How to get rid of pigmentation on the skin? Age spots Causes of chloasma

Skin pigmentation is a change in its normal color. The reason for this phenomenon lies in the activity of melanocyte cells. The natural pigment of the skin is directly related to genetics. Depending on the race, cells may have different amounts of melanin. It can be from light to dark brown. It is inherited.

Skin pigmentation is divided into different types. These include:

Atypical character;

Freckles;

Lentigo;

Chloasma;

Age spots.

Skin pigmentation in the form of atypical spots manifests itself, as a rule, in New growths can occur both in clean areas of the skin and as part of moles. Sometimes their manifestation is possible in adulthood. This birthmark is different from the usual one and may be the initial stage of skin melanoma.

The next type of pigmentation, freckles, can be observed in people of any age who are predisposed to them. These are mainly people with red or blond hair. Such skin pigmentation, the causes of which lie in the increased formation of melanin, can be eliminated by various means that have a whitening effect, as well as by peeling. Preventive measures include the need to protect exposed parts of the body from direct exposure to the sun's rays or use special protective creams.

The spots, called lentigo, are no different in appearance from moles. Skin pigmentation of this type appears most often at a young age. These small spots can be the result of a large release of melanin. Lentigo has a light brown or yellow tint. can cause some serious skin ailments. At a young age they can cause melanoma. In addition, if sunburns occur frequently, they cause destructuring of the skin and provoke its early aging.

As pigmentation increases, chloasma may occur. It is the appearance of unevenly shaped spots, colored brown. Most often, the spread of these neoplasms is observed in the face and open areas of the body. People with dark skin tones are mainly susceptible to this type of pigmentation.

The manifestation of chloasma may be a consequence of taking certain medications, for example, those related to contraceptives. Pigmentation during pregnancy and as a result of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight also refers to this type of neoplasm. Depending on the cause of their occurrence, the spots disappear after discontinuation of medications and after childbirth. Changes in the normal pigment composition of the skin may also be a consequence of the inclusion in the daily diet of foods containing lipochromes (carrots and oranges). The natural color returns when they are canceled.

After forty-five years, age spots often appear on exposed areas of the body and face. They are a consequence of an increase in the number of melanocytes.

Only a qualified specialist can identify the cause of a particular type of pigmentation. It is he who must prescribe a course of appropriate treatment. Mesotherapy is widely popular. It is carried out using substances that have a whitening effect. Various types of peelings are also used. They are carried out on modern equipment using the latest achievements in the field of cosmetology. Modern scientific developments make it possible to carry out procedures both in summer and in winter.

Skin dyschromia - This is a change in the color of human skin. Such violations occur relatively frequently. Sometimes they do not cause discomfort to a person, but in some cases, even in photos, skin dyschromia is easily distinguishable. In such cases, high-quality diagnosis and treatment of skin dyschromia is necessary.

How does a change in skin color manifest itself?

Healthy skin color is due to the presence of four different pigments. is a brown pigment that is mainly found in the basal layer of the epidermis. Carotene - a yellow pigment that is secreted in the keratinocytes of the epidermis. Red pigment - this is one that is saturated with oxygen and is located in capillaries. Blue pigment - this is reduced hemoglobin, which is found in venules.

Changes in skin pigmentation can have different origins. Pigment spots on the skin often appear due to excess melanin production. In more rare cases, age spots on the body are associated with the deposition of other pigments listed above in the skin. Disturbances in skin pigmentation on the arms, legs and other areas of the body can also appear due to exposure to certain external factors. Treatment of such phenomena depends, first of all, on what causes of age spots are detected. The causes of skin pigmentation on the legs, arms and other parts of the body can be associated with both diseases and external influences. For example, age spots on the hands can appear due to exposure to sunlight, etc.

To determine the features and causes of this phenomenon, it is not enough to simply look at a photo or conduct an external examination. During the diagnostic process, specialists identify two types of dyschromia - congenital And acquired . Acquired dyschromia may be primary And secondary .

