Causes of age spots on the face, mechanism of occurrence
Before you begin to eliminate the deficiency, you need to determine the cause of the formation of age spots.
Pregnancy | During pregnancy, pigment spots, which doctors call chloasma, form against the background of hormonal imbalance, when the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for preparing a woman for future childbirth and breastfeeding, are activated. Under the influence of hormones, the release of melanin increases, which is distributed unevenly in the skin. This leads to the appearance of chloasma in different parts of the body. They can occur at any stage of pregnancy, or may not appear at all. However, after childbirth with the onset of the first menstruation, they usually disappear. |
Ultraviolet | The harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin have been known for a long time. A healthy person with a proper sunbathing regimen has nothing to worry about. However, in some people, the production of melanin in the body may be impaired, then instead of a beautiful even tan, light or dark spots appear on the body - vitiligo, chloasma, freckles. This happens due to malfunctions of melanocyte cells for a variety of reasons. |
Heredity | Genetics plays a leading role in the appearance of moles and birthmarks on the human body. They are qualitatively different from the rest of the pigmentation in color, volume and density. It is absolutely impossible to get rid of such stains at home. They are removed in medical institutions, and doctors take samples of the material to identify possible malignant formations. A predisposition to freckles can also be inherited. |
Diseases and hormonal imbalances | Often, the appearance of chloasma can be caused by diseases of an endocrine nature, which entail hormonal imbalance. These include gynecological diseases, brain oncology, and problems with the thyroid gland. |
Skin injury | Pigmentation appears due to chemical and thermal burns of the skin, improper treatment of acne, furunculosis, and after peeling. The number and color of spots depends on the individual qualities of the skin and the degree of damage to the integument. |
Kidney, intestinal and gall problems | Often, the appearance of pigments on the skin directly depends on the poor functioning of the human digestive system. With various kidney pathologies, yellow and brown spots appear. Diseases of the stomach and intestines provoke the appearance of reddish spots. Brown pigmentation indicates problems with the liver and gall bladder. |
Mental illnesses, stress and neuroses | Chronic stress and mental illness can also cause increased skin pigmentation. In this case, the operating mechanism for its occurrence is hormonal imbalance and disruption of metabolic processes in the body. |
Lack of vitamins and nutrients | A lack of vitamin C, iron and other microelements beneficial to the body often affects the skin. Correcting your diet, taking vitamin and mineral complexes, and giving up bad habits will normalize the body’s functioning, and the spots will disappear. |
Reaction to pharmaceutical drugs | Uncontrolled or prolonged use of medications can also lead to deterioration of the skin condition. Pigmentation can be caused by long courses of taking antibiotics and other toxic and potent drugs. In this case, it is necessary to notify the attending physician, who will adjust the treatment. |
In teenagers and people over 40, lentigines appear on the face, neck, and arms, which indicate improper production of hormones. This is a completely natural process for the body. But when spots cause discomfort, you can lighten them yourself.
Also, in adulthood, chloasma may appear on the skin as a consequence of various chronic diseases. You should consult your doctor regarding their occurrence.
How to remove age spots?
Of course, when you see dark spots on your face, you immediately want to get rid of them. But you should understand that this is not easy to do, and therefore you need to prepare for a long war. First of all, you should visit a dermatologist and make sure that nothing bad is happening to your body. Also, a comprehensive medical examination will not be superfluous; it is necessary to check the condition of the liver and digestive system. It is clear that we must first bring these organs back to normal, and only then remove age spots. This can be done both in salons and at home.
Read also: How to get rid of oily skin on your face
Treatments using laser and AHA acids, various cleansing, polishing, massages and masks can help get rid of age spots. Many of these procedures have long been available for use at home. But one of the most popular ways to get rid of this disease has become peeling.
Pigmentation in men
Not only women, but also men are susceptible to excessive pigmentation.
Their pigment can be activated for a number of reasons:
- age-related changes;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- taking medications;
- working with aggressive chemicals;
- use of low-quality shaving products;
- frequent stress.
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How to quickly remove pigmentation at home?
You can quickly and efficiently remove pigmentation on your face at home using:
- pharmaceutical drugs;
- cosmetic whitening products (creams, lotions);
- products and plants included in traditional medicine recipes.
