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Summer, sea, sun are the main components of a perfect holiday. But dark spots can overshadow it, which sometimes appear after the holidays. For everyone who wants to avoid this, we will tell you how to avoid “sun kisses”.
Causes of the appearance of age spots
Doctors call such darkening of the skin solar lentigo. In fairness, we note that age spots are not only among those who like to lie on the beach. Other factors also contribute to hyperpigmentation.
Hormonal imbalance
He makes himself known:
during pregnancy and lactation;
during menopause;
while taking oral contraceptives;
when prescribing drugs that increase sensitivity to UV rays (antibiotics, diuretics, cardiovascular drugs).
Skin injury
Age spots often appear after cleansing, removal of neoplasms, coagulation of blood vessels, laser resurfacing, if after the procedure the skin was not provided with proper care and protection from the sun. They also occur as a reaction to trauma and subsequent inflammation.
disease
Some foods prevent pigmentation, while others, on the contrary, provoke
Food
You will be surprised, but some foods such as parsley, lemongrass, turmeric, fig peel can contribute to hyperpigmentation. Just in case, try to reduce their consumption in the summer.
Unlike the skin, the flesh of the fig acts as a shield from the sun.
Some cosmetics
In summer, be careful with cosmetics and perfumes, which include dyes, fragrances and other chemical components that are photosensitizers. They enhance the damaging effect of the sun.
There are many ways to combat hyperpigmentation, ranging from cosmetic procedures that can significantly lighten spots, and ending with daily care using brightening agents.
Benefits of sunscreen for blemishes
The main measures to prevent hyperpigmentation are to avoid direct sunlight and regularly use a cream with a high SPF index. Cosmetologists insist: with a tendency to the formation of pimentary spots, it should be used all year round.
The main functions of sunscreen:
protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays;
moisturizes and forms a protective barrier on the skin;
aligns tone;
prevents the appearance of hyperpigmentation;
reduces the severity of existing spots;
It has a powerful anti-aging effect if it contains antioxidants.
What rays should the cream protect from?
The sun’s rays accelerate the aging process of the skin, contributing to the formation of free radicals, which in turn provoke the appearance of wrinkles, as well as an uneven change in skin color – hyperpigmentation.
UVB rays
The intensity of UV B spectrum varies by season, geographic location, and time of day. These rays cause sunburn, but at the same time provoke burns and allergies to the sun.
UVA rays
The rays of this spectrum do not cause visible harm, but they pose an even greater danger. Penetrating deep into the skin, they reach the cells of the dermis. The damage caused by them accumulates from year to year, responsible for photoaging and skin diseases. If you find spots on your shoulders, emerging wrinkles or a new mole, know that UVA rays remind you of yourself.
Sunscreen cosmetics should protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation
UVA rays penetrate the skin even when you don’t expect it:
frosty winter;
through the clouds;
through glass.
And, accordingly, they are capable of harming open areas of the skin (face and hands) 365 days a year.
It is UVA rays that are to blame for the appearance of persistent pigmentation, deep wrinkles, and photodermatitis. And most importantly: they provoke melanoma, a common skin cancer, to a greater extent than UVB rays.
A good sunscreen for age spots should act as a shield for the skin from UVA and UVB rays that have a negative effect on it.
How to choose the degree of protection
The fact that the cream performs the functions of a protective screen from the sun is indicated by the abbreviation SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – a coefficient showing how many times stronger the exposure to rays should be in order to cause minimal redness, that is, a burn.
In other words, if you usually use SPF 50+, then the intensity of UV radiation should be 50 times stronger in order to burn the skin under the cover of this product.
Keep in mind that the SPF number only indicates protection from UVB rays.
There are several levels of protection:
SPF 15 blocks 78% of the rays;
SPF 30 — 93%;
SPF 50 (+) – almost 98%.
Only products with the PPD factor can block UVA rays. On the package, its presence is indicated by the globally accepted sign – the UVA symbol inscribed in a circle.
What level of protection do you need?
It depends on the region in which you live: the sunnier and warmer in your area, the higher the degree of protection should be. Dermatologists insist on SPF 50 protection for everyone, especially for white-skinned blonds and redheads, as well as for those whose skin is prone to pigmentation and allergic reactions.
For fair skin, the most vulnerable to the sun, you need at least SPF 30.
Among the factors for the appearance of age spots are hormonal levels and genetics.
Skin care tips for acne prone skin
To care for the result, follow a few rules.
Use products that protect against the full spectrum of UV radiation – UVA and UVB.
When choosing a cream with an SPF, give preference to a factor of at least 30.
Pay attention to products with tocopherol (vitamin E), jasmine extracts, Gallic rose and other antioxidants.
Daily Care
Once you start the war on pigmentation, don’t stop. The fight will last a long time, and so that victory remains yours, follow these tips.
Use a face cream with SPF daily after cleansing your skin. Even in winter, because UVA rays do their bad work at any time of the year.
In summer, be sure to use a cream with an SPF of at least 30 (in the city) and 50 (+) if you are relaxing in hot countries.
In the summer season, apply the product in a denser layer to provide the skin with guaranteed protection. According to statistics, 50% of people do not do this, which leads to burns and other negative consequences.
While at the beach, reapply protection every 2 hours and every time after swimming. The exception is ultra-waterproof formulas. Such protection is updated less frequently.
Remember that even with sunscreen, your skin is not 100% protected, so try to avoid long exposure to the sun, especially in the hottest days – from 11:00 to 16:00. Sit in the shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap with a long peak.
An overview of anti-pigmentation products
Anthelios Toning Fluid, SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay
Mexoplex filter system and senna alata extract provide photostable UVA/UVB protection. The formula is effective in the open sun up to 6 hours.
Revitalift Filler [ha] Anti-Aging Day Cream, SPF 50, L’Oréal Paris
Hyaluronic acid fights wrinkles, maximum UV protection prevents hyperpigmentation.
Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Sun Fluid, SPF 50 PA+++, Kiehl’s
The formula is based on Mexoryl SX/XL, vitamin E, Gallic rose extract. Use as the final step of skincare, avoiding the eye area. For daily use.
Sunscreen Brightening UV Defense, SPF 50, SkinCeuticals
Hyperbright complex reduces hyperpigmentation, evens out tone, Mexoryl SX / XL and Tinosorb S sunscreens protect against photoaging. Apply a small amount of cream on the skin of the face, neck, décolleté 30 minutes before going outside.