The article was prepared by a specialist for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.
Skin pigmentation can hardly be called an adornment of either a female or a male face and body. This applies to both large stains and minor defects. A healthy skin color, free from any formations, is the goal you need to strive for, and high-quality anti-pigmentation creams will help you achieve it.
Content:
- Causes of pigmentation
- How do creams work?
- The best drugs for pigmentation
- List of effective remedies
- Prevention of pigmentation
Pigmentation is a change in skin color, the appearance of brown spots on the face or body.
A change in skin color is not only a visual defect, it will indicate health problems; discuss this issue with your therapist. Even dark spots remove moisture, which leads to premature aging of the skin and the formation of wrinkles. A visual defect can be easily dealt with using a foundation or bleaching agent, but getting rid of brown elements requires a comprehensive approach. It is not enough to buy a cream for age spots at the pharmacy; it is important to know what pigmentation is and for what reasons it appears.
How to remove age spots on the face
Seborrheic keratosis
Due to the existing likelihood of malignancy, consultation with an oncologist or dermatologist-oncologist is necessary about the possibility of removing the formations.
The method of correction is surgical removal.
Senile lentigo
Correction is possible by prescribing cosmetics - the treatment regimen corresponds to the classic treatment of pigmentation and includes 3 points:
- Exfoliants
- Lightening agents
- Antioxidants
Prevention of the recurrence of lentigo is the regular application of sunscreen with SPF and preparations with antioxidants to the skin, because there is a failure of the skin's own antioxidant defense system.
IMPORTANT! If, over the age of 55 years, there are pigment spots and formations on the skin, the clinical picture of which does not correspond to that described above, a face-to-face consultation with an oncologist is necessary. Prescribing lightening procedures and medications without consulting this specialist is undesirable!
After consulting a dermatologist, lightening drugs are prescribed and retinoids are preferred.
Causes of pigmentation
Melanin is the main pigment of the skin, produced by the nervous and endocrine systems. It controls the level of ultraviolet radiation affecting the dermis. The process of hormone production is called melanogenesis. Pigmentation is a failure in melanogenesis and the body’s protective reaction to ultraviolet radiation, and a pigment spot is an accumulation of melanin. Examples of age spots are freckles, birthmarks and moles.
But brown spots appear not only due to excessive insolation, but also as a result of exposure to internal factors. Dark spots usually appear on the face, where the skin is thinnest. The main reasons why the epidermis changes color:
- deficiency of folic acid, vitamin C and other nutrients;
- influence of medications;
- changes in hormonal levels (menopause, menstrual cycle imbalance, pregnancy, lactation, use of oral contraceptives, insulin resistance);
- metabolic disease. The epidermis changes color during an improper diet and with excess weight. This indicates precisely a disturbed metabolism;
- age-related changes. In every store you can find face cream 45+; the best products, according to cosmetologists, have a whitening effect and belong to the category of products against spots on the skin;
- genetic predisposition. Usually the hereditary factor is easy to determine immediately after birth;
- damage (trauma, burns, frostbite, improper treatment of acne, squeezing out pimples, deep peeling);
- problems with the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract.
Is it possible to get rid of pigmentation on the face forever? Knowing the reason for the appearance, yes. The most effective removal of age spots is possible if you use high-quality products and eliminate the root cause of the defects.
Good pharmacy face whitening products will give a clear result. Pigment spots on the face under the influence of active substances will begin to lighten and then disappear. If internal causes are not treated, relapse is possible.
How do retinoids work?
Retinoids are a group of vitamin A derivative substances used by dermatologists and cosmetologists for a number of indications. Due to its physiological effect on the skin, it effectively rejuvenates, eliminates acne and brightens the skin.
- Inhibit tyrosinase
- They inhibit the transport of pigment in the skin - the process of transferring melanin into the pigment cells of melanocytes
- Normalize cellular renewal and stimulate timely exfoliation of pigmented horny scales from the surface of the skin.
- Activate keratogenesis - the appearance on the surface of the skin of cells with a normal, genetically programmed amount of pigment, i.e. normally colored.
