since birth; they do not cause any discomfort. The last two types are acquired pigmentation, which often affects the face and neck area.

The causes of facial pigmentation in women can be different.

And since these areas of the body are always visible, for many women pigmentation is a real problem, because it does not look aesthetically pleasing and can be a symptom of a disease. To understand how to deal with pigmentation, it is worth understanding the reasons why it appears on the face.

Dermatologists highlight a list of the main causes of pigmentation on the skin of the face and neck in women.

Heredity

This factor ensures the transmission of pigmentation from parents to children. Spots can even appear in newborns. In this case, it is better not to remove them, but to wait until the child grows up.

It is difficult to fight hereditary pigmentation, for this cosmetic procedures will be needed. You can use laser resurfacing. Using a laser, the upper layers of the epidermis, which contain pigment, are heated.

Before dealing with the occurrence of spots and whitening the skin, it is necessary to know exactly the type of pigmentation and find out the reasons so that the treatment of facial skin, especially the delicate skin of women, is correct, fast and effective.

Basically, it just gets burned. As a result of exposure, the skin darkens and a crust forms. After 5 days everything returns to normal.

This procedure can be dangerous for tanned skin, for people with cancer or heart disease, and for pregnant women. It is best to consult with experienced cosmetologist before laser resurfacing.

Hormonal problems

Women are subject to hormonal changes at different periods of life: during puberty, during pregnancy, during menopause. Even menstruation causes a surge in hormones that can lead to changes in the skin.

Causes of facial pigmentation in women include problems with the thyroid gland. Usually the spots have an irregular shape. Doctors do not recommend treating them folk ways or cosmetic procedures.

In this case, it is better to eliminate the underlying disease, then the complexion will recover on its own.

Gynecological diseases

Diseases of the pelvic organs can cause hormonal imbalances in women, which provokes changes in the skin. This is not always the reason why spots appear; the skin type may simply change.

If you have spots on your face, this is a reason to visit a gynecologist, check your hormones, take tests and do an ultrasound. In girls, even the first menstruation can provoke such a reaction. In mature women, this is usually associated with illness.

To get rid of stains, you must find and eliminate the disease. Additionally, you can make masks with lemon juice, it brightens the complexion. Cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peeling, will also help you.. It will remove the top layer of the epidermis, as a result the cells will be renewed and the face will shine in a new way.

Some girls use creams with mercury. This aggressive substance fights epidermal pigments. But they cannot be used for a long time, since mercury affects all cells of the body. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is prohibited.

Digestive diseases

The causes of pigmentation on the face in women often lie in diseases of the intestines, stomach, liver or gall bladder. Appearance the skin directly depends on proper functioning digestive tract. Therefore, illnesses and ailments are immediately reflected on the face.

You should visit a gastroenterologist if you have stomach pain. He will conduct the necessary research and identify diseases. Remember that some diseases may not manifest themselves, but occur in a latent form.

Additionally, you can use creams for age spots. NANNIC Elure is considered one of the most effective. This is a Belgian cream, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by dermatologists and cosmetologists.

The active ingredient is a tree fungus extract. You need to apply it every day at night. The result will be noticeable in a month. This product costs from 2500 rubles.

Skin diseases

Diseases and damage to the skin can lead to changes in color.

Causes of pigmentation:

• acne, blackheads in women;
• complications during cosmetic procedures on the face;
• boils;
• burns.

To get rid of stains, you cannot use local treatment. It is necessary to carry out complex procedures that will cure the cause, then the spots will go away on their own.

For example, To cure acne, it is recommended to apply the topical medications “Differin” or “Klenzit”.

After just 1-2 months, the number of acne decreases and sebum production normalizes. After this, you can use anti-pigmentation creams: Vichy Idealia PRO, Lakshma MAXXI or Isis Pharma.

All of them are sold in pharmacies and cost 1400-1800 rubles. The creams have a light texture and are quickly absorbed. They normalize the amount of melanin, and after a month the spots lighten.

Lack of vitamins

The female body can react to a lack of vitamins in this way. In this case, spots on the face can be cured with the help of juices. You can use them to make compresses. A bandage or gauze should be soaked in juice and applied to the stains.

Keep the compress for 10 minutes. It is recommended to do this procedure twice a day for 14 days.

Juices	Causes of facial pigmentation in women
Grapefruit	Lack of vitamins A, C, B2
Lemon	Lack of vitamins C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9
Radish	Lack of vitamins A, C
Cucumber	Lack of vitamins C, PP, B

Another way to use lemon juice is as follows: you need to mix lemon juice with hydrogen peroxide in equal parts. Soak a bandage in the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse warm water and lubricate your face with moisturizer.

Even if you don't express anxiety overtly, it can cause hormonal changes and skin disease.

Often spots on the face appear due to a lack of vitamin C. To replenish it, you can carry out cosmetic procedures and consume it internally. Drink fruit juices and eat foods that contain this element.

If you notice these symptoms, see your doctor for treatment. Additionally, use lightening creams. In this case, Uriage emulsion will be effective. It exfoliates the upper layers of the dermis, reducing the size and intensity of age spots. You need to apply it every day for a month. It costs 1800 rubles at the pharmacy.

Allergy

Most often, pigmentation on the face is a consequence of the use of low-quality cosmetics. With frequent application of decorative cosmetics and perfumes, spots, redness, and allergies may appear.

This reaction is especially often observed with products containing essential oils. For the allergy to disappear, you should identify the main allergen and stop using cosmetics.

Some medications are also capable of causing such a reaction. It is best to stop using them and consult a doctor who will prescribe you a replacement medication.

