Dark spots or uneven skin tone?

Why do some of us have problems with dark spots or uneven skin tone?  Certainly, all of us—at any age and skin type—are candidates for these annoying problems.  The origin is the layer of the skin containing pigment cells, known as melanocytes. 

We all have them but some skin types have more or less pigment. This is a genetic.  The more pigment cells we have in this living layer, the more chance for darker, longer-term pigment. 

Numerous things stimulate these cells to become active and surface to the top, creating patches, spots and waves of uneven pigment. 

The most common culprit is the sun.  Sunlight causes melanocytes in all skin types to become hyperactive and inflammatory and patch up to the surface.  Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells found mainly in the epidermis.

Many know this to be called age spots or sun spots. They are usually in the areas where there has been excessive sun exposure such as the neck up, elbows down, face or hyper exposed areas. Just check out the areas that have not been exposed and there is your proof.

There are other reasons as well for pigment cells to become active. Skin injuries may be the cause, ranging from an acne spot to a burn to excessive scratching and cuts.  Luckily, our pigment cells come to the rescue (of injury) and can remain for months. The darker the skin type, the darker the pigment remaining and the harder to get rid of it. 

Other causes are hormonal. This can be known as pregnancy mask and is also seen on woman taking birth control pills. There are some other medications that will also cause pigment issues, most of which improve with reduction of the hormone or medication.

Now what to do! The conventional approach of many decades has been bleaching agents containing thyroxin. The percentages range from over-the-counter to prescription doses.  The problem is the potential for irritation and over usage. 

One of the best ways to treat this is with glycolic acid treatments and products such as Clinage.  The agents and molecules work to break up the pigment cells regardless of skin type and cause and are easy to use ranging from creams, gels, glycolic peels and treatments.  Always be careful not to combine active bleaching agents with glycolic agents without professional guidance. 

Another great treatment is the use of Vitamin C in a special form called Magnesium C, which does not oxidize as quickly and has a more neutral pH. Topical Vitamin C works to decrease the inflammation of the pigment cells and helps heal areas from acne and other injury. 

Niacinamide also has been known to work on this living skin layer to help with the immune system, injury and therefore pigment treatment.  Niacinamide comes in the form of creams. Eye creams tackle dark circles. Use serums for your face or anywhere else on the body to treat pesky dark spots and age spots.

Always be aware of potential bad moles or melanomas stimulated by the sun.  Go for your yearly body checks and be on the lookout for any new freckles or moles. Watch for changes in size, color, symmetry, especially areas exposed to the sun or have suffered a sunburn. 

Melanoma is increasingly the cause of death of young adults and is completely curable if caught early. Pay attention. I sincerely welcome this opportunity I have to communicate this to you.

Until next time……