Pigment spots on the face and the reasons for their appearance, methods of treatment

Causes

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is due to free exposure to external factors that accelerate the formation of dark spots.

Cholasma (melasma)

Cholasma
One of the reasons causing this problem on the face may be cholasma - “pigmentation due to overproduction of melanin by pigment cells” [www.dermetnz.org]. It can occur if you expose your face to sunlight for a long time. These uneven dark areas on the face predominate on the forehead, chin, cheeks and upper lip.

Hormonal imbalance and pregnancy

Cholasma appears as dark spots on the face and often appears during pregnancy. However, when hormonal imbalance is normalized, this problem should not manifest itself.

Other factors include hormone therapy, certain cancer medications, and hypothyroidism—low levels of thyroid hormones.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

It is caused by skin conditions that affect it. Psoriasis is one of the main conditions responsible for this. Some skin care products with alcohol, burns and acne can cause PIH.

Treatment includes continuous use of tretinoin, azeloic acid, especially for those patients who are prone to acne.

Lentigo

Lentigo (age spots/liver spots) refers to dark spots that are caused by ultraviolet rays rather than liver and alcohol problems (there was once a theory, hence the name). Most often they appear with age, especially after 60 years.

Such spots on the face do not pose serious health problems, but for aesthetic reasons they can be eliminated, for example, with the help of laser therapy, electrosurgery or cryotherapy. In addition, treatment for lentigo on the face may include creams and gels with hydroxyl acid.

You can also try some of the home remedies for liver spots such as buttermilk and lemon or turmeric, yogurt and honey mask.

Read more about these spots here.

Acne scars

Acne scars are also the cause of darkening of the facial skin. These spots are actually pimples and blackheads that, once healed, have left scars on the forehead, cheeks or neck.

Depilation

Facial hair removal also sometimes causes black spots to appear on the cheeks and upper lip. Some of the methods used to remove unwanted hair, such as tweezers and chemical creams, can cause ingrown hairs. From time to time, this creates small dark or brown bumps due to the entry of bacteria.

Healed pimples

Whether acne appears during puberty, poor hygiene or skin diseases, this can trigger the manifestation of this problem. Once they appear on the forehead and cheeks, it becomes difficult to protect them from sunburn.

After they have been treated, or when they have disappeared on their own, you may notice small dark spots in the areas where they are present.

Other reasons

There may be other causes of this skin problem, such as chemical burns, damage to the skin from hot objects, sharp objects or tools.

Most cases may require treatment due to long-term self-healing, but sometimes they resolve on their own.

NOTE :
Vitamin B12 deficiency causes loss of normal pigmentation, resulting in white patches. This condition (vitiligo) indirectly contributes to dark spots on the skin.

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 improper bowel function;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• harmful effects of ultraviolet rays;
• negative impact of cosmetic procedures;
• allergic reaction to cosmetics or food;
• age-related changes;
• hereditary predisposition.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

Skin pigmentation on the face can either be a signal of serious illness or simply be a residual effect from excessive 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 sensations occur in the area where they appear. In this case, going to the doctor should not be postponed under any circumstances.

Dark spots on cheeks

Firstly, the appearance of dark spots on the cheek and nose is caused by changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some of these changes may occur after successful hormone therapy. According to Khatri, "increased levels of these hormones can stimulate melanin growth, causing hyperpigmentation," [dailymakeover.com]

Secondly, obesity may indicate that spots on the cheeks are a sign of acanthosis nigricans, especially in dark-skinned people, according to Dr. Pawan Kumar Gupta. The reason for this rare condition is a tendency to insulin resistance, which allows excess glucose to accumulate in cells, that is, “acanthosis nigricans is a skin change in which there is darker, thicker, velvety skin in the folds of the body.” [Www.healthcaremagic.com]. This problem on the cheeks can be treated with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing (CO2 laser).

Acanthosis nigricans on the cheeks usually occurs in dark-skinned people

What causes age spots to appear?

Malfunction of skin cells most often occurs for the following reasons: 5 possible causes of pigmentation problems.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet light irritates melanocytes, the skin cells responsible for the production of melanin. Normally, this results in the appearance of an even tan. But if you stimulate cells with active sun often and a lot, some of them “go crazy” and begin to produce melanin day and night in massive doses.

