Pigmented spots are a common skin alteration. What are their causes and how can they be treated? Let's take a closer look. 

Perfect skin doesn't exist. Small imperfections on the skin barrier are common and show that our bodies are alive! However, you may not necessarily appreciate the appearance of a small pimple, a wrinkle, or even a pigmented spot. These are a fairly common detail, found on all skin types, but they mainly appear over time as the skin ages, and are then called age spots. Although it is not possible to make them disappear completely, there are skincare solutions that can reduce their appearance or even temporarily conceal them, such as with makeup.

Understanding pigmented spots 

Pigmented spots, also known as hyperpigmentation or sunspots, are areas of skin that are darker than the rest of the complexion. This occurs due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. Excess melanin can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, skin inflammation, hormonal imbalances, aging, or skin reactions to certain products. The appearance of spots should not be confused with freckles, which have always been present and result from genetic consistency.

There are different types of pigmented spots, the most common being the following:

Age spots (or solar lentigines): They appear with age and result from excessive sun exposure over time. They are generally small and appear on the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and décolletage.

Melasma: Also known as the "pregnancy mask," melasma is characterized by brown spots that appear on the face during pregnancy or due to hormonal changes, such as taking hormonal contraceptives.

Post-inflammatory spots: They often result from skin inflammation caused by acne, injuries, rashes, or aggressive aesthetic procedures. After inflammation, the skin can produce more melanin, leaving darker spots.

Solar lentigo: These are brown spots similar to age spots, but they are larger and more irregular and appear with prolonged and unprotected sun exposure.

Can pigmented spots be prevented? 

It is entirely possible to take preventive measures to reduce or even prevent the risk of pigmented spots appearing on the skin. Here are a few tips:

Always protect your skin with broad-spectrum sun protection and appropriate clothing in case of heavy exposure (hat, long sleeves, protective fabric swimsuit...) 

Gently pamper your skin by using gentle motions when applying your skincare routine, avoiding picking at small imperfections (acne marks being one of the main causes of pigmented spots appearing on the skin.) 

Understanding your body by being aware of hormonal changes (menstruation period, for example) is already preventing the appearance of imperfections and thus the spots that can result from them. 

 How to reduce pigmented spots? 

Reducing pigmented spots on the skin is necessarily a gradual process, but no less effective. In the world of cosmetics, there are several effective approaches and treatments that help reduce the appearance of these large or small pigmented spots for an even complexion. Here are some commonly used methods:

Sun protection: Sun exposure can worsen existing pigmented spots and cause new ones. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for matte skin and a minimum of 50 for fair skin. Sunscreen should be applied even on cloudy days, and it is best to avoid sun exposure during peak hours. To avoid any skin problems in summer, it is best to prepare your skin for the sun by following a simple but effective little routine.

Brightening creams: Some creams containing brightening ingredients, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or vitamin C, can help fade pigmented spots. These products can be used over the counter or by prescription, depending on their concentration.

Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical product to the skin to exfoliate the superficial layers and encourage skin regeneration. This can help fade pigmented spots and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Laser treatments: Medical lasers, such as pulsed dye lasers, fractional lasers, or Q-switched lasers, can selectively target pigmented spots to eliminate them. Laser treatments must be performed by a qualified professional.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation treatment that can help improve the appearance of the skin by removing dead cells and promoting the growth of new cells.

Topical retinol treatments: Products containing retinol can stimulate cell renewal and help even out the complexion, including pigmented spots.

Personalized dermatological treatments: Consult a dermatologist or skin professional to get recommendations specific to your skin type and needs. They can assess your pigmented spots and offer you a tailored treatment plan.

It is important to note that reducing pigmented spots can take time, and it is essential to use these treatments regularly and consistently. In addition, protecting the skin from the sun and avoiding factors that can worsen pigmented spots is just as important for lasting results. Always perform a patch test before using new products or treatments, and if in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.