Prevention
You can prevent the formation of pigmentation by paying attention to your own health. Guided by simple rules, a person will protect his skin and health in general.
- Control exposure to direct sunlight. In summer, it is necessary to reduce daytime walks. The highest solar activity is observed between 10.00 and 17.00. At this time, it is better not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary.
- Before going outside, use sunscreen as barriers.
- Eat well. Often the cause of dark spots is vitamin deficiency.
- Use only high-quality cosmetics. Sometimes the appearance of hyperchromia is influenced by an allergic reaction of the body.
- Monitor your hormonal health. Certain periods of a person's life are associated with hormonal changes.
A person cannot receive a complete guarantee that he will protect his skin from the appearance of age spots. But it is much easier to reduce the likelihood of such a phenomenon by following the recommendations.
Pigmentation that forms under the eyes is an unpleasant phenomenon. With the help of special medications, cosmetics and procedures, eliminating them is quite simple. It is important to identify the root cause of the appearance of tumors. If it is not associated with pathological processes, the islands can be removed using aesthetic correction.
Pharmacy drugs
Some types of age spots, such as lentigo, chloasma, freckles, can be easily lightened. Even if they do not disappear completely, the result will please you - your skin tone will become more even and lighter.
Hydrogen peroxide
This inexpensive pharmaceutical drug is another way to solve the problem. You should only use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. The easiest way to whiten your skin is to wipe your face with a cotton pad soaked in the solution. After the procedure, it is necessary to use a cream, as the substance dries out the skin greatly.
Hydrogen peroxide works well with ammonia and lemon. To prepare a whitening lotion, add 0.5 tsp to a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide. ammonia or a few drops of lemon.
Soak a cotton pad with the mixture and lubricate pigmented areas twice a day. You can also apply compresses to these areas for 15 minutes.
Aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid can also have negative effects on the skin, so it is best used as part of home remedies for pigmentation.
For example, as part of a face mask. To prepare the product, you need to crush 4 aspirin tablets, dilute the powder with 1 tbsp. l. cold boiled water, add 5 g of castor oil and spread on face for 10 minutes.
You can also mix 3 aspirin tablets with 2 tbsp. l. kefir A scrub made from aspirin, sea salt and honey promotes cleansing. For the recipe you need to mix 3 tablets of the drug, one tablespoon of salt and half a teaspoon of honey. 5 minutes is enough. gentle rubbing, and the effect will immediately appear on the face.
Boric alcohol
This drug, like hydrogen peroxide, has an aggressive effect, so it should be used only for oily skin, people over 12 years of age and, preferably, as part of face masks.
Boric alcohol in a cucumber mask can remove pigmentation on the face at home. To prepare it, just one cucumber and a few drops of alcohol are enough. Apply the mask for 15 minutes. After the procedure, moisturize your face with cream.
Zinc ointment
Zinc ointment or zinc paste copes well with skin problems. It contains only 2 substances - petroleum jelly and zinc oxide. They are the ones who help fight pigmentation.
However, when using zinc paste, it is important to follow several rules:
- do not use ointment for more than 2 months;
- Do not use together with other bleaching agents.
The paste should be applied to problem areas of clean and dry skin twice a day in a thick layer for 30 minutes. After the procedure, remove excess ointment with a cotton pad.
Cosmetic clays
This natural material is the most popular means for removing pigmentation, as it is absolutely safe for humans. Most often, white clay, or kaolin, is used in cosmetology.
To prepare a whitening mask, you need to take white clay, dilute it in warm water and apply it to your face for 8-10 minutes. Afterwards, the mask is washed off with water and an emollient cream is applied. You can also use warm milk or herbal decoction to wash your face.
The best whitening creams
Pharmacy creams, lotions, and gels can remove pigmentation on the face at home. The most effective ones include components that stop the production of melanin at the cellular level, help cell regeneration, and improve skin tone. Such components are: retinol, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, arbutin and others.
However, some active ingredients of such drugs are highly toxic, so before use the product must be tested on the crook of your elbow.
To obtain a visible effect, some drugs must be used for a long time - from 3 weeks.
Cream "Achromin"
This is the most budget-friendly product in the whitening category. Its cost does not exceed 100 rubles.
For this money, the manufacturer - a Bulgarian pharmaceutical company - offers 65 g of a substance for complex whitening of any age spots.
