How to get rid of age spots on the face [advice from La-Roche Posay dermatologist]

Causes of the appearance of age spots

Brown spots are areas of the skin darkened due to excessive production of melanin. Dark pigment is formed in melanocytes – the cells responsible for the production of melanin, it is transferred to the surface of the epidermis by keratinocytes – the main cells of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

The most common cause of pigmentation is overexposure to UV radiation or age over 50. Let’s analyze what this or that type of spots looks like and what their manifestation is connected with.

Freckles (ephelids) – small brown spots with a diameter of 1-2 mm, located mainly on open parts of the body: face, arms, neck, shoulders. As a rule, freckles occur at a young age and appear during the period of active sun (spring-summer), brighten with the onset of autumn and may disappear altogether in winter. The more intense the exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation, the darker the ephelids appear.

Moles and nevi – the most common type of pigmentation that occurs in every person on different parts of the body, including on the head, regardless of age, but moles are especially active in older people. Some nevi should be observed together with a dermatologist – if the mole increases in size, changes color and shape, there is a risk of developing melanoma.

solar lentigo – large pigment spots from 2 to 20 mm in diameter, oval in shape with clear boundaries. Lentigo occurs due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin, but, unlike freckles, the spots are static and do not turn pale in the cold season. Yellow spots under the eyes are also most often associated with excessive insolation and dehydration of tissues. Lentigo spots are considered senile pigmentation and often appear in place of freckles.

Melasma (chloasma) – a type of hyperpigmentation, manifested in the form of large spots of an indistinct shape, located mainly on the forehead, on the chin and on the cheeks. Often occur against the background of hormonal changes in the body in women, for example, during pregnancy. Melasma can increase after sunburn and disappear when the hormonal levels are balanced.

It starts – an atrophic post-inflammatory skin defect that occurs at the site of acne (acne): on the chest, forearms, back and face. These are stable changes in the skin, indicating the depth of epidermal damage, the strength of its inflammation and insufficient ability to self-regenerate. Acne marks can accompany a person for life or disappear with time, thanks to aesthetic cosmetic procedures.

How to get rid of age spots on the face with cosmetics?

If you find yourself pigmented, the first thing to do is to include sunscreens in your beauty routine that reduce the transport of new melanin into cells, and brightening cosmetics. La Roche-Posay expert dermatovenereologist Alexander Prokofiev tells how to get rid of age spots on the face and how to treat them at home.

Whitening creams will help remove age spots, provided they are used regularly, and also prevent the occurrence of new darkening of the skin. It will not be possible to completely get rid of strong pigmentation with the help of cosmetics, but brightening agents with acids and retinoids will help to noticeably even out the tone of the face.

Alexander Prokofiev: Dermatovenereologist La Roche-Posay

Brightening cosmetics will help:

• Reduce the contrast of visible dark pigment spots on the face, neck and hands.
• Minimize stain size.
• Prevent the appearance of new and darkening of existing imperfections.

Types of cosmetics against pigmentation:

• Creams suitable for daily use and with prolonged use, they correct spots and prevent the appearance of new ones.
• Serums are distinguished by a high concentration of active substances and intensively act on dark areas of the skin, brightening them.
• Masks – an emergency method that will help to quickly brighten the skin and even out the tone of the face.

1. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) accelerate the process of regeneration of skin cells, help fight even traces of post-acne and persistent age-related pigmentation.

• Redermic Concentrated Anti-Aging Care [R] with retinol brightens age spots on the face, smoothes even pronounced wrinkles and evens out complexion.

2. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – another component that promotes the renewal of the epidermis and accelerates the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C helps skin cells fight free radicals and prevents oxidative stress. Cosmetics with a high content of vitamin C will help remove age spots on the face.

• Vitamin C10 Antioxidant Skin Renewal Serum with high concentration of vitamin C fights all signs of aging, evens out the tone and relief of the face, suitable for sensitive skin care.
• Intensive anti-aging care Redermic C10 with pure vitamin C (10% of the composition) and hyaluronic acid restores skin elasticity, natural radiance, effectively fights wrinkles and pigmentation.

3. Arbutin slows down the synthesis of melanin and is known for its pronounced brightening properties.

4. Acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, kojic, azelaic) accelerate skin renewal and whiten pigmentation well.

• Corrective cream-gel for problematic skin against imperfections and post-acne Effaclar Duo (+) with lipo-hydroxy acid + salicylic acid – has a mild exfoliating effect and promotes skin regeneration.

5. Glabridin not only brightens pigmentation, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect.

How to remove age spots on the face with the help of cosmetic procedures?

It is possible to minimize hyperpigmentation not only on the face, but also on the back and other parts of the body, where the skin is denser and less susceptible to cosmetic formulas, using aesthetic hardware methods and injections.

Alexander Prokofiev: Dermatovenereologist La Roche-Posay

Aesthetic procedures that help remove age spots:

• Laser therapy – deep heating of tissues with a laser beam, which triggers active renewal of the dermis and epidermis.
• Phototherapy is a sparing targeted method of getting rid of age spots with a broadband light pulse that activates the production of collagen and elastin.
• Elos (electro-optical synergy) is a combination of light and electrical technologies that destroy cells with a high content of pigment, without injuring the surrounding tissues.
• Mesotherapy – an injection method for introducing a brightening cocktail or an alternative study of darkened skin areas with a mesoscooter with many needles.
• Chemical peeling based on acids, it acts on the upper or deep layer of the skin, promotes accelerated tissue renewal and helps to cleanse the face, evening out skin tone and relief.
• Cryotherapy – a method of exposing the skin to low temperatures (inert nitrogen gas or cold air -150/-190ºС), which increases blood circulation and accelerates cell metabolism.
• Phonophoresis – ultrasonic impact on problem areas of the skin, through which active brightening and renewing components are introduced into the dermis.

Is it possible to remove age spots on the face with folk remedies?

Age spots on the face can also be lightened thanks to folk remedies, for example, masks made from grated almonds, lemon juice, honey, parsley and sour cream. Such home methods are not effective and can provoke an allergic reaction and skin irritation, as well as increase photosensitivity, therefore they are not recommended for use by dermatologists and cosmetologists.

Cosmetic formulas use standardized, modified plant extracts that are targeted and have a lasting and more pronounced effect, therefore, are more reliable.

Prevention of the appearance of age spots on the skin

1. Every day, even on cloudy days, use a product with a high UV protection factor to avoid high melanin production and the appearance of age spots from the sun. For UV protection in an urban environment, products with SPF-25/30 are suitable; for a beach holiday, choose products with SPF-50.
2. Do not squeeze pimples and do not touch inflamed areas of the skin with your hands: with age, the ability of the epidermis to self-regenerate decreases and stagnant spots may remain at the site of inflammation.
3. Do not be zealous with the use of aggressive products, for example, harsh and chemical exfoliants, alcohol-containing products that damage and dry the epidermis, slowing down cell renewal.
4. To care for mature skin, use products with antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress of the skin and premature aging at the age of 35 – such products serve as a good prevention of not only pigmentation, but also wrinkles.
5. After clarifying aesthetic procedures, facial peels or epilation, for example, pigment spots or irritation may appear under the nose. To prevent them from occurring, use Cicaplast Baume B5 SPF 50 – A revitalizing soothing facial treatment that prevents the appearance of age spots, which soothes the skin, reduces inflammation.