With dyschromia, it can be noted as hyperchromia (skin hyperpigmentation) and hypochromia (hypopigmentation). Also, skin color may be completely absent ( achromia or ).

The color of the skin depends not only on race, but also on the characteristics of the skin - the amount of coloring pigment. Skin pigmentation is determined by the ratio of melanin, the main pigment, and other color components, such as hemoglobin and carotene.

What determines skin color?

Pigmentation of the skin, as well as the iris of the eyes and hair, is due to the presence of pigments in them. The main color factors that determine skin tone are:

1. Melanin. The function is to protect the genetic material that is encoded in cell nuclei from the damaging effects of solar radiation. The main pigment that determines skin color from various variations of brown to black (excess melanin).
2. Carotene. A pigment present in the layers of the skin. Determines the yellowish tint of the skin. An excess of this pigment is typical for the peoples of East Asia.
3. Oxygenated hemoglobin. Color factor that determines the redness of the skin.
4. Deoxygenated hemoglobin. Reduced hemoglobin, which determines the blue tint of the skin.

Uniform distribution of pigment determines normal skin color. Uneven pigment deposition caused by a number of reasons leads to the appearance of areas with hyperpigmentation.

Depending on the reasons, and they can be either physiological or pathological, pigmented spots disappear on their own or require treatment.

Main causes of skin hyperpigmentation

Why does such a phenomenon as hyperpigmentation occur? It has causes that can be both physiological (gestation period) and pathological (diseases of internal organs).

Causes of pigmentation:

• Insufficient intake of vitamins into the body. The lack of cyanocobalamin, which controls the appearance of hyperpigmentation, leads to the appearance of pigment. Tocopherol deficiency increases the risk of skin damage from intense exposure to sunlight. Lack of retinol leads to hyperpigmentation.
• Circulatory disorders. Stagnant processes lead to the accumulation of decay products, which can result in the appearance of pigment spots.


• Gallbladder dysfunction. An increase in cholesterol levels provokes lipid metabolism disorders. The consequence is pigment spots on the face.
• Intestinal slagging. Organ dysfunction disrupts metabolic processes, causing dark spots on the skin.
• Pathologies of the cardiovascular system. Typically for people over 40 years of age.
• Pathologies of the nervous system. Hyperpigmentation can result from frequent stress and nervous disorders.
• Kidney diseases. The appearance of yellowish-brown spots indicates a malfunction of the kidneys.
• Hormonal changes. Hyperpigmentation that occurs during menopause, pregnancy, and puberty.
• Long-term treatment by taking hormonal medications.
• Active exposure to sunlight. Especially in the case of exposure to the sun from eleven to sixteen hours, as well as when ignoring products with a sun protection factor.
• Acne. Squeezing out ulcers, overusing cosmetics and lack of adequate care causes residual pigment spots and scars to appear.
• Age-related pigmentation. Small spots covering areas of the body that are most often exposed to sunlight (hands, shoulders, face).
• Allergic reaction to food or low-quality cosmetics.

Accurate determination of the cause of the appearance of pigment spots will allow the defect to be eliminated as quickly and effectively as possible. Treatment of hyperpigmentation resulting from internal causes should begin directly with the impact on the cause itself, that is, on the specific disease that provoked the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

In addition to the main symptom - the appearance of pigment - you should pay attention to other signs of the disease.

Types of skin pigmentation

If pigment spots appear, you need to contact the clinic. An experienced doctor will determine the diagnosis and recommend the most optimal treatment method.

There are such types of pigmentation:

1. Freckles. Uneven golden specks, characterized by their miniature size and symmetrical arrangement. The appearance is typical for people with light brown and red hair. As a rule, they appear in the summer. In winter, the spots either fade or disappear altogether. Experts recommend not neglecting sunscreen to prevent their occurrence.
2. Chloasma. Uneven yellowish-brownish spots, varying in size. They are located on the skin of the face, neck, chest, abdomen, and thighs. The occurrence is usually associated with changes in hormonal levels. It appears during puberty, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, during menopause, with gynecological diseases, as well as when taking hormonal contraceptives. They do not require treatment and go away on their own (after childbirth, menopause, or finishing contraceptives).


