With summer approaching, questions about pigment spots are never far away! What are pigment spots? What can you do about it? How can you soften them? Can they really leave? I'll tell you today in this blog!
WHAT ARE PIGMENT SPOTS?
Your skin, whatever skin color, contains pigment, a substance that in scientific terms is sometimes called melanin. And as soon as your skin comes into contact with the sun, your skin will produce pigment cells as protection.
This is how you get that tan during a sun holiday. But how do you get rid of pigment spots? Pigment spots occur when production is disrupted and too much melanin is produced. This melanin accumulates and you get a pigment spot. The biggest culprit of pigment spots is the sun, but of course there are also other factors that can trigger pigment spots, such as pigment spots after a wound or pimple, old age, the use of irritating substances in your skin care, ... but just assume: the sun remains the biggest culprit!
HOW CAN I PREVENT PIGMENT SPOTS?
Some people are predisposed to pigment spots, so they need to protect themselves extra when they go out in the sun. But ultimately it applies to everyone: protect yourself from the sun - winter and summer.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE PIGMENTATION STAINS?
Has the damage been done and do you have pigment spots on your face? There are many ingredients and treatments that can provide relief. Unfortunately, I repeat: being able to offer, because sometimes it works and sometimes unfortunately it doesn't!
Which ingredients are recommended? I list them here for you: look for them in your skin care!
The most well-known and proven ingredient that you often find in skin care is vitamin C. Niacinamide and licorice root extract are two ingredients that you can definitely look for! Glycolic acid may help if used in high concentrations if your spots are superficial.
Are you visiting the dermatologist for your pigment spots? Then you can obtain a special prescription for a product that you can pick up at the pharmacy; Vitamin A is often used here. Vitamin A is not only a proven ingredient against wrinkles, but also against pigment spots!
AND WHAT CAN HELP IN TERMS OF TREATMENT?
You can also try to soften or reduce pigment spots with a few treatments. The simplest and budget-friendly option is a peeling. You can first try to start a treatment at home with a (safe!) peeling: consider peelings with glycolic acid (for dry skin) or salicylic acid (rather for combination to oily skin). But of course, for safety reasons, home peels do not have such a high concentration. That is why a referral to a specialist is definitely recommended! Skin specialists have special peels with higher concentrations. You can start a treatment to reduce your pigment spots. Please note: such a peeling treatment is definitely recommended after the summer, because you are really not allowed to be in the sun during such a treatment. So ideal to refresh your skin after the summer or winter!
Are peels also unsuccessful? Then you can always ask your dermatologist about special laser treatments.
But of course it is better to avoid it and so sun protection is highly recommended!