The active ingredient is licorice extract that can cleanse the skin of pigmentation, blackheads, and acne.
The cream also contains lactic acid, UV filters, glycerin, and lanolin.
The combined action of these elements makes the complexion more even and healthy, and its gentle composition allows it to be used with decorative cosmetics.
Cream "Melanative"
Kojic and glycolic acid, vitamin E, and plant arbutin in the composition are gentle and safe on the skin.
The cream effectively fights stains of various origins. Country of origin: Brazil. The price of Melanativ cream is on average 700 rubles per tube of 15 g. However, the texture of the cream allows it to be applied to large areas of the skin for 1.5-2 months.
Cream "Skinoren"
The main component of the product, azelaic acid, not only fights various types of pigmentation, but also makes the skin less oily, providing an antimicrobial effect. The effect of using the cream becomes noticeable after a week of use.
The cost of the drug produced in Italy varies from 1300 to 1500 rubles. for 30 years
Cream "Neoton"
The drug contains glycolic and salicylic acids, as well as licorice root extract, which effectively remove mild pigmentation. The cream is used as a daytime product, so it can be used under decorative cosmetics.
The visible effect of its use will appear in 2-3 weeks. The drug is produced in France, the volume of the tube with cream is 30 ml. Average price – 2000 rub.
Face cream “Vichy Idealia PRO”
The product is produced in the form of a cream-serum, so when used, its active components penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and contribute to the rapid restoration of its structure.
In addition to Vichy thermal water, the drug contains licorice root extract, glycerin, caprylic, capric and linoleic acids. However, the manufacturer recommends applying it to sensitive areas of the body. The validity period of the cream-serum is from 7 weeks.
It cannot be used with cosmetics. The drug belongs to the L'Oreal concern (France). Its cost on the Russian market is about 3,000 rubles.
Cream “Skin Radiance”
The main component of the drug is cordyceps, a Tibetan mushroom that can only be found in China. However, the country of origin of this product is the USA. The molecular composition of the mushroom contains a substance that has a bleaching effect.
The cream also contains arbutin and about twenty types of amino acids and vitamins.
Thanks to this, the cream gets rid of freckles in a few weeks, eliminates age-related skin pigmentation, rejuvenating the skin. A 50 ml tube can be purchased at a pharmacy or ordered online at a price of 1000-1500 rubles.
Green tea cream
The whitening effect declared by the Chinese manufacturer is achieved using components of the drug such as arbutin, green tea extract, and algae extract. With regular application, pigment spots lighten within 7-10 days. A one-time course of taking the drug is no more than 2-3 weeks.
The price of a tube containing 20 g of the substance is 500 rubles.
Faberlic stain lightening concentrate
The active components of the drug - tetrahydrocurcumin, nicotinamide, arginine, panthenol and vitamin E - remove simple pigmentation, relieve inflammation, and accelerate the process of skin renewal. Using the cream as a day and night treatment leads to improvement after just two weeks. Price for 15 ml of concentrate is 350-500 rubles.
Peeling and its types
Peeling used in salons is divided into three main types:
- surface;
- average;
- deep.
The last two types are quite painful procedures. They are carried out exclusively under the supervision of specialists in beauty salons and clinics. Deep facial peeling may even require temporary hospitalization, and the procedure itself will be performed under anesthesia.
The essence of peeling is to remove the top layers of skin. With superficial peeling, keratinized particles of the upper layer of the epidermis are removed. With deep and medium peeling, the changes are more noticeable, since the essence of such procedures is to remove dead cells in the deep layers of the epidermis.
There is a method in which bleaching agents are introduced into the skin using ultrasound. This procedure is called ultrasonic peeling. It is necessary to carry out 8-10 procedures so that pigment spots become a thing of the past. A method that uses special acids to dissolve dead skin cells is called chemical peeling. It is curious that not only spots disappear, but also wrinkles, even deep ones, the skin is tightened and rejuvenated.
It should be noted that each of these methods can cause an allergic skin reaction. Therefore, it would be wiser to try the chosen method on a separate area of the body. If there is no rash, burning, peeling, or severe redness, then you have made the right choice. In addition, there are people for whom any peeling is contraindicated: pregnant women with various skin diseases.
