Contents
It would seem, what’s so terrible about age spots on the hands? They don’t hurt, they don’t itch. But their appearance is upsetting, because it hints at age – it’s not for nothing that such spots are called “senile buckwheat”. Let’s show you how.
Age spots: what is it?
Any local changes in skin color are the result of an excess or, conversely, a deficiency of melanin pigment. And he gives us:
beautiful tan;
charming freckles;
coquettish moles.
Want to know what your makeup bag will tell you? Take our test.
Age spots are the result of an excess or, conversely, a deficiency of melanin pigment.
The instability of melanin, which either shoots dark spots or suddenly disappears, indicates a violation of this protection.
Types of age spots on the hands
Spots on the hands come in all conceivable sizes, from dots to “islands”. The palette of shades is not that very rich, but some variety is still observed. Spots are:
yellow;
brown;
reds of all shades – from pink to wine;
whitish.
Causes of age spots on the hands
Ultraviolet
In 90% of cases, the main cause is the sun. In areas of the skin that are in small doses, but constantly exposed to UV rays, an inflammatory reaction occurs around melanocytes (these are melanin-producing cells). And it provokes even more active pigment synthesis.
Hormonal changes
Conditions in which hormone levels are unstable include:
pregnancy;
taking hormonal drugs (including contraceptives);
menopause.
The appearance of age spots can signal problems with the thyroid gland. Usually in this case the spots are light brown, yellowish.
disease
Liver ailments can also be accompanied by yellow and brown spots on the hands. There is also an opinion that some infections provoke a decrease in the production of melanin, and then, against the background of the disease or immediately after recovery, vitiligo develops.
Hypovitaminosisfor example, severe vitamin C deficiency can cause hyperpigmentation.
Stress sometimes leads to vitiligo, that is, a local interruption in the production of melanin.
“Port-wine stains” – red or purple, born or acquired – are hemangiomas, the result of the expansion and growth of blood vessels in a particular part of the body.
Subcooling. Cold injury to the hands may subsequently appear as white spots.
Causes of age spots on the hands after 40, 50, 60 years
Until recently, it was possible to shrug and say: “Well, what do you want – age!” But modern women are not satisfied with this answer. We began to live longer, and now 50-year-olds are 10-15 years younger than their parents in terms of physical fitness and ambitions at the same age. Therefore, senile age spots on the hands (lentigo) – the same, small brown mixed with larger lighter ones – thoroughly spoil life.
Their true cause is not the number of years lived, but the amount of time spent in the sun and sunburn received since infancy. Such injuries quickly exhaust the safety margin of melanocytes.
The other extreme is frostbite, which eventually leads to a decrease in pigmentation.
Is it possible to get rid of age spots on the hands
In any case, the maximum effect can be achieved by combining professional and home care.
Cosmetic procedures
The maximum effect in getting rid of age spots can be achieved by combining professional and home care.
Peeling
It removes the superficial layer of the skin and stimulates its deep renewal – without age spots.
Any chemical peel to some extent helps to get rid of unwanted pigmentation, but special preparations for age spots have also been developed.
For example, the AHA-peeling Pigment Balancing Peel, SkinCeuticals. Its effectiveness is determined by a combination of two components:
exfoliant based on glycolic and citric acids;
brightening powder from ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and emblica extract.
Both compositions are mixed, which ensures the maximum concentration of active ingredients.
Phototherapy
Light pulses destroy melanin, and immediately after the procedure, the treated areas darken even more. But very soon the skin begins to peel off and in its place a new one appears, without spots.
Laser
The most popular method of getting rid of pigmentation works on the same principle as phototherapy (difference in light wavelength) – pigmented areas are processed with a laser. As a result, the top layer is exfoliated, skin renewal “from scratch” is stimulated.
Elos
It is a variation of light therapy, it quickly removes superficial age spots.
Cosmetics for home use
Creams
Serums
They have a higher concentration of active ingredients and are used in the evening. Some drugs are not recommended for daily use.
Hyperpigmentation cosmetics are based on active exfoliating ingredients, high doses of antioxidants and substances that enhance natural antioxidant protection.
Overview of means for the correction and prevention of pigmentation
You are unlikely to find specialized cosmetics aimed at getting rid of pigmentation on the hands, so you can try products designed to combat age spots on the face, because the mechanism of their appearance (and reduction) does not depend on localization.
Antioxidant gel for dry and normal skin Phloretin CF Gel, SkinCeuticals
Stabilized vitamin C, phloretin and ferulic acid reduce cell damage caused by solar radiation, stimulate collagen synthesis, making the skin firmer.
Serum for even skin tone Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, Kiehl’s
Against age spots caused by photodamage and other causes, the formula with vitamin C, birch and peony extracts works. The tool makes the skin tone more even, gives radiance.
Sunscreens, of course, will not reduce existing age spots, but they will be a reliable prevention of their appearance, so protect your face and hands even in the city.
Ambre Solaire “Perfect Tan” sun spray-tanning developer, Garnier
Sun milk for face and body Waterlover Sun Milk, SPF 50, Biotherm
With a nourishing texture and effective formula, the product protects the skin of the face and body (including the hands) from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation and takes care to prevent hyperpigmentation as a side effect of sunburn.
Brightening UV Defense, SPF 30, SkinCeuticals
The sun filter system provides effective protection against UVA/UVB rays. The cream is a real salvation and protection against pigmentation. Apply to face first, then spread the rest over the hands.
Sun milk for face and body, high protection SPF 50/PPD 30, Anthelios, La Roche-Posay
The product contains La Roche-Posay thermal water and a combination of sunscreens that protect the skin from the effects of rays type A and B, preventing the appearance of age spots on the hands and body.