Treatment of age spots on the face: how to get rid of age-related pigmentation

Pigment spots are areas of the skin that have darkened for various reasons. They have a brown tint and are noticeably different in color from the surrounding tissues. Unlike skin changes caused by infections, injuries or fungi, age spots never become inflamed, so they are considered a purely cosmetic defect.

At the same time, in addition to deteriorating appearance, age spots cause other problems, often complicated by dryness and roughness of the skin, wrinkles, etc., which is why people try to get rid of them.

Pigment spot - what is it?

Skin color is a completely natural quality, and it occurs thanks to a special substance called melanin. Depending on many factors, it may be more or less, and it serves to protect the skin from direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. When light hits the surface, it is captured by special molecules and transported to the upper layers of the dermis, absorbing excess radiation and preventing its further penetration.

Sometimes this well-functioning and complex system malfunctions, and then melanin synthesis is disrupted. Unsightly defects appear in the form of darkening (hyper) or highlighting (hypo). In the world, this problem is indeed widespread, because more than half of the inhabitants of our planet note the presence of such phenomena. Is it possible to fight pigmentation and how to quickly get rid of age spots from the sun on the face and not only?

Contrary to popular belief, defects must always be kept under control, for which purpose it is first necessary to find out the reasons for their occurrence. They can seriously spoil the appearance, but this is not the main problem. With unfavorable development, an unsightly darkening can degenerate into a malignant neoplasm called melanoma. Then long and painful treatment procedures cannot be avoided.

Determining the nature of the formation usually requires clarification of certain factors:

• The presence of an inflammatory process.
• Depth.
• Color intensity.
• Extent of distribution.

Only a competent and experienced dermatologist with the proper level of knowledge and appropriate equipment can find out all these points. Therefore, before you figure out what to do and what helps with severe pigmentation on the face from the sun, even surgical removal, you must do all the research, take tests and tests.

Hot and cold lasers

Lasers that solve a cosmetic problem by heating are called “hot”. Previously, in the aesthetic laser equipment market, all lasers were like this. But in recent years, models of “cold” laser devices have appeared. The brightest and most interesting representative of this variety is the picosecond alexandrite laser Picosure from the American manufacturer of premium equipment Cynosure.

On the one hand, the Picosure laser is similar to other alexandrite lasers - it emits pulses in the same way that transmit energy to target cells, destroying them. The main difference is in the amount of energy transferred and the duration of the pulse: enormous power is transmitted in such a short time that it has a photomechanical effect rather than a photothermal one.

It turns out that Picosure does not heat the melanin cells, it simply smashes them into dust with a powerful energy “push” - and so quickly that the surrounding cells do not feel any impact.

This technology is the most gentle way to solve the problem of pigmentation today.

Kinds

There are several different types of violations that are worth discussing in a little more detail.

Freckles (ephelids)

They can be exclusively a defect located on the cheeks, forehead and nose, and also cover the entire body. These are small limited spots, mostly brownish, yellow or brownish-brown, usually round in shape. Most often found in boys and girls with blond or red hair. It is easy to recognize such formations by the following signs:

• They first appear from about 3 to 6-7 years of age, and by maturity they can disappear completely.
• In summer and spring they are very noticeable, and in cold weather they become much paler.
• They become darker in color from exposure to the sun.
• They concentrate on open areas of the body, but can also occur under clothing.

They pose absolutely no threat to health, and are sometimes considered not even a flaw, but an advantage, a highlight of appearance.

Super thin injection needles Nanoneedle

Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)

Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 30G

Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 33G

Nanoneedles with ultra-thin walls 34G

Chloasma

They are much larger and irregular in shape, located in the face and neck area. They have a light golden, yellow, brown or brown tint. They do not have additional volume, that is, they do not rise above the surface of the dermis. Mostly they are placed separately, but sometimes they merge into one larger spot. They can occur both at a young and at a more mature age.

Some believe that this type of pigmentation appears exclusively during pregnancy, but this is only one of many reasons. Chloasma can also be diagnosed from taking oral contraceptives, from hormonal imbalances of any etiology, from cosmetic procedures or certain medications, from the sun, or inherited.

Nevi

Such formations are mostly benign, and the common people usually affectionately call them moles. They can be congenital or appear over time. Colors range from light yellow or beige (flesh) to dark brown, almost black. Sometimes they change color over the years, and the sizes are also different. The surface of nevi can be smooth or rough, and hair can also grow on it.

