Hyperpigmentation, age spots and sun spots are all types of pigmentation. They can appear suddenly and in people of all ages, not just those over 50. Vacationing in Turkey is one possibility. There is a lot of sun, sand, parties and perhaps too much fun in combination with no sunscreen. You are 25 years old, carefree, and pigment spots are not one of them. They appear out of nowhere. It's not just the memories of that summer that are etched in your memory, but also the brown-grey hyperpigmentation on your skin, which is lighter or darker depending on the season. Hormones can also be the trigger. During pregnancy, for example, when hormones fluctuate, freckles or hyperpigmentation can appear on the face and body, or during puberty, especially in young women taking the contraceptive pill. But what can you do? A person's skin is not perfect. Pigmented skin changes can be observed in around 90% of Germans, according to forecasts. As a rule, pigment spots that have a red, brown or ochre hue are not harmful and do not require medical treatment. However, some people see the discoloration as a cosmetic blemish. Those who are affected by skin discoloration often have problems with them on their face. In this article, you will find out where pigmentation spots come from and how you can get rid of them
The most important facts in brief
- Pigment spots are usually nothing to worry about! They often appear suddenly and unexpectedly after too much sun or hormonal changes.
- There are different types of hyperpigmentation which can be divided into the following types: Melasma, white and brown pigment spots, freckles, age spots, pimple marks, nevus, vitiligo.
- Depending on the case, there are home remedies or professional help if you want to get rid of your pigment spots.
What is the cause of pigment spots?
Pigment spots can develop for various reasons. Part of the reason for their development lies in genetics. It is also known that hormones play a role in hyperpigmentation. Women often get melasma (discolored skin spots) during pregnancy or as a result of taking the contraceptive pill. Melasma, i.e. discolored patches of skin, are quite common in women during pregnancy. Excessive sun exposure is also one of the most common causes of skin pigmentation.
Although there are many possible triggers, pigmentation spots usually develop in the same way. This is because the color change is caused by melanin, the body's own skin pigment. If a punctual overproduction of melanin is triggered by one of the above-mentioned causes, a pigment spot will develop as a result.
Can pigmentation spots appear suddenly?
Some people are born with hyperpigmentation, while others develop it later in life. Pigment spots can also appear suddenly. If you notice rapid skin changes, you should consult a doctor if necessary. Pigment spots can fade or disappear on their own, they are not always permanent. However, many pigmented changes in the skin require special treatment to remove them safely and effectively.
What are the different types of hyperpigmentation?
There are many types and causes of brown spots on the skin. Some of the most common skin changes are
Pigment spot
Dark spots on the skin are generally referred to as pigmentation spots. These can be due to many different causes, but UV radiation is usually one of the main causes.
Freckles
Freckles are relatively small, golden-brown spots that appear mainly in summer. The likelihood of having freckles is determined by your genes. Sun exposure favors their growth, especially on areas such as the face, arms or shoulders.
Age spots
As the name suggests, age spots are more common in older people. They usually appear on parts of the body that have been exposed to sunlight for a long time, e.g. on the face, arms and hands.
Melasma
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that often occurs in women during or after pregnancy, typically on the face. However, other hormonal changes can also cause melasma, e.g. taking or stopping the contraceptive pill.
Pimple marks
Pimple marks are red or brown spots on the skin that form where an inflamed pimple once was.
Naevus
Birthmarks, better known as nevi or moles, are a special form of hyperpigmentation. This is because there is not only a pigment change, but also a tissue change. You should therefore never try to treat these yourself at home - always speak to a dermatologist first.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin disease characterized by white patches that are the opposite of normal pigment spots. Instead of producing too much melanin, as is the case with classic pigment spots, not enough is produced; therefore, very light spots appear on the skin. The cause is thought to be a hereditary genetic abnormality.
Are pigment spots dangerous?
Pigment spots are initially a cosmetic problem. Who wants to have grayish patches on their face that resemble a woman's beard above the upper lip when not a single hair grows there? If the hyperpigmentation spreads across the cheeks and temples, this is merely a natural reaction to increased melanin production and nothing to worry about. Moles can develop into skin cancer, but pigmentation spots are not dangerous.
How do you get rid of pigmentation spots?
There are many ways to deal with small pigmentation spots. Ideally, people would see them as a unique personal touch and not as a blemish. But often this is not the case. Individual pigmentation spots can be concealed with make-up or special concealers. For extremely dark pigmentation spots, this can be quite a challenge. Bleaching chemicals are also available on the market to help fade pigment spots. Great caution is required here. The products may not work as intended or may cause severe skin irritation. we advise against"self-experiments" and other DIY procedures. In the case of a worrying pigment spot, a dermatologist should be consulted instead to remove the pigment spot.
Remove pigment spots
Sun protection
The most important component for all types of pigmentation treatment is effective sun protection. The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is to use sunscreens that protect you from UV radiation, especially blue UV radiation. Without adequate sun protection, any treatments you use will be less effective and the results will be short-lived. Although pigmentation spots can be treated, they can also return more quickly if you do not use sunscreen. Preferably use modern, compatible UV filters such as iron oxides and Tinosorb M in addition to a high SPF (which protects against UVB radiation) and a high PPD (which protects against UVA radiation).
Microneedling
Using a dermaroller with tiny needles attached, pigmentation microneedling can help to get rid of existing hyperpigmentation or even make it disappear completely. These micro-injuries cause the skin to form new connective tissue and collagen, which gradually reduces the hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C stimulates the immune cells to work more effectively so that they can remove pigments from the skin cells more quickly. Specialized creams and serums for the treatment of pigmentation not only improve the current appearance of your skin, but also prevent the formation of new hyperpigmentation. For example, they protect against free radicals, supply the skin with vitamin C and reduce the exposure of cells to UV light.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel has long been touted for its healing properties, both internally and externally. It is often used to soothe sunburn, but can also be applied to minor cuts and abrasions. Numerous skin care products take advantage of aloe's soothing properties. And now scientific studies have confirmed what is already known in many cultures: aloe vera can help heal dermatitis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Chemical peeling
A professional peeling treatment can also help to remove unwanted blemishes. Chemical peeling is a form of chemical therapy in which a specific substance is applied to the skin to achieve a specific result. As a result of the decrease in melanin production and the subsequent death of skin cells, the overlying layers of skin later peel off to expose newer underlying skin cells. Depending on the extent of the pigmentation disorder, several treatment sessions may be required to achieve the best results.
Prevent pigment spots
To prevent pigmentation spots, you should avoid stressing your skin as much as possible. As UV radiation is primarily responsible for the development of pigmentation spots, it is important that you always protect your face and body with a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor - ideally this is already included in your cream. The effects of UV radiation are not influenced by the weather or the time of year. It is therefore important to use sunscreen with SPF all year round to avoid these harmful rays.