3. Nevus. Spots characterized by the fact that they rise above the surface of the skin. Their color ranges from yellowish to black. There are congenital and acquired birthmarks. Some of them are prone to malignant degeneration. Therefore, you need to be especially careful when you have them, so as not to injure them.
4. Lentigo. There are two types of this hyperpigmentation. The first is juvenile, manifests itself during the first ten years of life and is caused by a genetic factor. The occurrence of the second - senile, is typical for people over 40 years old. This type of lentigo appears in areas that are most often exposed to sunlight. Usually this is the face, shoulders, hands.
5. Vitiligo. Unlike the above varieties, which are characterized by hyperpigmentation, this form refers to hypopigmentation. The cause of the defect is heredity, but often exposure to chemicals or medications can lead to discoloration.

Cosmetic procedures in treatment

Eliminating skin stains that pose a threat to a person’s physical health is certainly mandatory. But the treatment of pigmentation that has no connection with the disease, which is purely a cosmetic defect, is a person’s personal choice. Getting rid of stains is recommended if their appearance provokes psychological discomfort.

Treatment of skin pigmentation is carried out using procedures:

1. Chemical peeling. Depending on the depth of the spots, a superficial or middle technique is used. The procedure is aimed at stimulating cell change processes, when normal cells appear in place of hyperpigmented cells.
2. Mesotherapy. Impact on pigmentation with hyaluronic acid, saturated with a whitening component. This procedure eliminates the defect and creates everything possible to restore the elasticity of the skin.
3. Mechanical dermabrasion. It is used in the presence of post-traumatic stains. Mechanical grinding not only eliminates hyperpigmentation, but also initiates regenerative processes.
4. Laser peeling. The treatment consists of destroying melanin in areas of its excessive accumulation under the influence of a laser. To achieve maximum effect, at least two procedures are recommended, with a mandatory break of one month.
5. Phototherapy. The essence of the method is the destruction of the pigment under the influence of light wave energy. To completely remove hyperpigmentation, you will need at least three sessions. The procedure helps to activate the synthesis of elastin and collagen, allowing you to restore skin elasticity.

In addition to hardware procedures, the removal of age spots is carried out using various cosmetics based on components such as hydroquinone, salicylic acid, mercury, zinc and hydrogen peroxide.

Efficacy and contraindications

The effectiveness of cosmetic procedures depends on factors:

• Pigmentation intensity. Dark spots can only be lightened by a few shades in one procedure. It will take several sessions to completely eliminate it. One time is enough to get rid of light spots.
• Level of professionalism of the specialist.
• Quality of cosmetics and equipment.

Cosmetic procedures can guarantee the removal of blemishes while improving the color and condition of the skin. To consolidate the effect obtained, it is imperative to follow measures to prevent relapses in the future.

Treatment of stains, or rather, their elimination with the help of cosmetics, has a number of contraindications:

• Treatment with glucocorticosteroid hormonal drugs.
• Diabetes.
• The period of gestation and breastfeeding.
• Serious skin pathologies.

Pigment spots that appear during pregnancy often disappear on their own after some time and do not require treatment.

Traditional recipes for eliminating pigmentation

Treatment in cosmetic clinics using various modern means and equipment is often expensive. If you have flat spots that do not rise above the surface of the skin, you can use folk recipes. Despite the natural components of the masks, you must consult a specialist before the procedure.

The most effective in the fight against age spots are the following recipes:

• A paste based on lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed) and potato starch. Duration up to thirty minutes.
• Freshly squeezed citrus juice (lemon or orange). Wipe the problem area and rinse with water.
• Apply fresh cucumber juice (can be replaced with parsley juice) to the age spot, rinse with clean water.
• Chop the parsley and add a small amount of water. Boil. Apply the resulting mass, cooled, to areas of the skin for twenty minutes.