In the vast majority of cases, no removal is implied, but sometimes there are objective reasons for this. If nevi constantly get in the way, rub against clothes, stand out unattractively in the most visible place, then many people think about how to cure and remove such age spots on the forehead, cheek, nose and neck, or other parts of the body.

How to prevent the appearance of age spots?

If the cause of pigmentation does not lie in a hereditary factor, a cosmetic defect can be avoided. Preventive measures:

• do not develop diseases of internal organs - be sure to undergo routine examinations with doctors twice a year;
• do not get carried away with tanning - both in the sun and in the solarium;
• take care of skin protection - go outside in winter, after applying cream with SPF 30, in summer the indicator should be 50;
• choose wisely skincare products to maintain a beautiful and even skin tone;
• maintain a drinking regime - do not let the skin dry out;
• monitor hygiene, prevent the development of acne and the formation of comedones;
• control hormonal levels.

It is also important to take care of prevention long before the period of wilting. The sooner sufficient attention is paid to care and protection, the later the skin will undergo age-related changes. Pigment spots are a phenomenon that can and should be combated. Don’t give up if home treatments don’t bring results; you can always turn to a cosmetologist for help.

Age requirements

The most popular reason for the appearance of unsightly dark or light areas is age. The dermis becomes less elastic, pliable, it becomes thinner, loses its natural elasticity, and becomes covered with unwanted formations that have different “dislocations”:

• face;
• breast;
• neck;
• neckline;
• hands;
• legs;
• back.

Neither the shape, nor the quantity, nor the color of such manifestations depend in any way on skin tone or exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In women, pigments often appear after menopause, when the body undergoes powerful hormonal changes. In such cases, a good solution would be the active drug Curacen, which not only prevents the development of both small and large wrinkles, smoothes and cleanses, and eliminates age-related darkening.

Main reasons

If age spots from the sun appear on the face, many are interested in what helps, what to treat and what to do, but first of all you should find out what caused them.

I Heredity

This is the most common option. Even our distant ancestors often found their relatives based on similar characteristics. Information is recorded in the DNA code and passed from parents to children.

II Disorders due to hormonal changes

The dermis is not only the largest organ of the human body, but also completely dependent on hormones. Primarily sex hormones - estrogen and testosterone, as well as those produced by the pituitary gland - adrenocorticotropin, thyrotropin and somatotropin. When exposed to ultraviolet rays, they initiate a chain reaction, resulting in an unsightly dark area.

What makes the problem worse

• Taking a variety of drugs that affect hormones, including contraceptives.
• Processes during menopause.
• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Phases of the ovulation cycle in women.
• Teenage "hormonal storm".

III Diseases

Often, our epidermis becomes an indicator of health, which many simply do not pay attention to, and then think about how to remove and how to quickly remove age spots from the face, and what kind of cleansing is more suitable. Diseases that have prerequisites for the appearance of spots:

• Bacterial as well as viral infections.
• Endocrine pathologies (hypothyroidism, diabetes of any type, etc.).
• Kidney failure.
• Fungi.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
• Hypovitaminosis, hypervitaminosis.
• Violation of metabolic processes.
• Parasites.
• Sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

IV Peeling and other cosmetic procedures

Sometimes some manipulations for “beauty enhancement” can also affect the appearance of pigments. There are several prerequisites for this: injury or stimulation of inflammation. Therefore, it is extremely important to first diagnose the nature of the spots and only then contact a cosmetologist.

V Acne

Experts say that even the slightest mechanical damage can cause the development of pigmentation. If you squeeze out a pimple, the stratum corneum will inevitably be damaged. If you do not protect it with anything and do not use restorative agents, then it is likely that a small brown area will remain there.

Causes of age spots on the face

Cosmetic flaw occurs in women, men and even newborn children. There are several reasons for pigmentation:

• frequent and intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin - disrupts cell structure, inhibits regeneration, destroys collagen fibers;
• trauma - scratches, abrasions, cuts, hematomas can activate the production of melanin in a certain area;
• hormonal imbalance - during puberty, during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause;
• pathologies of internal organs - most often the adrenal glands, liver, gall and thyroid glands;
• skin diseases, especially acne;
• taking certain medications with photosensitivity effects;
• poor circulation in the extremities;
• diseases of the reproductive system;
• infections, viruses, bacteria, fungal pathologies;
• heredity.

In newborns, pigment spots may appear due to the difficulties of the mother's delivery. Most of them go away on their own in the first year of life, but all formations require monitoring.