Folk lightening agents
You can remove pigmentation on your face at home quite quickly using products that are in any kitchen. They use them every 2-3 days for a month. You can use the same recipe, or several in sequence. Some formulations can cause an allergic reaction, so before using them you need to test them by applying them to the crook of your elbow.
Parsley
The lightening properties of parsley are due to its high content of vitamin C. The juice of the plant works best against pigmentation.
To obtain it you need:
- Grind the parsley in a blender and squeeze the resulting mass through cheesecloth.
- The juice should be diluted with cold boiled water at a ratio of 1:1, as it is very concentrated and can harm the skin.
- Use the resulting tonic to wipe your face morning and evening.
Parsley works well when combined with other whitening products. For example, with kefir or potato starch.
To prepare a mask of parsley and kefir, which can be replaced with natural yogurt or sour cream, use 2 tbsp. l. chopped greens and the same amount of kefir, mix and distribute on the face. The mask is kept on the face for 15-20 minutes.
For a mask of parsley and starch, take 2 tbsp. l. ingredients. Starch should be diluted with warm water to a thick paste, mixed with crushed leaves of the plant and applied to the face for 15 minutes.
Honey mask
Honey has whitening and cleansing properties, but using it in its pure form can harm the skin. It is better to use it as part of masks.
To prepare a honey mask with a strong brightening effect, you need to take in equal proportions:
- honey;
- parsley;
- kaolin (white clay).
Before use, honey must be heated in a steam bath so that it becomes liquid, and the clay must be mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio. Combine all components and apply on face for 15-20 minutes.
Mask with egg and honey
For facial skin care, it is good to combine honey with eggs. Protein is better for oily skin, and egg yolk is better for dry and aging skin.
A mask made of honey, yolk and any vegetable oil (linseed, castor, burdock) will help to lighten age spots and tighten the oval of the face. To prepare it you need to grind 1 yolk, 1 tbsp. l. butter and 1 tbsp. l. honey, which needs to be heated in a water bath. Apply the mixture to your face for 15 minutes. With regular use, your facial skin will quickly acquire a healthy appearance.
For those with oily skin, a mask made from honey, protein and flour is more suitable, since honey cleanses pores, and protein and flour remove oily sheen.
Cooking method:
- add 2 tbsp to protein. l. flour and 1 tbsp. l. honey;
- beat and spread on face, avoiding the area around the eyes;
- The product's validity period is 15 minutes.
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Lemon juice
Lemon is endowed with a whole complex of vitamins and microelements that are beneficial for the skin. In addition to vitamin C, a number of natural acids included in its composition have a whitening effect. Using lemon juice is the easiest way to combat age spots. For daily use, simply moisten a cotton pad with lemon juice and wipe your face with it.
Aloe
Aloe vera is widely used in cosmetology, as the plant has whitening, regenerating, moisturizing, healing and tightening properties. The entire above-ground part of the plant is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Aloe is also added to homemade cosmetics - masks, tonics, and cleansers.
For washing, you can use the following composition. Dilute 1 tbsp in warm water. l. lemon juice, honey and aloe juice. The product refreshes the skin and provides it with essential microelements. With daily use, facial skin acquires a healthy, even color.
Cowberry
This northern berry not only whitens the skin, but also treats acne, removes toxins and smoothes wrinkles. This is helped by a rich complex of vitamins, organic acids, iron and essential oils. And in terms of vitamin C content, lingonberries can compete with lemon.
A decoction of lingonberry wash effectively removes pigmentation on the face. For the decoction, take 10 g of leaves or berries of the plant and 300 ml of water, boil for 8 minutes, then filter and cool. The decoction can be added to water for washing, or it can be poured into molds and frozen for daily wiping of the face.
Celandine
It is no coincidence that the plant bears this name, as it fights various skin diseases, including age spots. However, using juice in its pure form is unacceptable, since it contains aggressive components that can injure the epidermis.
To treat pigmentation, dermatologists recommend using the plant as part of ointments and decoctions.
To prepare the ointment, mix celandine juice with pharmaceutical petroleum jelly in a ratio of 1:3 and lubricate problem areas of the skin with the product. Store the ointment in a glass container in the refrigerator.
- A decoction of celandine is prepared at the rate of 0.5 tbsp. fresh or dry herbs per 4 tbsp. water.
