The formation of spots occurs due to an alteration in skin color due to a problem in the production of melanin, a substance produced by melanocytes or, rather, the cells found in the epidermis. And when we expose ourselves to the sun, they begin to produce melanin, which gives that divine tanned tone that we like so much.
However, the fact that the dermis tans when in contact with the sun’s rays is a defense mechanism to prevent it from burning and damaging the cell nuclei. That’s why When we have golden skin, it means there has been sun damage. and our body has protected itself from it, so actually he healthy tan does not exist.
Why is melanin production altered?
There are different causes:
- Our skin has memory and prolonged exposure to the sun causes melanocytes to be damaged, causing an increase or decrease in the production of the sun. melanin. This is the reason why, In autumn, we notice the appearance of new spotsand these, although they fade, will appear again. That is, we can remove the color, but not eliminate them, so when we expose them once again they will appear. On the contrary, white spots may also appears when our melanocytes are not able to produce melanin.
- Sun damage is cumulative and, as we get older, it is common to see spots appear if you have not protected yourself well during the previous years.
- Another reason is the increase or decrease in the number of melanocytes. Or as a consequence of the abnormal location of melanin or melanocytes.
- Stains can also be a result of the use of medications. photosensitizers, perfumes or essential oils.
What type of stain exist?
Do you have spots on your skin? Learn to recognize different types of spots, from freckles to melasma.
- Lentigo or sun spots: They are dark and small in size, from 1 to 15 millimeters. They usually appear in the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neckline and hands. The darker they are, the more difficult they will be to remove, since they are deeper, which makes fading them even more difficult.
- Melanocytic nebus: commonly known as moles, they should be checked annually by a specialist. Any advice? Always look at its ABCDE (asymmetry, irregular edges, color, diameter and evolution) to prevent any type of skin cancer in the future.
- Melasma: These are brown spots on the skin that are impossible to eliminate. They are usually exacerbated by hormonal changes, as occurs during pregnancy. These are also diffuse spots that appear anywhere with different tones, and are due to the use of drugs, whether contraceptives, antihistamines, antidepressants, among others, as well as sun exposure. They are large in size and usually appear on the face.
- More superficial stains: They arise because the tan disappears unevenly in different parts of the body. Solution: They are easily removed with the use of an exfoliant applied to damp skin. It should be massaged using light pressure to eliminate dead cells from the stratum corneum responsible for the difference in skin tone.
Skin spots are more common than you imagine and can have various causes, beyond sun exposure. Identifying the type of stain is the first step to finding the right treatment.