• White clay mask with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply the paste to the problem area for ten minutes.
• White clay mask with the addition of beaten egg whites. Duration ten minutes.
• Crushed sweet peppers with a little honey added. Apply the mixture for twenty minutes.
• Horseradish root crushed in a blender with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Duration no more than ten minutes.
• A mask based on fresh yeast with the addition of full-fat milk and a small amount of lemon juice. Duration fifteen minutes.
• Fermented milk products with the addition of freshly squeezed lemon juice or honey.

The duration of use of the product is until the desired effect is obtained. When applying, it is important not to go beyond the stain. At the end, it is recommended to apply a nourishing cream.

If an allergic reaction occurs after the procedure, you should contact a specialist. To eliminate allergies, it is usually enough not to reapply the mask.

Preventive actions

Protection from solar radiation is the basic rule for preventing the development of pigments. To prevent skin pigmentation, as well as significantly reduce the risk of its occurrence in the presence of provoking factors (for example, during menopause), simple preventive measures will help:

• It is necessary to minimize exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible, especially during hours of maximum intensity - from eleven to sixteen hours.
• Use sunscreen with SPF of at least 15. Apply the product twenty minutes before your walk. It is important to remember that to ensure maximum protection, you need to reapply the cream after about 4 hours.
• We must not forget about wearing a hat (preferably with a wide brim) on sunny days, because it will not only help prevent sunstroke, but also protect the delicate skin of the face from the sun's rays.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun is not recommended for women during pregnancy and menopause, when using hormonal contraception.
• When treated with drugs that increase the body's sensitivity to UV radiation, it is necessary to avoid exposure to the sun or, if possible, change the drug after consulting with your doctor.
• Avoid contact with sun-exposed areas of the skin with perfume and essential oils.

Nutrition plays a special role in the prevention of hyperpigmentation. It is necessary to eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It is worth contacting a specialist who will recommend the most optimal vitamin complex.

Pigment spots on the body are a fairly common aesthetic defect that many women and men try to cope with. But you need to understand that you can get rid of such stains only by identifying and eliminating the cause of their appearance.

In some cases, the appearance of pigmented spots on the body can be a symptom of a serious disease, such as skin cancer. Therefore, the treatment of pathological pigmentation should be carried out by a specialist - a dermatologist, since the use of folk remedies is not always successful, and sometimes has a negative impact on health.

A dermatologist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the body and, if necessary, refer you to related specialists. Only after the cause of pigmentation on the body is known, the doctor will give medical recommendations or prescribe cosmetic procedures that will help lighten problem areas on the skin.

The most common causes of age spots on the body are:

• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
• hormonal imbalance;
• diseases of the skin of an inflammatory nature;
• use of low-quality cosmetics;
• side effects of certain medications;
• skin aging.

Let's look at each reason in more detail.

Pigment spots are an accumulation of melanin pigment in skin cells, which is synthesized in the body under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, long exposure to direct sunlight leads to excessive formation of melanin, mainly in exposed areas of the body. As a result, pigmented spots appear on the skin.

Pregnancy– this is a period characterized by enormous hormonal changes in the body. Hormones are involved in the regulation of all processes in the human body, including melanin synthesis. Therefore, many women, while carrying a child, develop pigment spots on their bodies, especially in the face and along the midline of the abdomen.

Also pigment spots act as residual effects after acne, injuries or cuts, since these defects are most sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

Some cosmetic ingredients, for example, retinoic acid, bergamot, fragrances or lime essential oil, help increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, causing pigmented spots to appear on the body.

In addition, there are medications, side effects of which manifest themselves in the form of pigmentation on the body. These medications include oral hormonal contraceptives (progestins, estrogens), antimicrobials (Levofloxacin), cytostatics and others.