- They work as conductors for other active ingredients, ensuring their deep penetration.
Knowing the principles of operation and rules of application, you can achieve a true correction of existing skin problems.
How do creams work?
All products that even out skin tone and whiten are useful thanks to the active substances in their composition: niacinamide, oligopeptides-34, 24, decopeptides-4, lumixil, decopeptide-12, retinol, nicotinic acid and much more. Therefore, read the instructions and composition of the drug. Common substances included:
- niacinamide – one of the main components, helps whitening and regeneration of epidermal cells;
- retinol – reduces melanin production;
- azelaic acid – inhibits melanin synthesis and has an antibacterial effect;
- kojic acid – helps regeneration and formation of new cells and whitens;
- nicotinic acid – participates in reduction and oxidation reactions;
- Tretinol – stimulates cellular regeneration;
- arbutin – inhibits discoloration and prevents stains from spreading to other areas;
- Dandelion extract – whitens, disinfects and vitaminizes the dermis.
These components must be included in the composition, since they are the best remedy for age spots on the face and body.
A common cause of the problem is improper tanning. During summer holidays, use spf 50 sunscreen, which is best for the face against age spots? SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the level of protection, “sun protection factor”. After the abbreviation SPF there are numbers: 15, 30 or 50. The most effective product has SPF 50 and protects against 99% of UV rays.
Contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of sulfur ointment is individual intolerance to the active substance. If the skin reacts sharply with allergic rashes to contact with sulfur, treatment with the ointment will have to be canceled and another remedy used.
In addition, with extensive damage to the body by fungal or bacterial infections, there is a high risk of getting sulfur poisoning - if more than 30% of the skin is covered with the drug. If scabies spreads throughout the body, use less dangerous sprays.
If the patient has not previously had experience with sulfur ointment treatment, it is recommended to first test it on the wrist by applying a small amount of the product. If redness or burning occurs, you will have to stop using sulfur ointment.
The best drugs for pigmentation
You can buy a cream for age spots on the face at a pharmacy or at a store that specializes in selling beauty products. Good pharmaceutical preparations include salicylic, heparin and zinc ointments. They eliminate not only darkening, but also acne, irritation, and inflammation.
Pharmacy whitening products are divided into four categories:
- hormonal. Helps remove age spots caused by hormonal imbalance;
- vitamin. If the problem is caused by a lack of nutrients, these drugs should be used;
- organic. This cream for age spots on the body and face will not only help visually eliminate the dark spot, but will also moisturize and relieve inflammation;
- on a natural basis. Made exclusively from natural ingredients.
It is impossible to single out the most effective cream for age spots on the face: firstly, there are many similar drugs, and secondly, it is worth taking into account individual tolerance. It is better to buy a cream for facial pigmentation at a pharmacy than from sellers on the Internet. Pharmacy products are certified, the consumer will not buy potentially dangerous substances of dubious quality.
Indications for the use of sulfur ointment
Due to its antiseptic properties, sulfur ointment is actively used for various dermatoses:
- fungal;
- bacterial;
- parasitic.
Therefore, with the help of ointment alone, if used correctly, you can cure skin diseases such as:
- lichen;
- foot fungus;
- scabies;
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- acne;
- pigmentation;
- acne;
- demodicosis
It is separately noted that such a complex and untreatable disease as psoriasis can be stopped through the use of sulfur ointment. Psoriasis is a skin disease that is not associated with parasites or fungal infections. It is classified as a genetic disease. As a result of disturbances in the rate of cell division, growths appear. They are filled with small capillaries. When they are mildly affected, bleeding begins, which is difficult to stop.
In this case, sulfur ointment reduces the risk of secondary infection of psoriasis wounds, which, in turn, reduces the incidence of itching. Without touching the growths to scratch, the patient does not tear them until they bleed and does not increase the wounds. Thus, sulfur ointment helps to minimize the spread of ulcers throughout the body.
List of effective remedies
Meso- and phototherapy, chemical peels and laser resurfacing will help to even out the tone and remove dark spots. But if you don’t like visiting a cosmetologist’s office, try to cope with the problem with effective ointments.