Pigment spots are frequent companions of fans of solariums and tanning.

Skin injuries, including sunburn

Tanning is actually a defense mechanism. With the help of melanin, our body protects itself from ultraviolet radiation that kills it: this dark pigment creates a kind of barrier around skin cells that scatters dangerous UVB rays.

Areas where the skin is damaged, from the body's point of view, need maximum protection. This is why melanocytes go into maximum activity mode, and damaged skin (it doesn’t matter if you scratched your knee or took a walk in the sun and now your nose is peeling) darkens much more vigorously than neighboring areas.

Hormonal changes

Melanin production is also regulated by hormones. Pregnancy, taking birth control pills, and some endocrine diseases can change hormonal levels. As a result, age spots appear.

Age

Over the years, the skin becomes thinner and melanocyte cells in some areas of the skin appear almost at the surface. If in youth and youth the small doses of melanin they produced were hidden under a layer of skin and were invisible, then closer to old age they appear. This is how age spots appear.

Taking certain medications

For example, tetracycline antibiotics, retinoids and drugs for Hyperpigmentation chemotherapy.

Malfunctions of internal organs

The appearance of age spots is often a signal of distress from the liver Alcohol-Related Liver Disease, gall bladder, kidneys What You Need to Know About End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESRD) and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment options

Microdermabrasion

It is a suitable method for removing darker areas. It ensures that only dry dead cells are removed and paves the way for a new layer. A professional dermatologist or surgeon will use an electric grinding device to remove the very thin top layer of dark skin. For example, microdermabrasion is one of the ways to remove dark spots on the face caused by acne.

Exfoliation with scrubs

If darkened sun spots need to be removed in a short period of time, manual exfoliation should be used. A handy exfoliating tool or cleanser is applied to problem skin to remove the top layer. The exfoliating agent (scrub) should contain tiny particles, or you can make your own, for example, mixing raw almonds with a mild cleanser.

Exfoliation and whitening

Creams, gels, and alpha hydroxy acid solutions can be used to combat this problem by exfoliating the skin. Lightening products should contain important whitening ingredients such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, and arbutin.

• Some of the creams and serums include alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic, citric, tartaric and lactic acid. Alpha hydroxide cream may work well if the concentration is less than 10%. For example, AHA 4oz is a face cream with a concentration of 8%.
• Another beneficial component is retinoic acid (retin-A / retin). Most products containing it are prescription creams and gels. Great for removing dark areas of the face from acne, scars and other marks.
• Salic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid group that is also effective in treating acne.

Creams for age spots

For hyperpigmented spots, you can use special lightening creams or visit a center for laser treatment.

Secondly, for acne scars, pimples, you can get some of the lightening creams like Isotretinoin, Meladerm Skin Care, Ambi-Fade Cream (lightening creams).

Another common method for treating acne and preventing the formation of dark spots due to it is topical benzoyl peroxide and triclosan antibacterials.

Laser treatment

If the above remedies do not give good results, you should try laser treatment. It uses penetrating pulses of laser light to destroy the melanocyte cells under the skin that cause these spots. A new layer grows and softer, healthier skin is formed. Laser is undoubtedly a very reliable method.

This is a chemical-free dark spot clearing therapy that can be used on most skin types.

Proper post-treatment care is needed to help relieve pain and prevent swelling. Using a laser will provide a solution for both light and dark African-American skin.

Chemical peels

This is another darkening remover. Unlike microdermabrasion, a chemical peel solution uses medical grade agents to remove the target layer of skin.

Light chemical peels, such as those with alpha hydroxyl acids, are suitable for fair skin and are therefore effective as a treatment for dark spots on the face.

General recommendations

“Grandma’s” recipes are quite effective, but require discipline and regular use. However, with some types of masks and washes, allergies may develop. To prevent an undesirable result, you can do a preliminary skin test (on the bend of the elbow). If after 20-30 minutes there is no reaction, the mask can be used without fear.

