Facial blemishes appear on our skin when it begins to lose its properties, and this happens after the age of 30.
This is when hyperpigmentation grows and the consequences of not having protected the skin from sun exposure are evident. However, it is not only the sun’s rays that cause skin blemishes.
How facial blemishes appear
Spots on the face, or hyperpigmentation,appear when some areas of the skin produce more melanin than the rest. This occurs because the sun enhances the creation of melanin, which is the natural substance that gives color to hair, skin and eyes.
There are different reasons why we get spots on our face, although they are generally associated with high exposure to ultraviolet rays, which is aggravated if we do not use sunscreen. Environmental pollution, smoking, makeup with doses of alcohol and diuretic and antibiotic medications also have an impact.
Skin blemishes can also be caused by certain diseases. It is therefore advisable to consult experts who can determine a diagnosis and establish an appropriate treatment for each need.
Types of stains
Solar lentigines
Lentigines are the most common spots caused by sun exposure. They are usually brown in color and appear on the neckline, back, hands and face.
They are stable and irregular spots. They do not grow, but more will appear if unprotected exposure is prolonged. People with fair skin are more likely to develop these spots.
Melasmas
Melasmasare more frequent in dark skin and usually appear on the upper lip, forehead, cheeks and nose.
Women are more prone to these spots, as they are believed to be related to hormonal changes.
How to prevent the appearance of stains
Prevention is the most effective weapon for achieving quality, luminous skin. And the best way to do this is to use full protection in the areas where spots appear most frequently.
This prevention should be extended throughout the year, not only in summer. In this way, not only the appearance of spots is prevented, but also photoaging.
Tanning booths also cause cell damage and much faster than sun exposure.
Spot creams
The appearance of facial blemishes can be improved by certain remedies and creams. For example, creams with antioxidant actives help fight free radicals that cause skin oxidation.
Retinol and vitamin A derivatives promote collagen production, so it can help with cell renewal. Certain exfoliants can also help to conceal blemishes and facilitate the removal of dead skin cells.
In any case, the Spanish Academy of Dermatology recommends all formulas containing hydroquinone, retinoic acid, retinol, kojic acid, azelaic acid and vitamin C to eliminate blemishes.
If you search the Internet, you will find different natural remedies against skin blemishes. Be careful, because some of them could be counterproductive.
Diet can also help maintain good skin health. Any diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C and E directly helps to delay skin aging.
How to remove skin blemishes
Skin blemishes do not disappear with time, nor do they disappear with creams or cosmetics. To remove them completely, it will be necessary to resort to medical-aesthetic treatments.
In any case, as we have already mentioned, the diagnosis offered by professionals is the key to obtain positive results.
Medical-aesthetic treatments against blemishes
Chemical peeling
Peeling is a treatment that consists of renewing the superficial layers of the skin through exfoliation. Chemicals such as glycolic, salicylic, mandelic and trichloroacetic acids are used.
This treatment allows you to replace that layer of skin, giving you a more youthful and luminous appearance. Chemical peels can cause irritation on sensitive skin.
Laser
The laser or pulsed light acts by means of light energy in the cells where the melanin is located. It is a more aggressive treatment, but it does not affect the surrounding cells.
It is a quick treatment, lasting no more than 20 minutes, although several treatments must be done over approximately four weeks.
Electroporation
Electroporation works on hyperpigmentation, making the spots lighter, with a homogeneous appearance, better texture and skin tone. Depending on the type of stain, it can be completely removed or concealed.
This non-invasive technique uses small electric currents that open the pores of the skin and allow the introduction of active ingredients that act on the skin to remove blemishes.
The main active ingredients used are tranexamic acid, kojic acid, ferulic acid, retinol and neurolight. What they do is inhibit melanin production.
Hydroquine
Hydroquine is a depigmenting cream used by dermatologists in combination with other acids. It is a very effective solution, with visible results after 2 to 3 months.
It is potentially irritating, so treatment should be directed by professionals. What hydroquine does is block the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing melanin.