If you suffer from severe allergies, it is best not to use cosmetics or beauty treatments to lighten your skin. They can only worsen the condition. Just eliminate the allergen and the stains will go away on their own.

Age-related changes

Senile lentigo is an age-related dark spots which appear in older people, especially women. The amount of melanin decreases with age, after 30 years this becomes especially noticeable.

With the onset of menopause this is complemented hormonal changes Therefore, the complexion also changes.

With age, the epidermis loses its ability to quickly regenerate cells and is impaired water balance. Because of this, the skin loses its former elasticity, firmness, becomes dry, and pigmentation of certain areas of the skin appears.

Creams, serums and masks that have medicinal properties due to the presence of vitamins, microelements and other substances beneficial to the skin.

Among the most popular medicinal creams are the Belgian cream Elure, the American cream Lakshma MAXXI, French cream Uriage, as well as inexpensive face creams with a brightening effect. Belarusian brands “Snow White” and Vitex are considered effective.

They can be purchased in departments Belarusian cosmetics, which are in every city. Prices start from 200 rubles.

To refresh and even out it, you can use creams and homemade masks. It is best to do it 2 times a week until symptoms disappear.

From age-related pigmentation The following mask recipes will be effective:

1. Mix lemon juice with starch to a thick consistency. Apply on face for 15 minutes, rinse with cool water.
2. Grate the cucumber and mix it with oatmeal. Apply to skin for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water.
3. Make a puree from the tomato pulp and mix it with flour. Apply to face, rinse after 15 minutes.

The line of cosmetics includes a scrub, facial wash, day and night cream. It is enough to choose one product and use it every day.

Ultraviolet radiation

Melanin is necessary for our body to protect against ultraviolet radiation. Basically, it is distributed evenly throughout the skin. But due to long exposure to the sun, small accumulations of pigment may appear.

The most common type of pigmentation is freckles. They are not dangerous to humans, but some girls try to get rid of them to improve their appearance.

To remove such spots, homemade masks that lighten the skin are suitable. For example, it is useful to apply sour cream or cream on your face to brighten it. Or make this mask: chop parsley, mix it with honey and lemon juice. Apply to face, rinse after 15 minutes.

Helpful advice! Remember that the sun does not only cause pigmentation on the face of women. It is one of the causes of skin cancer. People with fair skin and numerous moles are especially susceptible to it.

To protect against photoaging and ultraviolet radiation, use Lierac Sunific Extreme cream. It contains solar filters that protect the skin. An additional effect of the cream is to lighten age spots. Produced in France, costs 1,500 rubles.

Stress

Mental illness, nervous tension and stress can also cause pigmentation. In women, their state of mind and emotions are immediately displayed on their face. Even if you don't express anxiety overtly, it can cause hormonal changes and skin disease.

In this case It is recommended to eliminate the cause of stress and normalize your state of mind. It is useful to drink soothing teas, surround yourself with pleasant things, and do things that bring you pleasure. When peace of mind comes, many illnesses will go away on their own.

To quickly get rid of age spots, you can apply Achromin cream. It is allowed to be used even during pregnancy. Helps get rid of hyperpigmentation, protects skin from ultraviolet radiation, gives lasting effect. Costs from 120 rubles.

Tuberculosis

Skin tuberculosis is a lesion of the epidermis that is caused by the tubercle bacillus. Most often, it develops in parallel with tuberculosis of internal organs and spreads throughout the body through the lymph or blood.

As a result of the lesion, red rashes appear, which lead to pigmentation disorders. In this case, cosmetic procedures will not help; it is necessary to treat the disease and fight the pathogen.

Age spots are not dangerous, but they are an indicator of a malfunction in the body. To get rid of them, you need to understand the cause and eliminate it. Additionally, you can use homemade masks and cosmetic treatments to whiten your skin.

How to get rid of age spots at home

The appearance of pigmentation on the skin may indicate age-related changes, excessive and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on the skin. This phenomenon is often observed during pregnancy, as well as a lack of vitamins and due to hormonal disorders.

But despite the causes of pigmentation (light areas on the skin and dark areas), you can fight it at home on your own. Of course, not excluding visiting a dermatologist.

Age spots can be treated in the following ways(under the supervision and recommendation of the attending physician):

The above procedures are effective, but not cheap. Eliminating pigmentation, of course, is better to start with finding the cause.

But You can achieve results, albeit temporary, using traditional methods:

It is important to remember that getting rid of pigmentation at home will give desired result with regular rather than one-time use. After finding out the real reasons for the appearance of age spots, it becomes much easier to get rid of them on whatever areas of the body they are located: on the face, neck, décolleté or hands.

Women prone to pigmentation in spring and summer should take preventive measures, such as taking extra vitamin C, diversifying your diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, and using cosmetics made from natural ingredients which protects against sun rays.

Take care of yourself and be healthy!

Inna Raskin, cosmetics consultant, talks about the causes of pigmentation:

What to do with age spots on the face of women:

The problem of age spots on the face is faced by a large number of of people. Their appearance can be influenced by a variety of factors: hormonal changes, malfunctions of internal organs, the harmful effects of ultraviolet sunlight and much more. Also, pigmentation on the face can be congenital - the so-called birthmarks and vitiligo. It is important to know how to deal with this problem and, if possible, prevent its occurrence in the future.

What is skin pigmentation on the face

The word pigmentation comes from the Latin pigmentum - paint. - this is the appearance of spots that differ from the main color of the skin in some areas. When there is an excess of melanin on the face, dark spots- hypermelanosis, with a lack of pigment or its absence, spots form white- hypomelanosis. The appearance of pigmentation can indicate both serious diseases and minor local lesions of the skin.