In men

The stronger sex may also well suffer from such a common problem, but its prerequisites are somewhat different:

• Sensitive and excessively thin dermis.
• Genetics.
• Neuroses, constant stress.
• Excess estrogen.
• Lack of minerals and vitamins.
• Age over 45 years.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, hazardous work conditions.

Some of the reasons naturally overlap with “female” ones.

Diagnostics

There is a huge variety of modern equipment that can be used to diagnose the nature of dark areas. In any case, you will have to pass all the necessary tests. What may be required:

• blood test (general and biochemistry);
• biopsy;
• Wood's lamp examination;
• scraping

Sometimes, after preliminary tests, the dermatologist or therapist refers you to other specialists. You should worry if the color suddenly changes, the darkening increases, itching, burning, bleeding appears, the boundaries become fuzzy and blurred. It is especially important to carry out all the research if you intend to get rid of age spots on the face that are flaking, because this may indicate an inflammatory process or transformation.

How to remove pigmentation on the face at home using cosmetics

If the spots are not intense and do not occupy large areas, you can make them lighter yourself. Pharmaceutical products and skincare products are suitable for this:

1. Hydroquinone, lavender oil, hydrogen peroxide, and resorcinol have an exfoliating and keratolytic effect.
2. Weak fruit acids, which can be used at home, work well to whiten stains. This is citric, ascorbic, and lactic acid of low concentration. These products are also suitable for preparing for salon chemical peels.
3. Lightening cosmetic compositions marked Anti-Pigment. Creams, lotions and serums containing azelaine, kojic acid, vitamin C.

Any product can be used only after testing for possible allergies. If the body accepts the composition calmly, without a negative reaction, you can begin the procedures according to the instructions for the drug.

Removing dark areas: face control

There are many techniques and methods that will help get rid of unwanted darkening forever.

Peeling

This procedure is aimed not only at elimination, but also at correction and prevention. It can even out tone and improve skin quality. Chloasma and freckles after it become very pale, and sometimes disappear completely.

Chemical

This is the most effective peeling possible, which helps eliminate such defects. For the surface layers, regular almond, retinoic, glycolic, salicylic or milk are suitable. However, if the depth is high, you will have to use something more powerful.

Mechanical

The impact is carried out using abrasive substances that “grind” the surface. Coffee and coral peelings have proven themselves well. There is also dermabrasion, when grinding is carried out using devices with rotating elements. This method is very traumatic. Those who have very sensitive and thin skin should view the procedure with caution.

Hardware

The laser option is considered the most promising in cosmetology. It can not only eliminate pigmentation, but also wrinkles, creases, scars, scars and other irregularities. There are many contraindications to such treatment, so you should first be examined by a doctor.

Mesotherapy and biorevitalization

They are the best method to deliver antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging substances not only to the superficial, but also to the deep layers. Both techniques are injection techniques, which use a variety of “cocktails” with the addition of ingredients that can eliminate unwanted coloring.

Phototherapy (IPL therapy)

Involves influencing particles using light. It is painless and safe, and has a small list of contraindications.

PRP therapy or autologous cellular rejuvenation

The essence of the technique is to administer to a person his own plasma, but already enriched with platelets. It can not only remove defects, but also prevent their occurrence.

Cosmetic programs for prevention and correction

Complexes of this kind will help completely eliminate the problem, having a very beneficial effect. They nourish, moisturize, whiten and even rejuvenate the skin. Usually 6-8 sessions are recommended, one or two per week.

"Kurasen"

It is very important to choose the right drug for amino acid replacement therapy for patients. CURACEN contains histidine, and its L-configuration determines the greatest bioavailability.

On the other hand, in the practice of an aesthetic medicine specialist, it is not always possible to use injection techniques - administering the drug is either impossible, or has an increased unjustified risk of an adverse reaction or complication. For example, thin and hypersensitive skin with a damaged epidermal barrier, a long period of regeneration after invasive procedures.

In such situations, it is recommended to use the biological product CURACEN Essence, which is designed for administration using non-invasive methods. The amino acid composition acts as a skin reductant. Thanks to the restoration of the protein composition of the epidermis against the background of the main therapy, the water-lipid mantle and the epidermal barrier are strengthened, which not only promotes a moisturizing effect, but also soothes the skin by reducing its sensitivity and relieving inflammatory reactions.

Clinical results show that Curasen protects cells from UV-induced damage.

Anti-age drugs

Bb Laboratories – Hyaluron-elastin-collagen extract

Laennec – solution for injection

Curacen Essence (20 fl x 2 ml)

Two-phase placental serum concentrate

How to remove pigment on the face: combating pigmentation with laser techniques

There are precedents when no method works. Then the laser comes to the rescue. At the same time, the rays do not damage the epidermis, have no side effects, act exclusively on melanin and do not affect the cells surrounding it, and after treatment the body quickly returns to normal.