- Boil the liquid for 10-15 minutes, leave for 8 hours.
- Strain the broth and place in the refrigerator in a glass container.
- It can be used both for lotions on pigmented areas of the skin, and for oral administration of 1/3 tbsp. in 20 minutes before meals three times a day to maintain liver health.
Liquorice root
Licorice (licorice) is a well-known field plant that grows almost throughout Russia. In medicine, it is most often used as an antitussive. The plant is also widely used in cosmetology. Licorice root extract is included in almost all whitening creams.
A lotion for age spots based on licorice root can be prepared at home:
- To prepare it, 1 tsp. Place crushed licorice root in a glass container and pour in 50 ml of vodka.
- You need to infuse the liquid for 2 weeks, then strain the lotion and dilute it with cold boiled water to 250 ml.
- Wipe problem areas of the skin with lotion in the morning and evening until the desired result is obtained.
Cucumber
Cucumber is the most popular vegetable for improving complexion, as it has almost no contraindications. Only fruits grown with pesticides can be harmful.
A fresh cucumber mask fights pigmentation, makes the skin fresh and toned, and relieves puffiness. To do this, apply to clean skin for 30 minutes. Apply grated cucumber mixed with a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide. There is no need to wash your face after the procedure; just clean your face with a cotton pad.
Cottage cheese
Fermented milk products also help get rid of unwanted spots on the face and improve the condition of the skin. To prepare lightening masks, it is good to use cottage cheese or sour cream. Important: the drier the skin, the greasier the product should be.
To prepare a mask from cottage cheese, you need to mix 2 tsp. product, 1 tsp. sour cream, a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply to face for 10 minutes.
For a sour cream mask, mix 1 tbsp. l. high fat product with 1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply to face for 15 minutes. To enhance the brightening effect, you can add parsley chopped in a blender to the mask.
Baking soda
The active substance of the product, sodium bicarbonate, can lighten the skin and cure acne. However, it should be used with caution, since the aggressive components of the substance - sodium and carbon salt - can harm the epidermis. It is better to use soda in masks, compresses and scrubs.
To prepare the scrub, take 1 tsp. sodium bicarbonate and a few drops of castor oil, massage the resulting mixture into problem areas of the skin for several minutes and rinse with water.
A mask made from oatmeal and baking soda brightens and nourishes the skin well. To prepare it, you need to grind 20 g of oatmeal in a blender or coffee grinder, add 1 tsp to it. baking soda and some hot water. After the mixture swells, it is distributed on the face for 10-15 minutes.
Apple cider vinegar mask
The main effect of apple cider vinegar on the skin is exfoliation. When applying the product to pigmented areas, keratinized scales containing melanin are removed. Due to this, the skin of the face becomes lighter and cleaner. The acids contained in vinegar can injure the skin, so for masks you need to use a 5% concentrate and dilute it with water.
- For oily skin, vinegar is diluted with mineral water or herbal decoction 1:2, and for normal skin - 1:4. A decoction of calendula or chamomile flowers is best suited for this.
- For decoction 2 tbsp. l. dry flowers, pour 200 ml of water and boil for 8 minutes.
- Then strain and cool.
- Gauze folded in 2 layers is moistened with the product, slits are made for the eyes and applied to the face for 15 minutes.
- The gauze mask can be used several times, and the prepared product can be stored in the refrigerator.
A mask made from apple cider vinegar, honey and flour helps against pigmentation on the face. To prepare it, mix 4 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal and 1 tbsp. l. honey The mask is spread on the face for 15-20 minutes, and then washed off with water.
Currant tonic
Currants are known for their high content of vitamin C, so they also have whitening properties.
You can remove pigmentation at home using a tonic made from red currant juice. To prepare the product, currant juice is diluted with mineral water 1:1. Wipe your face with this liquid twice a day. Freshly prepared tonic does not lose its beneficial properties for 3-4 days if stored in the refrigerator.
Pigment spots on the skin rarely appear without a reason - most often they are symptoms of a malfunction of the body. To prevent their occurrence, it is good to wash your face with milk or whey, eat more foods containing vitamin C, and spend less time in the sun.
But if this does happen, you can effectively and quickly remove pigmentation on the face at home, combining procedures with treatment prescribed by a specialist.
Article design: Mila Friedan