Types of pigmentation

Age spots can be round, oval or irregular in shape. Their size and color vary depending on the species. Let's look at a photo of pigmentation on the face, its causes and treatment:

• Vitiligo. With this type of pigmentation, areas of the skin are covered with white spots. This is due to a disruption in the production of melanin. The sizes can be very diverse: ranging from pinpoint and minor localization to large discolored areas of the skin. The disease is transmitted hereditarily. Vitiligo is hereditary
• Melasma. Their appearance is associated with diseases of the liver and other organs. They are divided into epidermal, dermal and mixed depending on the depth of location of the excess amount of pigment.
  The appearance of melasma is associated with disruption of the functioning of internal organs
• Chloasma. Appear between the ages of 20 and 50, spots of irregular shape, dark brown and dark yellow. Often found in pregnant women due to changes in the body's hormonal system, especially in the second half of pregnancy. Their appearance may also indicate diseases of the female genital organs and malfunctions of the hormonal system, and in men, a decrease in testosterone levels.
  The appearance of chloasma indicates a hormonal imbalance in the body.
• Lentigo. It is characterized by the appearance of oval or round spots ranging in size from a few millimeters to two to three centimeters in diameter. The color can range from light brown to black. Lentigo is divided into juvenile and senile, the first occurs in adolescents, the second in older people.
  Senile lentigo appears in older people
• Freckles, ephelides. Spots up to 0.4 millimeters in size with clearly defined boundaries, their number increases in the warm season under the influence of sunlight. Most often, red-haired people and blondes have freckled facial skin.
  The number of freckles increases with exposure to sunlight
• Broca's pigmented perioral dermatosis. Appears in women aged 30–40 years, and may indicate ovarian dysfunction or a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. Stains various shades yellow and brown colors localized in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle.
  Broca's pigmentary dermatosis indicates a disorder of the ovaries or gastrointestinal tract
• Birthmarks. Congenital hyperpigmented areas on the skin. They can come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. If desired, stains can be removed using cosmetic procedures upon reaching the age required for them.

Congenital birthmarks can be removed through cosmetic procedures

Causes of skin pigmentation on the face: why it appears

The occurrence of facial skin pigmentation can be influenced by a variety of reasons:

• lack of vitamins and minerals (B12, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, etc.);
• deterioration of blood circulation;
• disruptions in the hormonal system;
• disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• dysfunction of the liver, kidneys, gall bladder;
• metabolic disorders due to malfunction intestines;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• harmful effects of ultraviolet rays;
• negative impact of cosmetic procedures;
• allergic reaction to cosmetical tools or food;
• age-related changes;
• hereditary predisposition.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

Skin pigmentation on the face can be either a signal of serious illness or simply be a residual effect from excessive intake. sunbathing. First of all, it is important to correctly identify the cause of pigmentation by contacting a highly qualified specialist, and self-medication is not recommended in order to avoid worsening the situation. The symptoms are especially dangerous if the spots begin to change shape and grow in size, thicken and become darker or brighter in color, and unpleasant pain or tingling occurs in the area where they appear. In this case, going to the doctor should not be postponed under any circumstances.

Treatment of skin pigmentation on the face

Thanks to the development of modern technologies, a large number of effective cosmetic procedures have appeared for. There is also a rich assortment of various pharmaceutical drugs. And, of course, do not forget about time-tested folk recipes. The choice of treatment method and its effectiveness will depend on the specific type of pigmentation.

Table: pharmaceutical products for pigmentation therapy

Name	Effect of the drug	average cost
This drug contains vitamins A and E, which improve metabolic processes.	96 rubles.
Vitamin B9, which is part of folic acid, has a beneficial effect on the skin and helps in the fight against pigmentation.	71 rubles.
The drug contains ascorbic acid, rutin and other biologically active ingredients, which contribute to the normalization of the processes of melagonesis.	78 rubles.
This drug prevents excessive melanin production and helps fade hyperpigmented areas of the skin, but it differs high level toxic and has many contraindications.	from 50 to 1000 rubles, depending on the drug that contains this component.
This product contains azelaic acid, it normalizes the level of melanin production, and is available in the form of a cream or gel.	684 rubles.
Normalizes the structure of the skin, improves complexion, helps in the fight against hyperpigmentation.	100 rubles.
Glycolic, ascorbic, salicylic acid, included in the cream, regulate the production of melanin, eliminate existing pigment spots and prevent the appearance of new ones.	1197 rubles.
Retinol	Helps normalize the processes of melagonesis, evens out complexion.	30 rubles.

Photo gallery: pharmaceutical drugs used to treat pigmentation on the face

Vitamins A and E improve metabolism, thereby having a beneficial effect on the skin
Ascorbic acid and rutin help normalize the processes of melagonesis. Folic acid has a beneficial effect on the skin and helps in the fight against pigmentation.
Hydroquinone, which is part of the Expigment cream, promotes the disappearance of pigmentation
Mumiyo improves complexion, helps fight pigmentation Retinol helps normalize the processes of melagonesis Neoton cream eliminates pigment spots and prevents the appearance of new ones
Azelaic acid, which is part of the Skinoren gel, normalizes the level of melanin production

To treat certain types of pigmentation at home, they are often used. folk remedies. With regular use, you can notice an improvement after just a few treatments. In this case, it is important to remember that the prepared mixture must be applied to the treated area pointwise using a makeup brush or a cotton swab.