If a radical method of getting rid of pigmentation has been chosen, for example, laser or another type of peeling, after the rehabilitation period you should continue to adhere to the rules of skin care - use protective products, do not visit solariums, etc.

In some cases, ingestion of ascorbic and nicotinic acid is indicated, but the decision is made only by the doctor.

We remind you! Pigmentation is a reason to contact an experienced doctor. All recommendations in the article are given as information. Do not forget to visit specialists in a timely manner - a dermatologist, gynecologist, therapist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, as well as a cosmetologist.

Examples of good creams

The method you need to use to get rid of facial darkening depends on the type of skin problem you have. There are some important ingredients that may be present in such a cream such as niacinimide, vitamin C, licorice and acetylglucosamine.

You can try some of the creams below:

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot healing gel is one of the best acne treatments. It should be used within several weeks.

Acne Spot Repair is another great cream for removing dark acne spots. It absorbs quickly and reduces inflammation to help eliminate problem areas on the cheeks and forehead. Others in this category are Oriflame Dark Spot Fading Concentrate, Himalaya Clarina Anti-acne Cream.

To combat pigmentation in men, one of the best creams is Pigmentation Repair Formula.

You can cleanse your face using Microfine Face Scrub, which is an exfoliating product with glycolic acid. In addition, you should use aftershave cream Dark Spot Reduction Moisturizer, which moisturizes and improves skin tone.

Also good products are:

• Clean and Clear Morning Burst Brightening Facial Scrub.
• Obagi Nu Derm Clear for melanoma dark spot cream.

Benefits of cosmetic procedures

Cosmetic procedures have a number of advantages:

• high efficiency in solving the problem of pigmentation;
• no pain during procedures;
• absolute safety for the client’s health;
• exclusion of relapse and reappearance of problem areas on the face;
• improvement of skin color;
• no residual effects.

Timely determination of the cause of the appearance of brown spots guarantees the achievement of the maximum effect, depending on the individual characteristics of each organism.

Home Remedies

Lemon juice

It has the ability to remove dark spots on the face, especially acne. The acid and natural vitamin C found in lemon are important in removing toxins and dead cells. Plus, it's a really simple home procedure.

1. You need to squeeze a little juice out of the lemon.
2. Apply it with a cotton swab to problem areas of the skin.
3. Leave for at least 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. Repeat these steps every day after taking a bath or shower.

Papaya

This fruit has powerful enzymes to fight dark spots on the skin. You need to gently wipe the affected areas of the face with the pulp.

You should use ripe papaya on dark acne spots by rubbing the area covered with them. Rinse your face after 15 minutes.

Buttermilk and lemon

Mix a small amount of buttermilk (low-fat dairy cream) and lemon in equal quantities. This mixture may serve partly as lactic acid in alpha-hydroxyl products.

Aloe vera gel

It is a strong antioxidant with natural ingredients such as enzymes, vitamins, which can provide the ability to lighten dark spots on the face quickly and prevent skin damage from the sun.

1. Cut the leaf and squeeze out the gel-like pulp.
2. Cleanse your face and dry with a towel.
3. Apply the pulp directly to the affected areas of the skin, gently massaging and rubbing.

Onion + honey

The ability to whiten discolorations makes onions and honey excellent natural remedies to combat this problem. Onions contain natural and effective ingredients including minerals and vitamins, plus the acidity helps in removing shaving marks and injuries.

1. Mix some honey and onion in a bowl.
2. Using a soft cotton cloth, lightly apply the mixture to your face.
3. After 10 minutes, apply a thin layer of natural honey.
4. Alternatively, you can replace the onion with garlic juice.

Turmeric, yogurt and honey

1. Combine turmeric powder, yogurt and honey in equal proportions to form a thick paste.
2. Apply the mask to cleansed facial skin with light massage movements.
3. Let it dry and rinse with warm water after 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure daily at least 2 times a day.

Lemon juice, cucumber and rose water

Cucumber is excellent for repairing cell damage and getting rid of dark spots, restoring and smoothing the skin.

1. Grate the cucumber and mix with rose water and lemon juice.
2. Apply by lightly rubbing with cotton cloth or cotton wool.
3. Apply the product for at least 5 minutes daily. Wash to remove any residue.