Some try to solve the problem using traditional methods. This option is acceptable if the spots are not pronounced and there are few of them on the body, otherwise cucumber juice, kefir mask and parsley infusions will be powerless.
List of the best cosmetics that consumers choose:
Lakshma MAXXI
An effective remedy for age spots on the face, reviews confirm this 100%. The drug helps remove age spots, moisturizes the skin thanks to glycerin, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Lakshma MAXXI will help to cope even with areas of increased pigmentation.
Melanative
Melanative cream for age spots, reviews of which are mostly positive, contains arbutin, glycogel and kojic acid.
L'Oreal Age Re-Perfect Pro-Calcium
If you are looking for which face cream is best after 55 years, the advice of a cosmetologist most often concerns Re-Perfect Pro-Calcium. The cream brightens and regenerates the skin, restoring its elasticity and firmness, and also quickly removes spots on the face.
Neotone
This whitening cream also has a mattifying property. Neotone can be used not only for age spots, but also for acne.
Achromin
The category “ whitening creams with arbutin” in the pharmacy includes this product. Achromin can be used during pregnancy and lactation, as it does not contain dangerous chemical components. The cream is suitable for any skin type, it can be applied both to the face and body, in particular the neck and décolleté area
Natura Siberica White
The cream is not only whitening, but also sunscreen. The composition contains hyaluronic acid, which nourishes the skin and has a moisturizing effect. Natura Siberica White contains many natural ingredients, which minimizes the risk of an allergic reaction.
Himalaya Herbals
The drug with niacinamide in its composition is more of a mattifying agent than a whitening agent. Himalaya Herbals will cope with minor pigmentation, but if the problem is serious, it is better to choose a more effective drug.
Secret Key Snow White Cream
Korean cream for pigment spots (before and after - an obvious difference that speaks in favor of this drug) removes pigmented red and dark spots, freckles, and the negative consequences of acne. Secret Key Snow White Cream contains niacinamide and glycerin.
Bergamo Moselle Whitening EX Whitening Cream
Another Korean cream with a whitening effect. In addition to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the composition contains many natural ingredients, namely essential oils. Thanks to its universal composition, Bergamo is suitable not only for combating pigmentation, but also for eliminating excessive dry skin.
DR. Filler HYDROQUINONE
With regular use of hydroquinone, age spots will disappear within 2-3 months, but it is important to use a product with SPF protection and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. It is worth paying attention that hydroquinone is a toxic substance, its concentration in the drug should be 2-4%.
For those who have long been wondering how to get rid of age spots on the face, reviews will help you choose a product. Each package indicates age restrictions, what type of skin it is suitable for, as well as additional properties (moisturizing, nutrition, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effect, etc.).
Laser removal of age spots
Laser removal of age spots is considered one of the newest and most effective methods. The principle of laser operation is approximately the same, regardless of skin formation. The pigment spot is irradiated with a light beam of a certain length. The laser beam then damages and destroys the melanin in the cells, creating a lighter spot.
Based on the depth of melanin appearance in the skin, these points are divided into:
- epidermal (superficial) dermal (located deep in the skin)
- epidermal-skin spots (mixed)
Indications
The indication for laser removal is the presence of the following formations on the face and other parts of the body:
- spots that appear after sunburn
- epidermal moles (nevi)
- the appearance of pigmentation in wound healing areas
- acne marks
- seborrheic keratosis (numerous superficial papillomatous formations)
- angiomas (cancer) and red spots
- chloasma (excessive pigmentation caused by changes in hormone levels or diseases of the genitourinary system)
- freckles (small pigment spots on the skin ranging from light yellow to light brown)
- Lentil age spots (changes in skin color caused by melanin accumulation)
- pigmented scars (except keloids)
It should be noted that currently there are several methods for correcting skin imperfections: chemical peeling, mesotherapy, cryopilling, etc. However, they act superficially, only partially removing pigments and promoting cell regeneration. The clinic specialist will definitely come to the conclusion that the laser removal procedure for pigment spots is necessary when the methods described above are not enough.