Table: treatment of skin pigmentation on the face using folk remedies

Means	Ingredients	Method of preparation and use
Cucumber-lemon mask	pulp of one medium-sized cucumber; 5 ml lemon juice; a tablespoon of potato starch.	Potato starch together with lemon juice and cucumber will help lighten age spots. Mix all the components of the mask, apply to the face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Parsley mask	a bunch of parsley; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey.	The benefits of parsley are due to the high content of vitamin C and beta-carotene; with regular use of a mask with this component, age spots will become noticeably lighter. Grind the parsley in a blender and add the rest of the ingredients. Apply to facial skin for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Celandine oil cream	1 teaspoon of celandine oil; 2 teaspoons night cream.	Celandine oil is highly effective in combating pigmentation. Mix the ingredients and apply overnight without rinsing off. Each time you need to mix the components again, the mixture cannot be stored.
Sour cream and lemon mask	1 teaspoon sour cream; 1 teaspoon lemon juice.	Lemon juice and fermented milk products are also good helpers in the fight against age spots. To prepare the mask, mix all the ingredients and apply to the skin of the face. After 20 minutes, wash off the mixture, then moisturize your face with cream.
Yeast mask	25 grams of yeast; a teaspoon of lemon juice; a tablespoon of high-fat milk.	Yeast is rich in mineral elements that will help in the fight against hyperpigmentation of the skin. Mix all components, apply the resulting mixture to the skin for 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.
White clay mask	a tablespoon of white clay; a teaspoon of lemon juice; small cucumber.	White clay has good whitening properties, so a mask based on it will be effective in combating pigmentation. First of all, grind the cucumber in a blender, then add clay and lemon juice to the mixture. Apply the components to the skin of the face and wash off after 15 minutes. This mask can be done 2 times a week in a course of 10–12 procedures.

Photo gallery: folk remedies used in the fight against pigmentation

Cucumber juice brightens skin Lemon juice helps fight age spots
Vitamin C and beta-carotene found in parsley help lighten dark spots
Fermented milk products are good helpers in the fight against age spots Yeast is rich in mineral elements that will help in the fight against hyperpigmentation Celandine oil is highly effective in the fight against pigmentation White clay has good whitening properties

Table: treatment of skin pigmentation on the face using cosmetic procedures

Procedure	Technology	average cost
Mesotherapy	The procedure involves injecting special medications under the skin of the face that help prevent the appearance of age spots. To choosing what you need medicine a specialist approaches each case individually. It is best to use this method as a prevention of pigmentation. It is recommended to do mesotherapy once a week for about three months.	from 5,000 to 18,000 rubles (depending on the type of drug).
Microdermabrasion	The technique consists of exfoliating the upper layer of the epidermis using abrasive microparticles. This process stimulates skin renewal, eliminates pigmentation, and improves blood circulation. There are 2 types of microdermabrasion: crystal and diamond. In the first case, aluminum dioxide crystals are used as an abrasive material. In the second case, a device is used, the tip of which is coated with diamond dust. This type of procedure is more gentle and practically does not cause complications.	from 3000 rubles.
Phototherapy	This method helps get rid of unwanted pigmentation due to its effect on the skin ultraviolet radiation. There are practically no painful sensations during the procedure, only a slight tingling sensation and warmth. For achievement best effect It is necessary to undergo a course of treatment consisting of three procedures at intervals of a month. These indicators may vary at the discretion of the cosmetologist depending on the intermediate result.	from 3000 rubles
Fractional laser resurfacing	The method involves exposing an area of ​​skin to a laser beam. This process is not complete without local anesthesia. For this type of procedure, two types of laser are most often used: carbon dioxide and erbium. In the second case, the recovery process lasts twice as long. It is not recommended to perform laser resurfacing in spring-summer period When solar activity is increased, cold seasons are preferred. If it is not possible to postpone the course of treatment, then you need to carefully protect the treated facial skin from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.	from 8,000 rubles (depending on the area of ​​the skin surface being treated).
Chemical peeling	The procedure is carried out using special preparations with fruit, kojic, glycolic or any other acids. A competent specialist will choose the most appropriate drug for a particular case at his own discretion. To achieve the result, you will need from 4 to 10 procedures (depending on individual characteristics and type of pigmentation), the interval is 1 week.	from 3,000 to 11,000 rubles (the cost varies depending on the type of drug).

Video: treatment of birthmarks with laser

Diet as an auxiliary method of combating pigmentation

Proper nutrition is of enormous importance in the fight against age spots. No wonder there is a saying: “We are what we eat.” It is important to eat foods enriched with microelements such as iron, magnesium, sulfur, and copper. You need to eat more vegetables, fruits, herbs, as well as eggs, liver, beef, legumes, cheese, fish and other seafood. It is advisable to avoid eating large quantities of flour, sweet, and fried foods.

Iron-rich foods must be consumed to combat skin pigmentation

Prevention of skin pigmentation on the face: practical recommendations

To prevent the appearance of pigment spots resulting from the negative effects of sunlight, you need to monitor the characteristics of your phenotype.

People with fair skin, white and red hair need to minimize exposure to the sun, as they are most prone to the formation of burns and subsequent pigmentation of the damaged skin.

When sunbathing, it is advisable to use protective cosmetics. When choosing a cream or lotion, it is important to pay attention to the level of SPF (solar protective factor): for owners dark skin this value may be lower, and for fair-skinned people it is better to choose products with a higher value.