According to the classification, there are five types of age spots, namely:

• chloasma;
• lentigo;
• post-acne;
• freckles;
• nevi.

Chloasma It is dark or yellow, predominantly irregularly shaped spots that have a smooth surface and clear contours. Such defects are most often observed during pregnancy due to changes in the woman’s hormonal levels. Typical locations for chloasma are the face, torso, abdomen, and thighs.

After childbirth, a woman’s hormonal levels normalize, so chloasma in most cases goes away without a trace. But for some women, such defects can remain for life, and you can get rid of them with the help of medications or salon cosmetic procedures.

Lentigo It is customary to call dark brown or brown spots raised above the skin of a round or oval shape, which can be of various sizes - from a dot to a five-kopeck coin. In turn, such age spots are divided into juvenile and senile.

Juvenile lentigo appear on the skin of adolescents during a surge of sex hormones, when puberty occurs.

Senile, or whatever they are called age spots, age spots, appear in older people due to aging of skin cells.

Lentigo can also be removed using cosmetics or procedures.

Post-acne– these are pigment spots that remain at the site of pimples, blackheads and other inflammatory skin processes. This type of pigmentation is more common in young people who suffer from acne. Post-acne may go away over time without any intervention, but if this does not happen, cosmetic products can easily cope with such a skin problem.

Freckles They look like small specks of yellow, copper or brown color. The favorite place for freckles to appear is the face, since it is the most exposed part of the body. But pigmentation can also often be present on the skin of the neck, collar area of ​​the chest, shoulders, back and back of the hands.

During the cold season, freckles lighten, and with the onset of the spring-summer season, their color becomes brighter. Such pigmentation does not bring any subjective sensations. Some people with freckles are ashamed of their appearance because of them, while the other part considers themselves special, turning such cosmetic defects into their dignity.

Nevi, which are popularly called moles, are the same age spots that have different color intensities, shapes and sizes. Moles can have a convex or flat surface. Despite the fact that nevi do not cause any discomfort, you need to carefully monitor any changes that may occur to them. This is explained by the fact that they can transform into a malignant neoplasm - melanoma.

Signs of transition of nevus to melanoma There may be a change in shape, the presence of inflammation, ulcers on its surface, pain, or a change in color. If you detect at least one of the listed signs, you should consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis of melanoma significantly increases the chances of recovery.

How and with what to treat age spots on the skin?

Unfortunately, not all age spots can be treated, but with the help of modern means and methods they can be made less noticeable. The hardest ones to get rid of are freckles and lentigo.

Also, some stains may disappear on their own without any action on them. This is often observed in the case of chloasma, which disappears without a trace after childbirth.

It is also important to determine the cause of age spots, since eliminating it will lighten the pigmentation or completely remove it.

Can be used in the fight against age spots the following methods:

• drug therapy;
• salon cosmetology procedures;
• cosmetical tools;
• traditional medicine.

Let's take a closer look at each method of treating pigmentation on the body.

Since pigment spots are accumulations of melanin, which is formed in excess quantities in the skin, drugs that inhibit its production are used to treat pigmentation.

Folic, ascorbic, azelaic and koyenoic acids reduce the production of melanin, so you need to select a drug that contains at least one of the listed components.

Quite affordable and effective in the fight against age spots on the body are the following drugs:

• Melanativ cream;
• Achromin cream;
• Clotrimazole ointment;
• syntomycin emulsion;
• salicylic alcohol.

To achieve the desired result, you must regularly use the listed products for 4-8 weeks.

Treatment of age spots using salon procedures

Modern hardware cosmetology is the most effective method of getting rid of pigmentation on the body. But, unfortunately, due to the high cost of the procedures, not everyone can afford them. It is also important to entrust your skin only to an experienced cosmetologist who has a higher medical education.

Pigment spots on the skin can be remove using the following salon procedures:

• laser removal;
• removal with liquid nitrogen;
• phototherapy;
• chemical peeling.