Disadvantages and advantages of each method

The positive side of aesthetic procedures: a noticeable effect after the first manipulation, impact on the deep layers of the skin. However, complete elimination in a short time does not provide a 100% chance of avoiding the reappearance of the stain.

Why do home methods have questionable effects and are not suitable for everyone? Getting rid of stains on your own is not always effective. The result of using some recipes may become noticeable only after a year of use, due to the small amount of active substances that are unable to remove the pigment. The advantage of traditional medicine is the use of natural ingredients.

Treatment of brown spots on the face is the main advantage of cosmetic products. The composition of creams and ointments is selected by specialists and is aimed at the complete destruction of melanin in cells. Stronger drugs are available with a prescription at the pharmacy. Specific substances are cautioned against use and possible allergic reactions.

According to people's reviews, the latter method is the most effective.

Tinea versicolor

Chronic skin pathology caused by yeast-like fungi. It is not transmitted from person to person; infection occurs through household means. Microorganisms may not manifest themselves for a long time. They are activated in the heat, with increased sweating, weakened immunity, and hormonal imbalances. The clinical picture consists of the appearance of yellow, light brown, pink and red spots up to 1 cm in diameter. The elements of the rash grow and merge with each other. The lesions can reach 15 cm. Their surface peels off, but there are no signs of inflammation. Slight itching and increased sweating may occur. Antifungal drugs are used to treat tinea versicolor. It is better to give preference to liquid forms or shampoos, since the products are recommended to be applied to the entire body. For extensive lesions, systemic treatment is prescribed.

Liver diseases

Hepatitis, cirrhosis and other liver pathologies are characterized by impaired excretion of bile from the body and accumulation of bilirubin in tissues. The skin and whites of the eyes acquire a yellowish tint. Patients complain of nausea and vomiting. There is pain in the right side. Sometimes the liver swells and can be easily felt by palpation. With such problems you need to contact a hepatologist. He will assess the condition, make a diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.

If yellow spots appear on the skin, it is better not to wait until they go away, but to seek medical help. If itching occurs, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. In other cases, you can start with a therapist.

How to clean at home

You can get rid of acne and blackheads without resorting to the help of a cosmetologist in several ways, listed above. Squeezing is one of the safest and most effective. Band-aids, scrubs and masks do not help immediately. Mechanical cleansing allows you to remove most of the dirt in one session. To do this, before the squeezing procedure, you must steam the skin and disinfect it to avoid inflammation.

Steam baths

Boil water in a saucepan, add a couple of drops of essential oils, remove from heat, line the edges of the container with a towel, and hold your face above the water for 10 minutes (no more!). To avoid infection, disinfect your skin with alcohol. You can also use salicylic acid for this purpose. In addition, wipe the skin with hydrogen peroxide. Squeeze out blackheads on the body and face carefully, wrapping your fingers in sterile bandages or wearing gloves. If you can’t do it by hand, take the ampoule from the pen, disinfect the end and press down on the sebaceous plug - this way it will come out faster.

How to get rid of black dots

To choose an effective way to get rid of it, you need to find out the cause of its appearance. Only by solving the original problem will it be possible to clear your face of blackheads once and for all. The methods of struggle are:

• Homemade cleansing face masks. They are made on the basis of drying and antibacterial components - lemon juice, kefir, chamomile decoction. The effect is noticeable after several repetitions.
• Extrusion. This is a simple, but painstaking, painful work that is recommended to be done once every two weeks. You can sign up for this procedure with a cosmetologist or squeeze out blackheads at home yourself.
• Peeling and scrubs. They can be homemade (contain sugar, soda or fine salt) or purchased cosmetics. Removal of blackheads using this method is carried out both independently and in salons. It is recommended to do it once or twice a week (for light peeling), less often for aggressive scrubbing.
• Strips for removing blockages. They are sold in markets or made according to folk recipes based on gelatin.
• Combined drugs. Medicinal gels containing anti-inflammatory components and antibiotics. They cleanse from the inside, penetrating deeply into the layers of the epidermis, thereby destroying harmful microorganisms.