The choice of cosmetic product with the required SPF value directly depends on your skin type

I live in a small resort seaside town. Once, when I was a teenager, I went to the beach with my friends. It was the middle of summer, hot, the sun was shining brightly (it is important to note here that I have very fair skin). We spent the entire period from 12.00 to 15.00 under the scorching sun: laughing, playing ball, swimming races, in general, the time flew by. It was only on the way back that I noticed that my skin had turned red. Arriving home, after some time, I began to feel an unpleasant burning sensation, especially in the areas of my face, shoulders, arms and legs. By evening, the body temperature rose to 38°C, the legs began to swell, and the skin became covered with small transparent blisters. It’s difficult to convey how frightened my mother felt. She immediately accepted necessary measures, I bought sunburn ointment at the pharmacy. After a few days, the redness and swelling subsided. Years later, I had already forgotten about this incident, when suddenly one day while taking a shower, I discovered several spots on my face and shoulder area dark color. Unfortunately, the sunburn was not in vain for me. This unpleasant incident served as a good lesson for me. Since then, I have always tried to monitor my time in the sun.

Good afternoon, dear ladies! Today it is a sunny, spring day outside my window. I just want to go outside and expose my body, pale after winter, to him. For example, this does not threaten me in any way - my skin is dark in itself and I can spend 30-40 minutes under the spring sun without damaging it. But not every woman can afford it. Right? Yes?! I think many people will agree with me.

Why? Oooh, this has several consequences. But today I want to talk about only one of them - age spots. And to be even more precise, about why age spots appear on the skin.

Perhaps I’ll start my article with definitions and what various textbooks and dictionaries say about this.

Lexicon

It turns out that this topic was also covered at school, but, like your humble servant, many no longer remember it. So I allowed myself to delve into school textbooks. So, according to the biology course, the body of every person contains melanin, in other words, a natural pigment. It is he who is responsible for the color of our skin.

If its production or distribution is disrupted, age spots appear on the body. They can be either brown shades, or vice versa, much lighter than skin tone. Right now I'm more interested in excess pigmentation, so that's where I'll start.

There are so many of them...

Freckles

Small pigment spots that appear on areas of the skin unprotected by clothing. Small, round in shape, light brown in color. This is a protective reaction of skin cells to the sun's rays. Freckles mainly please people with fair skin. They are not a disease or cosmetic defect. But still, the female half of the population is trying to get rid of them.

Birthmarks

They are moles, they are nevi. The shape and size may vary. The color is usually light brown to dark brown. Everyone has them and, once they appear, they remain for life.

Moles are benign formations, and in this condition they do not pose a danger. But if a mole suddenly begins to change in size, color, or structure, then these may be signs of a malignant tumor - melanoma. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Chloasma

It has a smooth surface and smooth outlines. The color is yellowish-brown or dark brown. Usually appear in groups. They mainly affect young women, in whom they occur on the forehead, cheeks, temples, and above the upper lip.

Lentigo

Spots with clearly defined edges. The shape is usually round. Color yellow-brown. These are also benign formations that do not pose a health hazard. There are juvenile, senile and solar lentigo.

Vitiligo

These are white spots. May be single or multiple. They tend to merge, forming large spots. They are most often located on the neck, face, arms and legs, as well as in the groin and armpits.

It happens that the skin of the entire body cannot produce melanin, and this is called albinism.

So you got acquainted with the main types. Of course this is not full list. But if you are interested, I will pay more attention to this in another article of mine sometime. Now let’s take a closer look at the reasons for the appearance of such coloring on the skin.

Causes

main reason

This, of course, is that everything flows and everything changes. With age, many things in the body begin to work differently. And changes in melanin production are no exception; the body can no longer distribute it evenly, hence the problem. However, this is not always the case. There are many other factors that affect pigmentation.

Heredity

This is the most harmless reason. Freckles are usually hereditary. Albinism can also be included here. In general, the very ability to produce our treasured “ingredient” is initially inherent in genes. You're not surprised that a fair-haired mother gives birth to a fair-haired daughter, are you? That's the same!

Hormonal changes

The most common reason is hormonal changes in the body. When do hormonal surges occur in a woman’s body? So that you, dear ladies, can take note of this information, I have compiled a list:

• during pregnancy;
• during menopause;
• while taking hormonal contraceptives;
• during puberty.

How to get rid of them? Don't worry too much. Disturbances in melanin production resulting from changes in hormonal levels, usually go away as soon as it levels out.

After pregnancy, they may remain on the skin for some time, but usually disappear after childbirth. If the cause is contraceptives, you should consult a gynecologist and change them. Pigmentation that occurs in adolescence, also usually goes away on its own, but if it worries a teenager, you can see a doctor to get it out.

With age

This includes photoaging. These are age spots that arise from constant exposure of the skin to sunlight throughout life. In addition, they may even begin to peel off.

In old age, such pigmentation is called “senile ripples” and occurs in both women and men. Typically, freckles on the face turn into lentigo with age. The hands and décolleté area are also affected, and may appear under the eyes.

In the sun

Another reason is exposure of the skin to sunlight. These may be spots that appear immediately at the moment of saturation with cells solar radiation, there is also a delayed effect - “beauty” comes out in the morning next day or even later.

The sun's rays affect the level of melatonin, its synthesis increases, and as a result, age spots appear. Again, these are freckles that lose their intense color in winter, when the activity of the sun's rays is minimal. And yet, I hasten to “make you happy” - freckles form not only after natural tanning, but also from solarium.

Disease

Sometimes age spots are a consequence of diseases of the internal organs. You didn't know? I guessed, but detailed list diseases in which there is a high possibility of developing skin hyperpigmentation, I “calculated” only when preparing this article:

• Intestinal dysfunction. Reddish spots appear.
• Impaired liver or gallbladder function. The spots are brown.
• Kidney diseases. Color – yellowish-brown.
• Inflammation of the genitourinary system, including sexually transmitted diseases.

These spots are treated in conjunction with the affected organ. And, as a rule, they go away with intensive and proper treatment.

