UV rays and skin ageing are the cause of pigmentation problems in many women. How do they manifest themselves and how can they be effectively treated? Overview of the subject.
The different types of pigmentation problems
From the age of 30, a number of women develop pigmentation irregularities on their skin. This can be the result of different problems:
- Lentigo, is also called age spots if it is mainly due to the intrinsic ageing of the skin, or solar lentigo if it is caused by regular and considerable sun exposure.
- Melasma, generally due to hormone imbalances. This can occur when taking certain medicines, or can be caused by sun exposure during pregnancy when no protection is worn. This is called pregnancy mask.
- Liver spots, also called ephelids.
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation, following an acne spot for example. The mark is then due to an excess of melanin produced by the inflammation.
When melanin production is disrupted…
The sun, skin ageing and genetics are among the main factors that influence skin pigmentation. In fact, from the age of 30, they can cause disruption to the production and distribution mechanism of melanin, the pigment that is responsible for the skin's colouring. Melanin is therefore distributed unevenly in the skin and accumulates at the surface of the epidermis. Outcome: skin pigmentation becomes uneven and dark spots form on the surface.
To prevent dark spots from appearing and regain a radiant and even complexion, it is important to adopt a good daily skin care regime:
- Each morning apply an anti-dark spot treatment to the face and neck. The formation of hyperpigmentations is a continuous process that requires daily treatment.
- Protect your skin from the sun’s rays using UVA and UVB sun protection, and choose one with a high factor if significant sun exposure is likely. The sun is the overriding factor in the appearance and worsening of dark spots. Protecting yourself from it is therefore the basis of any treatment.