Pigmentation spots are a common skin condition. What causes them and how can they be treated? Here's the lowdown. 

There's no such thing as perfect skin. Small asperities on the cutaneous barrier are commonplace and prove that our organism lives! However, you may not necessarily appreciate the appearance of a small pimple, a wrinkle or even a pigmentation spot. Pigment spots are a common feature of all skin types, but they mainly appear over time as the skin ages, and are therefore known as age spots. Although it's not possible to make them disappear completely, there are skincare solutions that can reduce their appearance or even camouflage them temporarily, as with make-up.

Understanding pigment spots 

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

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

Age spots (or solar lentigos): These appear with age and are the result of 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 décolleté.

Melasma: Also known as the "mask of pregnancy", 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: These are often the result of skin inflammation caused by acne, injury, rashes or aggressive cosmetic procedures. After inflammation, the skin may 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, unprotected exposure to the sun.

Can pigmentation spots be prevented? 

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

Always protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and appropriate clothing in case of strong exposure (hat, long sleeve, swimsuit with protective fabric...). 

Gently pamper your skin with soothing gestures when applying your skincare routine, and avoid scratching small imperfections (acne blemishes are one of the main causes of pigmentation spots on the skin). 

Comprendre son organisme en étant consciente des changements hormonaux (période de règles par exemple) c'est déjà prévenir l'apparition des imperfections et donc celle des taches qui peuvent en résulter. 

 How can I reduce pigmentation spots? 

Fading pigmentation spots on the skin is inevitably a gradual but no less effective process. In the world of cosmetology, there are several effective approaches and treatments to help reduce the appearance of these large or small pigmentation spots for a more even complexion. Here are a few commonly used methods:

Sun protection: Exposure to the sun can aggravate existing pigmentation spots and cause new ones. Always use a broad-spectrum sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if you have matte skin, and at least 50 for fair skin. Suncream can be applied even on cloudy days, and it's best to avoid exposure to the sun at peak hours. To avoid any skin problems in summer, it's best to prepare your skin for the sun by following a simple but effective routine.

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

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical to the skin to exfoliate the surface layers and encourage skin regeneration. This can help fade dark 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 pigment spots for removal. Laser treatments should be performed by a trained professional.

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

Topical retinol care: Products containing retinol can stimulate cell turnover and help even out skin tone, including dark spots.

Personalized Dermatological Care: Consult a dermatologist or skincare professional for recommendations specific to your skin type and needs. They can assess your dark spots and recommend a tailored treatment plan.

It's important to note that fading pigment spots can take time, and it's essential to use these treatments regularly and consistently. In addition, protecting the skin from the sun and avoiding factors that can aggravate pigmentation spots is equally important for lasting results. Always test before using new products or treatments, and if in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified health professional.