Reasons for our time

The life of each of us is quite nervous. Therefore, the main causes of pigmentation disorders can be confidently named:

• Stress
• Nervous disorders
• Neuroses
• Mental illness

Here, to the reasons of our time, I will confidently add:

• Alcohol and smoking abuse
• Lack of vitamins. Including due to eating unhealthy foods
• Absence healthy image life
• Taking antibiotics

I will list the remaining causes in a general list. They are not that common, but you should still know about them.

• Allergic reactions to cosmetics, especially face creams and skin cleansers.
• Skin injuries. Including removing pimples and blackheads at home.
• Exposure of the skin to harmful chemical substances, for example, tetracycline, sulfonamides, quinine. They mainly occur in people working in industries where these substances are involved.

Let's go back to the beginning

And now I would like to ask you: why do you think I suddenly asked myself such a question? I’ve never had freckles, but suddenly there’s such attention to the pigment? “And the casket just opened” - although I had never had freckles, I discovered something incomprehensible on my hands. Now I understand that my find is nothing more than senile (brrrr, let’s say age-related) lentigo. No matter how you argue with age, he will take his toll, as they say - if we don’t wash it, we will ride it. Or maybe it’s still sunny?

How to remove these and other forms of pigmentation, you ask. There are many ways to do this. I suggest we talk about this next time, because this is a rather broad and important topic that should be devoted to separate material. In the meantime, I’ll work hard on, and on.

With this I say goodbye to you, dear ladies. Don't forget to subscribe to updates and tell your friends about the blog. Be healthy and happy. Until next time...

Even the sun has spots. But this is unlikely to reassure you when your skin acquires such a flaw. With the arrival of spring, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the problem worsens even more. Pigment spots on the face and body are associated with impaired production of melanin (coloring pigment). What to do: stock up on foundation or run to the doctor? Together with boOmbate, let's understand the reasons for the formation of age spots and ways to combat them!

What is a pigment spot?

This cosmetic defect, the appearance on the skin of oval, flat spots from light brown to dark brown as a result of age-related changes, insolation, hormonal imbalance and a number of other reasons. In scientific terms, this is hyperpigmentation (increased concentration of pigments), excessive coloring of certain areas of the skin.

Our skin produces pigments: melanin, melanoid, carotene, reduced hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin. These 5 components are responsible for the color of the skin. Melanin plays the main role here - it protects against harmful UV rays. There are cases of its increased synthesis, which leads to the formation of hypermelanosis - the so-called pigment spots. They can be congenital or acquired. Often accompanied by roughening of the skin, increased visibility of blood vessels, dryness and wrinkles.

The main reasons why age spots appear:

• prolonged exposure to active sunlight - ultraviolet radiation promotes increased melanin production;
• frequent stress, nervous and mental disorders;
• heredity;
• irregularities in work thyroid gland;
• liver and gallbladder diseases;
• problems in the field of gynecology;
• pregnancy (in most cases, you don’t have to put up with such age spots for a long time - they disappear soon after childbirth);
• lack of vitamin C;
• imbalance of hormones associated with taking hormonal drugs (oral contraceptives, antimicrobial agents, cytostatics);
• skin diseases, burns and damage to the integument;
• use of a number of cosmetics.

Varieties

Age spots can be divided into several types:

• Brown (melasma, chloasma). They appear during menopause in women, as well as during pregnancy. Associated with impaired melanin production.

• White and red pigment manifestations. They can mainly appear after suffering red lichen, mostly in women aged 40 to 60 years.

• Pink pigment spots. A common cause of such spots is pityriasis rosea. Manifests itself in the form of scaly rashes.

6 main types of age spots:

• Lentigo. As a rule, these are brown or dark brown spots that protrude slightly above the skin. Have an oval or round shape ranging in size from a small dot to a small coin. Among them are solar lentigo and age-related (senile). Solar lentigo appears as a result of long exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Mostly young people who spend hours under the scorching sun on the beach are susceptible to such spots. Another category cosmetology clinics Those who deal with this problem are solarium lovers. Localization: such pigment spots can be seen on the shoulders, chest, hands and neck. Senile lentigo appears in old age (sometimes after 40 years), it is often called “senile ripples” or senile keratomas. Their appearance is mainly due to a slowdown in metabolism. Against the background of hormonal changes during menopause, there is a sharp increase in the number and intensity of age spots. Localization: such pigment spots can be seen on the forearms, face, décolleté, and upper back. They are very difficult to decoratively disguise. In the case of lentigo, mechanical and chemical peels help, exfoliating the upper layer of the epidermis.

• Freckles (ephelids)- pigment spots on the arms, face and chest with clearly defined boundaries. It's special current problem in people with very fair skin, blondes and redheads. This type of age spots has a hereditary factor and depends on the time of year: in autumn and winter, when the sun is a rare occurrence, freckles are hardly noticeable, and in spring and summer the intensity of their color increases, as does the number of freckles themselves. The size and shade of freckles can vary: from large brown to light-colored, barely noticeable. The first freckles may appear at the age of 4-6, and after 30, the number of such elements on the skin decreases sharply. The danger of such age spots is very low: freckles do not pose a threat to the body, and many girls do not consider them a cosmetic defect at all, but even, on the contrary, an adornment. But if freckles still become the cause of your psychological discomfort, it doesn’t matter. They can be discolored using whitening creams, and a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF filter will prevent them from appearing in the sun (read how to choose SPF protection here). Such age spots can be erased using chemical (fruit or lactic acid) and Hollywood peeling, since their depth is minimal.

