With the arrival of good weather, direct exposure to the sun tends to be greater, and with it comes the concern of maintaining skin free of sun spots by treating and preventing them.
The skin should be protected with sunscreen throughout the year, and at these times of year care should be reinforced to avoid sunburn and damage to the skin. But with the right care, it is possible to reverse sun spots on the skin and prevent future ones.
What are sunspots on the skin?
Changes in skin color caused by prolonged, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays are called sun spots, also known as hyperpigmentation.
The skin has areas that gets darker than its natural tone, light to dark brown, and they normally appear in more exposed areas of the body such as the face, hands, chest and arms.
Sun spots occur when melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color) overproduce melanin as a defense against sun damage. Over time and with repeated exposure, these areas accumulate more pigment, becoming visibly darker.
How sunspots appear on the skin?
There are several factors that can cause sun spots on the skin. The main one, as the name suggests, is prolonged exposure to the sun without protection. This leads to premature aging of the skin, causing wrinkles and fine lines, loss of elasticity and dark spots. It may not be automatic, but a history of sunburns will also have an impact on skin aging after the age of 30. In addition, hormonal factors such as the use of contraceptives or pregnancy, when combined with the sun, also has an impact on skin health.
How to protect skin from sunspots?
- Daily use of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (even on cloudy days).
- Avoid intense sunlight between 11am and 4pm.
- Use hats, sunglasses and clothing with UV protection.
- Pay special attention to the use of cosmetics or medications that sensitize the skin.
Are sunspots dangerous?
In most cases, sun spots are not dangerous. They are considered a benign skin condition. However, it is important to observe and monitor any skin changes, as some sun-induced lesions can develop or be confused with more serious problems, such as skin cancer. To do this, you should see a dermatologist at least once a year to measure your skin's signs and see if they have changed shape from one year to the next or require more attention. Remember: prevention should be taken into account throughout the year! You can see all sunscreen collection here.
Do sunspots disappear?
With the right treatment and the help of professionals, it is possible to reduce or even completely eliminate skin blemishes. Ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycolic acid and thiamidol can help to make the skin look visibly healthier over time, without forgetting daily sun protection for the treatment to take effect.
What routine can I have to minimize sunspots?
An effective routine to reduce sun spots should combine rigorous sun protection, depigmenting active ingredients and care that reinforces skin regeneration.
Daytime Routine (Prevention and protection):
- Gentle cleansing: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel 400ml
- Toner: Caudalie Vinoclean Moisturizing Toner 200ml
- Antioxidant serum with vitamin C: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum 30ml
- Moisturizing cream with niacinamide or hyaluronic acid: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF50+ 52ml
Night Routine (Correction and renewal):
- Gentle cleansing: Eucerin Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel 400ml
- Depigmenting serum: Eucerin Anti-pigment Dual Serum 30ml
- Regenerating night cream: Vichy Liftactiv Pigment Specialist B3 Night Cream 50ml
- 1-2x per week gentle exfoliant: Avène Gentle Exfoliant Gel 75ml