Let's talk separately about each method.

Removing pigmentation with laser has a number of advantages, including painlessness, minimal trauma, local impact and high efficiency.

During the laser therapy procedure, a laser is directed at the pigment spot, which destroys melanin, due to which the problem area becomes lighter. After the first procedure, the pigment spot turns red and begins to peel off; when the surface of the defect is cleansed, the skin becomes its normal color.

liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) It is also a highly effective method that removes old epidermal cells and activates skin regeneration. The disadvantage of cryotherapy is that red spots remain at the site of pigmentation, which disappear only after a few weeks.

Phototherapy- This is the destruction of melanin in skin cells using infrared flashes. This procedure is also painless and atraumatic, and the recovery period lasts several days.

Chemical peeling involves applying chemical compounds to problem areas that lighten the skin and eliminate pigmentation. The most popular and effective are peels with salicylic or triacetic acids. In addition, this procedure normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, tightens pores, prevents the appearance of age spots and acne, and smoothes out wrinkles.

Cosmetics to combat pigmentation on the body

In the fight against pigmentation today, cosmetic products from various manufacturers have shown themselves to be excellent, namely:

• Bodyaga and Bodyaga forte;
• Boro plus cream;
• Klivrin cream;
• Idealia Pro serum from Vichy;
• Vitex mask;
• Biocon whitening cream and many others.

The listed cosmetics received a lot of positive reviews both from those who used them and from specialists.

Folk remedies can also lighten age spots on the skin and even completely eliminate them. To prepare masks, compresses or lotions, natural ingredients rich in ascorbic and other acids, which have a whitening effect, are used.

Top effective and simple folk remedies against age spots on the body:

• daily rubbing of problem areas on the body with the juice of parsley, cabbage, lemon, raspberries or viburnum;
• rubbing skin affected by pigmentation with kefir or yogurt;
• mask with cucumber and kefir;
• white clay and chamomile. 100 ml of chamomile decoction is mixed with two tablespoons of white cosmetic clay and applied to the skin for 30 minutes, then washed off with warm water without soap;
• bearberry, yarrow or licorice extract, which are added to cream or body lotion;
• compresses and lotions with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

How to prevent the appearance of age spots on the body?

Preventing the occurrence of such defects is much easier than getting rid of them. The following recommendations will help you with this:

• avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
• use sunscreens with a high degree of protection in the summer;
• wear hats when going out in the sun;
• minimize visits to the solarium, because tanning, of course, is beautiful, but pigment spots are not so much;
• use only high-quality skin cosmetics;
• eat enough foods rich in vitamins (fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries).

Pigment spots on the skin today are not a global problem, since they can be eliminated using modern technologies, supplemented by traditional methods.

A problem such as pigmentation can occur in a person at any age and cause severe psychological discomfort, especially if pigment spots appear in the facial area. Modern medicine and cosmetology have figured out quite well what pigmentation is and how to deal with it. There are many treatment methods that will help restore your skin to a healthy appearance and get rid of this cosmetic defect. It is enough just to establish the causes of the disease and determine what type of pigment spots has formed on the skin.

Causes of age spots

Skin pigmentation often occurs in humans due to excess accumulation of melanin pigment. This substance is brown, black or yellow in color.

In addition to melanin, the following are responsible for the color of the skin:

• carotene;
• deoxyhemoglobin;
• oxyhemoglobin.

Depending on the amount of coloring pigment in melanocyte cells, the skin color of each person is determined. The less it is, the lighter the skin will be and, conversely, dark-skinned people produce more melanin. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause melanin pigmentation of the skin, which is better known as tanning. It appears after a long stay in active sunlight or visiting a solarium.

The main function of the coloring pigment melanin is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In most cases, pigment spots that appear on the face or body do not pose any danger to human health.

But there are other types of pigmentation that cause cancer and have a negative impact on overall well-being.