• Chloasma. These are the largest pigment spots on a large area of ​​the skin. Most often they are the result of a hormonal imbalance in the body (at the beginning of the menstrual cycle, menopause, taking hormones or oral contraceptives). Mostly appear on the face of young women. Chloasma is characterized by an irregular outline and a tendency to merge into one large spot of an intricate shape. Sometimes such pigmentation can affect the skin of the ears and neck, and insolation only aggravates the situation - prolonged exposure to the sun leads to an increase in the scale of the problem. Prolonged use can also provoke the formation of age spots and intensify their manifestations. aromatic oils and hormone-containing local drugs. After their cancellation, chloasma, as a rule, disappears on its own.

• Nevi- moles or so-called birthmarks, which are accumulations of melanocytes filled with melanin. This is the most common type of pigmentation and is distinguished by its black or yellowish-brown color. Moles can be either convex or smooth and have defined edges. Nevi appear for the same reason - as a result of uneven distribution of melanin. Every person has a small number of moles, including congenital ones. But if there is a tendency towards their growth or painful sensations, then you should pay attention to this. A pigment spot can degenerate into a malignant neoplasm - melanoma. Inflammation, changes in shape and color, pain and superficial ulcers may indicate this process.

• Post-acne. These are nothing more than pigment spots that remain in the place of former acne and inflammatory skin processes. Most often, post-acne torments young people suffering from acne. Acne marks go away on their own long time. But if the problem does not solve itself, then it can be dealt with using cosmetic procedures.

• Skin hypopigmentation. These include vitiligo and albinism, in which melantocytes are completely or partially absent from the skin (i.e., it becomes discolored). These are rare pathological skin conditions that are very difficult to treat. The phenomena are still poorly understood and their causes are not known for certain. This type of pigment spots has hypersensitivity to the sun - hypopigmented skin should be hidden from ultraviolet radiation, as there is a high risk of burns and the development of oncological processes.

Modern methods of treating age spots and methods for their discoloration

Before contacting a cosmetologist and bleaching, you should check the pigmentation for its quality with a doctor. Special attention It is worth paying attention to spots with a tendency to grow and painful sensations. And only if indicated, skin imperfections can be corrected. For this, advanced procedures are used that are provided by clinics and beauty salons:

• Laser skin resurfacing. The laser removes the top layer of skin painlessly, acting locally on pigmented areas. The beam destroys melanin, causing the problem area to become lighter. After a few days, the skin peels off, leaving behind a layer of normal color.

• Peelings. Chemical peeling based on fruit acids, such as almond, has an excellent effect against age spots. In addition to the exfoliating effect fruit acids They also have a regenerating effect. Unlike laser technologies, peelings are much cheaper, but give a less pronounced effect.

Pigment spots can appear on any part of the body, regardless of age and health status. The reasons for such changes may be taking various medications, hormonal surges, or a reaction to certain cosmetics.

Such spots can have different shapes and be colored in darker or lighter shades compared to the basic skin tone. Before you decide to delete this cosmetic features, you need to consult with doctors, in particular a gynecologist and endocrinologist, and at the same time find out what causes age spots.

Deviation from the norm can be noticed both in adulthood in the period from 30-45 years, and in older age. It happens that similar phenomena pass on their own, but, as a rule, certain treatment measures are required.

Such formations on the skin are the result of the accumulation of melanin, which is present in the body of all people. It is located in the epidermis - the layer closest to the surface of the skin.

When the pigment accumulates, moles, birthmarks and freckles are formed in some areas in light yellowish shades or dark brown. Such spots on the skin cause certain inconvenience, for example, when applying makeup to the face.

The deeper the area of ​​their formation, the more saturated the color.

The main reasons for the appearance of age spots are:

• severe acne and pimples;
• receiving facial injuries. Spots may appear as a result of burns due to the use of any cosmetics or heat exposure;
• furunculosis;
• complication of chemical peeling.

What causes age spots on hands?

Pigment spots appear due to age. This occurs when a person reaches the age of 50 years and older, due to hormonal changes that occur. At a younger age, increased pigmentation may be associated with the course of chronic diseases.

Also, the causes of hand pigmentation are mental disorders, stress, anxiety and nervous breakdowns. Frequent aggression and outbursts of anger can also lead to increased levels of pigment in certain areas of the arms and hands.

The emergence of problems from the nervous system provokes a disturbance in the body’s hormonal system and leads to problems with metabolism and metabolic rate. In this regard, the amount of melanin increases.

Frequent skin bleaching may cause spots to appear.

What causes age spots on legs?

There are various factors that influence the pigmentation of the skin of the legs.

Among them the main ones are:

• Chronic diseases of the endocrine system, liver, adrenal glands.
• Hormonal imbalances leading to an imbalance in pigment metabolism and the appearance of spots.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun, which provokes activation of skin aging. On initial stages this is expressed in the appearance of light spots.
• Disturbance in the circulatory system, for example, in the presence of varicose veins.

If there is slight pigmentation on the legs, the factors that could lead to their appearance could be:

• poor circulation due to tight shoes and clothing;
• frequent leg injuries;
• reaction to chemicals ( household chemicals, plumbing care products).

During pregnancy, women may experience changes in the color of some areas of the skin.

The type of pigmentation of the lower extremities varies:

• Hypopigmentation. It is observed with a reduced level of melanin in the body.
• Hyperpigmentation. Occurs when elevated level melanin production.
• Dispigmentation of a gray-blue color due to the deposition of melanin in upper layers skin

As a rule, all these disorders are not considered separate diseases. At the same time, they indicate the development of some pathological process in the body, in connection with which changes in skin color begin to occur.

