melasma skin treatment
More specifically melasma or lentigo
The brown spots on our skin we move from an irregular distribution of melanin. Either this can result in melasma which is an uneven production of melanocytes causing light brown spots, or lentigines (age spots), which are an uneven accumulation of melanocytes in the epidermis resulting in brown spots.
The melanocytes, the cells are located in the basal cell layer of the skin. These cells control the production of melanin, which gives each person their coloring. The melanin production rate differs between each person being greater in dark skinned individuals.
Factors also external influence the production of melanin, which can cause brown spots:
- Sun exposure
- Certain drugs and chemicals
- Hormones – pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills
- Behind the health problems – Nerve disorders
- Acne
Melasma produces irregular, light brown spots that usually occur in the nose, cheeks, face and upper chest. The darker the skin, the spots are lighter than the surrounding skin. Melasma is common during pregnancy, menopause and women taking oral contraceptives. Sun exposure will cause brown spots worse.
Lentigines, also known as age or liver spots, are flat, light reddish brown spots that appear on the face, throat, chest, back, hands, back and shoulders. Lentigines usually appear on skin that is repeatedly exposed to sunlight. The ultraviolet sunlight causes overstimulation of the melanocyte cells in the skin. The cells clump together and appear as age spots.
Lentigines spots vary in size from small to a couple of inches wide. They occur most often in people with fair skin and can begin to be felt as early as the age of 30.
Although both produced melanin spots are harmless, they are unattractive to most people. So what gets rid of them?
Over the counter products that can be used to remove brown spots on the skin are:
- Bleaching (depigmentation) products include —
- Hydroquinone (used only on fair to light skin tones – possibly irritating)
- Kojic acid (an alternative for darker skin tones)
- Azelaic acid
- Arbutin
- Ellagic acid
- Retinoids (retinoic acid)
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Discoloration products work by inhibiting the production of the enzyme tyrosinase, which in turn reduces melanin. Over time, the brown spots fade. Whitening products is not clear the skin beyond its' own natural color, so do not worry about going to the light.
Retinoids, vitamin C and fruit acids can gradually fade brown spots on their own. However, they are best used in conjunction with bleaching products, will improve the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Always use proper sun protection when using any of these ingredients. Your skin will be extremely sensitive to the sun. In addition, hydroquinone will be useless if do not use sunscreen.
Options that are available through professional skin care are:
- Laser Treatments (less damaging to the skin)
- Chemical face peels
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (may cause staining white)
For more information on treating brown spots or other types of skin care, go to Better-Skin-Care.com
Julie Roberts is the publisher of Better-Skin-Care.com.
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