This cosmetic procedure is a skin intervention. Although the complexity of the procedure and subsequent recovery period does not require hospitalization, it is classified as a surgical procedure. In this regard, there are several contraindications.
Advantages
The justification for the cost of this procedure is explained by the following advantages:
- The light works specifically, removing only the necessary pigmented areas
- The duration of the procedure is short
- Skin disinfection occurs when the laser destroys bacteria
- Simultaneous cauterization of the wound, stopping bleeding and preventing the development of infection
- A rejuvenating effect is achieved due to the fact that the skin becomes firm and elastic
- Non-contact (the specialist’s hands do not touch the treated area)
- No pain after laser treatment, therefore, there is no need for painkillers
- There is no risk of further inflammation, so the recovery period will not be long in coming
- The risk of other side effects is minimal
The use of anesthetics is possible if the area being lasered is large or if the pigment is deep enough in the skin.
Preparation for the procedure
The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the preparatory stage, which begins with a visit to a specialist. The dermatologist will select the necessary procedure for removing age spots, taking into account the client’s health profile and skin characteristics. The number of sessions to achieve the desired result is also determined, which can be adjusted during the procedure.
At this point, it is clear how much the planned change will cost in total. It should be noted that planned gradual removal of pigmentation in this area can take a long time, since a repeat session is possible after three months.
Until the prescribed procedure is completed, you can follow these tips:
- do not sunbathe or visit a solarium
- do not thoroughly cleanse the skin; do not drink alcohol and tobacco
Pigmentation can be removed using different types of lasers:
- fractional
- alexandrite
- neodymium
- diode
The presented lasers have a targeted effect and act only on the pigmented area. Healthy skin is not affected.
Fractional laser is preferred because its light beam vaporizes melanin through microscopic damage. One beam per square centimeter is capable of distinguishing up to 1,100 areas, penetrating to a depth of 1.5 millimeters.
The neodymium laser is different in that it heats melanin and oxyhemoglobin. This means that it can also be used to remove vascular formations. It is quite powerful and penetrates deeply into the skin.
The list does not include a rarely used type of laser - ruby. Laser removal of pigment spots using a ruby laser is rare because it does not differentiate cells with normal and high melanin content well enough. Used very rarely and on very fair skin. Do not use on dark skin to avoid exposing unwanted areas.
How is the laser pigment spot removal procedure performed?
The laser operation consists of many short flashes of light, which may be accompanied by loud noise. The laser beam is dangerous for the organs of vision, so the specialist and the customer wear glasses during the procedure.
The procedure is gradual and is performed according to the following scheme:
- The skin is cleansed (makeup removal, antiseptic treatment).
- A product is applied to the area to ensure deep penetration of the rays into the skin.
- The specialist applies the laser to the selected area.
- The surface of the skin is treated with an antiseptic.
- A sterile bandage or bandage is applied to the area of skin to allow for further healing.
Redness and swelling may appear immediately after the procedure, which lasts about a day. The wound itself becomes covered with a crust, which disappears after 5 days. You should not touch it or remove it yourself, as in this case a scar may form. Once the scab completely melts, it makes room for new, healthy cells containing normal levels of melanin.
Sometimes the specialist performing the procedure suggests using a product, usually panthenol. The use of decorative cosmetics in this area is prohibited.
Prevention of pigmentation
Pharmacy and cosmetic ointments will get rid of dark spots on the skin, and prevention will help consolidate the result. It is worth reviewing your diet: include foods with antioxidants in the menu, replace coffee with green tea or cocoa, and red wine is acceptable from alcohol.
Follow the rules for staying in the sun. If the skin is predisposed to pigmentation, then it is better to minimize ultraviolet rays. Choose products with an SPF level of at least 30, cover exposed skin with clothing, and keep sunbathing time to a minimum. Before going to the resort, do not do laser hair removal; the procedure increases the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.
Doctors and cosmetologists advise regularly performing a complete check-up of the body. To do this, get tested, visit an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, gynecologist and therapist. Listen to all the signals from your body, in particular the dark spots on your face and body. Problematic skin requires treatment, because pigmentation spoils the appearance and indicates underlying problems.
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