Infectious diseases are what causes age spots to appear. In this case, white spots appear on the legs; often they merge into one spot, forming a mesh structure.

• With a spotty manifestation of the disease, extensive spots of light shades, identical in appearance and size, appear on the legs.
• Also, when contracting syphilis, patients develop light-colored spots in the neck area.
• When the body is infected with the leprosy virus, negative impact not only on the skin, but also on nervous system, internal organs are also affected. At the same time, sharply defined spots have a characteristic bright color. At their location, sensitivity is lost, and various compactions may be observed under them.
• When lichen appears, the skin of the scalp is damaged. Spots appear in the affected area, and they become most noticeable after exposure to active sun. Typically, such manifestations are expressed on the skin of the upper body.

Lichen alba can be detected in children aged 4-15 years. At the same time, it is formed in the shoulder area and on the sides of the hips. The affected area tends to peel without causing much discomfort.

Symptoms disappear after a few months, sometimes recovery lasts up to a year. In the case of a chronic disease, it continues into adulthood.

What causes age spots on the back?

The appearance of spots on the back can be a manifestation of chronic diseases of the liver and hormonal system.

A dermatologist will tell you why age spots appear.

If spots appear in the area of ​​the vertebrae, this may indicate a spinal cord disease. Spots of a reddish hue indicate the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Dark spotson the back may appear due to injury. Often reduced level Vitamins in the body affect the skin, which affects skin color and pigment distribution throughout the body. Upon admission hormonal drugs and certain types of antibiotics increase the likelihood of similar spots on the back from exposure to sunlight.

What causes age spots on the neck?

When the level of ascorbic acid in the body decreases, small light-colored spots may appear in the neck area. In such cases, it is necessary to reconsider your diet and, if necessary, undergo a course of drug treatment. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to use photoprotective creams and wear high necks on clothes.

The main causes of age spots

Hereditary causes

Pigment spots such as freckles are inherited. They are usually frequent companions of red-haired people. They form not only on the facial area, but also in other places accessible to the sun.

The sun increases pigment production, which causes age spots to appear. Until the age of 40, they can appear in large quantities, but then their color becomes lighter and they can be lightened with the help of cosmetics.

Hormonal changes

Against the background of such changes, increased pigmentation may appear. This is due to both internal disruptions in the production of hormones and the use of hormonal medications. A temporary phenomenon can develop into a chronic form due to age-related changes after 60 years.

Mechanical injuries

Frequent accidental blows to any part of the body can cause pigmentation in the damaged area. As a rule, such manifestations are temporary and successfully resolve on their own. Even in the case of self-removal of pimples and blackheads and the use of subsequent cauterizing drugs, pigmentation may appear.

UV exposure

The causes of pigment spots on the body are microburns caused by being outside for a long time in the heat in an open space.

In people with fair skin, even after short exposure to the sun, redness appears, which is caused by an incipient inflammatory reaction.

This phenomenon is often called sun allergy. For such people with light skin type it is typical light color eyes and blonde hair. Therefore they should definitely use protective equipment high degree of UF-protect from the sun.

Diseases

Increased pigmentation can occur in people who have been diagnosed with chronic liver disease, or with disorders of the thyroid gland or adrenal cortex.

Also, often changes in the skin can serve as signs of kidney dysfunction, in diseases of the female organs and during pregnancy. Organ diseases gastrointestinal tract may appear as reddish spots on the body.

Stress

Spots that appear suddenly on the body may be defensive reaction on stressful situation . There are absolutely any sizes, location and shape. There is no need for additional treatment - after a few days the spots go away on their own.

Lack of vitamins

Another reason why age spots appear on the hands may be a lack of vitamins or microelements in the body.

This means that you need to include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet. Additionally, you can take ascorbic acid in the form of dietary supplements and also add copper-rich foods to your diet. When taking such microelements for a month, the level of melanin decreases, and the spots disappear as the microelements are replenished.

Taking medications

Some medications can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin. This happens quite often with long-term use of antibiotics. In such cases, it is recommended to consult with your doctor about replacing prescribed medications.

Allergy

It happens that spots appear due to an allergic reaction of the body. In this case, it is necessary to donate blood for allergens in order to identify which particular agent or drug causes such a reaction.

The skin can react this way to low quality cosmetics. Unfortunately, sometimes you come across low-quality products and counterfeit products on store shelves. They may even contain harmful ingredients. If any cosmetics cause an unknown reaction, you must immediately stop using it.

Skin aging processes

The appearance of an increased degree of pigmentation can often appear after reaching the age of 70 due to age-related changes in the body. Most often, pigmentation occurs in the hands and face.

Types of pigmentation

There are several types of pigmentation.

Chloasma (freckles)

These are spots various shapes yellowish-brownish tint. Varieties of such pigmentation are freckles. They are often found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun - the face, hands.

Lentigo

They are spots that usually occur in older people. They appear after 50 years in places that are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation - the face, hands, neck, forearms. In the postmenopausal period, an increase in such pigmentation may be observed due to age-related changes.

Melasma

Is a violation natural pigmentation skin. At the same time, it tends to become lighter during the cold period of the year, and darken during periods of active sun.

As a rule, women, due to the peculiarities of the hormonal system, are more susceptible to this disease.

Broca's pigmented perioral dermatosis

This type of skin pigmentation occurs, as a rule, in females aged 40 years and older. They play a role in the appearance of age spots chronic diseases that have been present for a long time.

It occurs as a complication associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and excretory system.

The causes of pigmentation can be any of the above factors. In order to more accurately understand the types and possibilities of cure, it is necessary to identify the causes of their occurrence. Some of them are temporary, while others can become permanent companions.

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