Various factors can affect the color of the skin:

• thickness of the epidermis;
• location of blood vessels;
• changes in hormonal levels;
• menopause;
• taking antibiotics or hormonal contraceptives;
• metabolic disease;
• improper skin care;
• hereditary factor;
• age-related changes.

In addition, there are other reasons for the appearance of age spots:

• avitaminosis;
• chronic diseases;
• skin reaction to cosmetics.

All skin pigmentation, in turn, is conditionally divided into facultative and constitutional. Constitutional pigmentation is considered irreversible and does not depend on the action of external factors. Facultative pigmentation is reversible and usually disappears after the underlying cause is eliminated.

In medical practice, the following types of skin spots are distinguished:

• lentigo;
• chloasma;
• vitiligo;
• freckles;
• birthmarks;
• photosensitivity spots.

Lentigines usually appear after the age of 50 and appear as raised brown or dark brown spots on the skin. They have a round or elongated shape and are found on different parts of the body in single or multiple quantities.

Chloasma appears in women during pregnancy or while taking certain medications and appears as symmetrically located spots of yellow-brown or dark black color. They are usually localized in the face, on the stomach or around the nipples and differ from others in their large size and clear boundaries.

Vitiligo is a common skin disease that can affect people at any age and has different causes. It looks like round spots with clear white boundaries.

The most famous type of pigmentation is freckles or ephelides, which are small yellow-brown pigment spots. They are usually located in the face or on open areas of the body and are found mainly in fair-skinned people. Freckles appear most often in summer or spring, and disappear in winter.

Birthmarks are, without a doubt, also known to everyone, since they are a well-known type of pigmentation that occurs in humans from birth. Nevi look like yellow-brown or black spots on the body that protrude above the surface of the skin and have a smooth or rough surface.

Photosensitivity spots appear as a result of high sensitivity of the skin to medications, cosmetics or sunlight.

There is also abnormal pigmentation, which is a sign of a serious disease. You cannot get rid of such pigmentation on your own without the help of a medical specialist. Melanoma, which is a malignant skin tumor, is particularly dangerous. In the absence of proper treatment and timely assistance, the disease can be fatal.

A dermatologist can determine the type of pigment spots on the skin, the reason for their formation and their benign quality after a thorough examination of the skin. When a malignant process is suspected, the patient will be given a biopsy. The presence of atypical cells in the analysis is an indicator of cancer; in this case, a special course of treatment cannot be avoided.

Standard examinations are usually prescribed:

• examination of the skin with a Wood's lamp;
• blood analysis;
• Analysis of urine;
• biochemistry.

The following signs should serve as a reason for a patient to see a doctor:

• severe itching of the skin in the area of ​​the spot;
• burning;
• lack of a clear boundary;
• sudden color change;
• bleeding;
• rapid increase in size.

Hyperpigmentation on the body or face should be treated taking into account the main factor that contributed to the development of age spots.

If age spots appear on the body without a serious reason, you can choose the following method of treating pigmentation:

• professional treatments in the salon;
• bleaching agents;
• ethnoscience.

Cosmetology procedures

The most well-known and effective ways to eliminate age spots in a beauty salon or clinic include:

• laser therapy;
• chemical peeling;
• cryotherapy;
• phototherapy.

Under the influence of laser therapy, the top layer of cells is burned, which are removed along with the stain. The laser beam is supplied in doses and directed strictly to a specific area of ​​the skin and to a given depth. Immediately after the procedure, the spot begins to darken and peel, and then over time disappears completely. If you have a minor cosmetic defect, you can get rid of pigmentation without problems in 2 sessions (sometimes in 5).

Each laser therapy procedure is carried out with a time interval of two weeks, and the indication for it may be pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and clean, tone and texture are evened out.

Chemical peeling is considered an equally effective and safe way to treat age spots.

Various acids are used during peeling:

• fruity;
• glycolic;
• almond;
• phenolic;
• trichloroacetic and others.