The mechanism of action is not very complicated. It breaks the dyed fabric into tiny fractions, and then “knocks” them out onto the surface. Some is excreted naturally through lymph circulation, and the rest can be easily removed in any other way.

Cryotherapy

The affected areas are exposed to extreme cold using liquid nitrogen. Most often this is done using a special point sprayer, but sometimes even a cotton swab is used. The treated area is frozen, and after a few days it is completely peeled off.

Ozone therapy

The active oxygen isomer “can” significantly reduce and even eliminate the effect of fungi and viruses, accelerates metabolic processes, and has a positive effect on the regeneration of integuments and their rejuvenation. It is also used to eliminate various types of skin defects.

Clinical Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Various techniques can help remove small or large pigment spots. Clinical methods of eliminating the defect, in particular, hardware cosmetology, are very popular. Beauty salons offer different treatments. The most popular are phototherapy, cryotherapy, and mesotherapy. laser whitening, peeling and dermabrasion. Let's look at each method in detail.

Phototherapy: advantages and disadvantages

In phototherapy, targeted flashes of light are applied to the darkened area. Due to this, melanin is destroyed - the effect is noticeable after the first procedure. The skin brightens almost instantly, and after just a few sessions the pigment spot is completely removed. The light beam of the device is configured to specifically destroy melanocytes and not damage healthy tissue. The equipment is configured individually for the patient. The number of sessions and the interval between them are also calculated individually. The advantages of the method include:

• fast recovery;
• painlessness;
• no injuries to the skin;
• instant effect.

Phototherapy cannot be carried out in case of inflammatory processes in the epidermis, the presence of scars, diabetes mellitus, or poor blood clotting.

Laser removal

This method involves the use of a laser to remove age spots. The darkened area is exposed to a directed beam of light, which destroys melanin but does not injure surrounding tissues. There is no pain during the procedure, but there will be no visible effect after the first session. The result will become noticeable only after exfoliation of the upper layer of the epidermis. After a course of laser whitening, pigmentation either disappears or becomes lighter by several tones. This technique is considered one of the safest.

The advantages of laser whitening of age spots include:

• absence of pain and discomfort;
• safety and effectiveness.

To lighten the stain, 1-2 procedures are enough. But keep in mind that you cannot resort to laser removal if you have cancer, inflammatory processes on the skin, or during pregnancy and lactation.

Chemical cleaning (peeling, dermabrasion)

Dry cleaning is also a method of lightening, but active acids are used to exfoliate the top layer of the epidermis. As a result, old cells with accumulations of melanin die, and new skin acquires an even tone.

There are three types of dry cleaning: superficial, medium, deep. The cosmetologist chooses the method of treatment and preparations, taking into account the skin type and the patient’s condition. For age-related hyperpigmentation, a combination of three peeling techniques can be used.

The advantages of the method include:

• pronounced effect;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages include the appearance of scars and burns on the skin. In addition, the procedure is painful and requires a long recovery.

Cryotherapy

When using cryotherapy, the removal of age spots, moles and warts is performed through the use of liquid nitrogen. It is applied to the pigmented area. Nitrogen freezes the skin, so after some time a blister forms on it. It is easily removed along with dead skin and, accordingly, the stain.

The advantages of the procedure include:

• high speed;
• instant effect;
• reasonable price.

But keep in mind that cryotherapy is painful and may require multiple treatments to remove hyperpigmentation.

Mesotherapy

An effective procedure against hyperpigmentation and for rejuvenation. The result is visible immediately. To eliminate the problem, meso-cocktails with lightening properties are used, which are administered by injection under the skin. Mesococktails contain phytic, pyruvic, and ascorbic acid. Among the advantages of the procedure:

• lasting effect;
• rejuvenation.

If you are individually intolerant to drugs, the procedure is prohibited.

Prevention

The first and main preventive measure is proper protection from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. It is worth remembering that you can safely stay under ultraviolet light for no more than 10-15 minutes, after which the risk of getting a burn increases significantly. You should always apply sunscreen to prevent problems.

The second thing that should not be forgotten is regular health checks. Don’t be afraid to visit a doctor, get tested and find out your current condition. After all, it is much easier to prevent a problem than to deal with it later. It won’t hurt to change your clothes to natural ones, throw out chafing and tight things, and lead a healthy lifestyle.