Thursday, January 27, 2011

Causes of Freckles, Brown Spots and Hyperpigmentation‏

Changes in skin color, called melasma, is the result of increased melanin production or hyperpigmentation on localized patches of the skin, especially on the face. Find out what causes skin discoloration and how you can battle those brown spots.





2 Main Causes of Brown Spots
Sun Damage. Unprotected sun exposure can cause areas of skin discoloration. These discolored patches have many names: from solar lentigenes, freckles, sun spots, age spots to liver spots, but they basically mean the same thing.

Sun spots appear as small brown patches of freckles on fairer skins. For darker skins, they emerge as small patches of ashen-grey discoloration.


Hormones. Patches of skin discoloration can also be caused by birth control pills, pregnancy or estrogen replacement therapy. These are known as hormone masking or pregnancy masking.


What Are Those Brown Spots?
Freckles are small brown spots scattered mainly across the cheeks and are common in fair-skinned Asians who sunburn easily.
Liver Spots are caused by over-exposure to the sun and are larger and darker than freckles, often with irregular edges.
Melasma are light to dark brown blotches of pigmentation that commonly develop slowly over the forehead and cheeks. Melasma may be caused by hormone changes.
Fading Brown Spots
Lightening Products. Hyperpigmentation, especially freckles and brown spots can be effectively treated with over-the-counter skin-lightening and/or exfoliating products such as 1-2% hydroquinone, AHAs, BHAs and kojic acid. This works best for superficial discoloration that occurs in the epidermis.


Exfoliate. For superficial skin discoloration, exfoliating with AHAs and BHAs also help remove the built-up layers of melanin by increasing the turnover of cells.


Resurfacing Procedures. For discolored pigment that lies deep in the dermis, topical agents usually do not work well. Laser resurfacing procedures and chemical peels can improve the condition, but results vary from person to person. There is also a risk of worsening of the discoloration for darker individuals.


Don't Forget Sunblock!
While you're treating brown spots, don't forget your sunblock. Your lightening creams may be fading your existing brown spots, but remember to use sunblock to prevent new ones from emerging.

Monday, January 24, 2011

How To Fade Pigmentation Spots On Your Skin

I bet you will agree with me when I say pigmentation spots can make you feel unconfident and gauche. Spots mar the perfection of your skin. They can also limit your wardrobe choices.

Pigmentation spots appear because of the damages to the deeper layers of the dermis. When you are exposed to the sun, ultraviolet rays stress out and damage collagen fibers. As a result, your skin produces more melanin to counteract the negative effects of ultraviolet rays.

Moreover, frequently scratching the surface of your dermis can lead to the appearance of spots. Chafing the surface layers of the skin can damage collagen fibers. When they heal, they leave dark blemishes behind.

If you want to get rid of these spots right now, here are a few steps you would want to use:

Step 1: Exfoliate your skin.

Exfoliating your dermis can get rid of dead skin cells, sebum and dirt in the pores. Moisturizers can penetrate better if your pores are clean and free of gunk. But don't worry about chafing the surface layers of the dermis. If your skin is damp before using the exfoliating treatment, it will not damage surface layers.

Try grinding a cup of fresh almond nuts in your food processor. You should grind them to a fine consistency. You need 2 tablespoons of ground almond nuts. Add a tablespoon of honey. Apply it on damp skin.

Almonds contain lightening properties as well. These properties can inhibit melanin production and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Exfoliate your dermis twice a week for better results.

Step 2: Moisturize your dermis.

After bathing, pat your skin dry and immediately apply your lightening moisturizer. But first, you have to look for a product that can lighten up your skin tone and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Choose products that contain natural ingredients such as Extrapone Nutgrass, CynergyTK and Phytessence Wakame.

Extrapone Nutgrass is a botanical ingredient that can inhibit melanin production by up to 45% during the first two weeks of use. This ingredient also has emollient properties that can improve the structure and texture of the skin. It helps make your dermis softer and smoother. CynergyTK supplies keratin to the dermis. Keratin is vital for collagen lubrication. Phytessence Wakame is a type of sea kelp that can prevent the loss of hyaluronic acid. This acid is vital for collagen lubrication.

Step 3: Take Vitamin C supplements daily. This vitamin can help minimize the damaging effects of the sun to our skin. This also helps prevent pigmentation problems.

You should include these three steps in your anti aging regimen. Natural remedies and treatments can effectively remove pigmentation spots on your skin.