In order for such a procedure to take place without complications, the patient must properly prepare for the treatment of pigmentation. If the pigment spot is located in the deep layer of the skin, deep or medium peeling is used.

During chemical peeling, dead cells are removed along with pigment spots, as a result of which the process of tissue regeneration is launched and the skin color is evened out. The number of sessions is chosen by a dermatologist or cosmetologist.

Cryotherapy is also a fairly effective procedure in cosmetology, which occurs without serious consequences and is suitable for the treatment of pigmentation. During the session, liquid nitrogen is applied to the pigment spot, and this area of ​​​​the skin is frozen. After cryotherapy, a protective crust appears at the site of the pigment area, under which new cells form.

Phototherapy is another effective way to combat pigmentation. During this procedure, light radiation is used, which leads to darkening of the pigment spot and gluing of proteins. As a result, the skin is renewed, and areas of pigmentation are removed without much difficulty. Phototherapy is characterized by a quick recovery period and painlessness.

Regardless of the choice of professional procedure, there are certain rules for patient behavior during the rehabilitation period:

1. You should not be under the sun without applying protective products to your skin if you have recently had pigmentation treatment and there is still a risk of developing new spots.
2. In addition, for three days after the procedure it is prohibited to visit the sauna, swimming pool or bathhouse.
3. During the entire recovery period, you should not go to a solarium or apply a scrub to your skin.

Contraindications to all cosmetic procedures are the presence of diabetes, pregnancy and allergies to the substances used.

Whitening cosmetics

A lightening cream that contains:

• hydroquinone;
• melanozyme;
• azelaic acid;
• arbutin;
• kojic acid.

With this product you can stop the production of melanin or get rid of existing pigmentation. Creams with ascorbic acid, which has a stimulating and restorative effect, have a pronounced whitening effect.

Before purchasing a cream with a lightening effect, you should make sure that there is no allergic reaction to its components. It is advisable to give preference to products with a double effect, which not only release the melanin pigment in cells, but also prevent the development of new spots on the skin.

Best whitening creams:

• Achromin;
• Evinal;
• Melanative;
• Vichy;
• Clotrimazole.

Apply the product to the area of ​​the pigment spot once or twice a day according to the instructions in a thin layer. It is recommended to use lightening cosmetics in winter or autumn, when the sun is least active.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine will help replace expensive salon treatments or whitening creams:

1. To treat age spots, those with dry skin can use regular yogurt. The fermented milk product is applied to the skin for 15 minutes and then washed off with water.
2. For people with oily skin, a lemon mask, a clay mask or a mask with parsley will help remove pigmentation.
3. A mask with starch, which is prepared from 1 tablespoon of starch and lemon juice, is considered no less effective. The mixture is applied to the skin for 15-20 minutes and washed off with water.
4. Every day it is recommended to wipe your face with herbal infusion, cucumber juice, pomegranate juice or grapefruit juice.
5. You can make ice cubes with green tea and rub them on your skin in the morning. Sour cabbage juice and dandelion leaves are good for treating age spots.

Preventive actions

In order to prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the future, the effect of provoking factors should be excluded.

These include:

• cigarettes;
• alcohol;
• coffee;
• strong tea.

It is forbidden to indulge in fatty, fried, spicy or too salty foods. Preference is given to healthy foods rich in vitamin C and microelements.

These include:

• celery;
• all citrus fruits;
• kiwi;
• currant;
• cauliflower.

Fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and cereals will help give your face a beautiful and healthy look.

To avoid the formation of unsightly spots on the skin, it is recommended to do all procedures in the evening or at night before bed. Decorative cosmetics must have a high level of protection against ultraviolet rays. When visiting the beach, you should avoid sunburn and avoid exposure to the sun during periods of increased activity.

In order to promptly detect a serious illness and not miss oncological pathology, you should consult a doctor at the first appearance of spots on the skin. Properly selected treatment will help avoid unwanted complications and restore the skin to a healthy appearance.