skin
May 6, 2024

What helps with pigmentation? The best tips & tricks

Pigment spots: These are the causes of hyperpigmentation

That our skin turns brown is a Protective mechanism of our body, Because as soon as it comes into contact with UV radiation, the Melanin production at full speed. This endogenous dye (skin pigment) protects the skin by converting the rays into heat. Actually very clever!

However, this process in the skin may be disturbed by various factors. Then certain cells (melanocytes) either produce too much melanin, resulting in brownish discoloration on the skin (hyperpigmentation). Because: The pigments are no longer distributed evenly, but clump together. But it can also happen that in some places too little or no melanin is formed. This so-called depigmentation manifests itself in white patches on the skin.

What external influences can cause pigmentation?

Are pigmentary disorders genetically determined and different from skin types to skin types, such as freckles or skin diseases, such as white spot disease (Vitiligo), you can hardly do anything about it. However, many pigment spots only appear due to external influences or are intensified by them. This includes hormonal changessuch as pregnancy or taking the baby pill, high and long sunning without SPF or Photosensitizing drugs.

However, the main cause of pigmentation is one strong UV exposure - Therefore, the discoloration occur primarily in places that are particularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, the décolleté, the arms and hands. Since the skin had to do with increasing age altogether more frequently with hormone fluctuations or UV light, many people call the hyperpigmentation, so the dark skin spots also age spots (Lipofuszin). Just on the hands, these pigment spots occur? we have anti-aging tricks for the hands and more anti-aging themes.

Pigment spots: Are they dangerous?

In a hyperpigmentation one differentiates melasma and pigmentation, The former are usually caused by hormone changes and are ocher to light brown area discoloration. They are mainly found on the face, upper lip, forehead and cheekbones.

On the other hand, pigmentation marks not only appear on the face, but also on the décolleté, the hands and the arms. They are beige to dark brown, sharply defined by the shape and usually have only a diameter of a few millimeters. They often kick through increased UV radiation and are therefore often seen on fair-skinned, older women. Therefore, by the way, the term originates age spots. Not to be confused with Liver spots (Latin lentigines), These are usually innate or arise in young adulthood. Here we tell you everything you need to know about removing moles.

Are you a sign of skin cancer?

Melasms are just like pigmentation marks from a medical point of view completely harmless, Nevertheless, they should be checked during the annual skin screening. Because UV radiation also favors skin cancer, Even liver spots should be screened annually as they can degenerate and become malignant. A regular check-up and delimitation of liver spots, melasms and pigment spots by a doctor is therefore very important. And: Always apply SPF 30-50!

How to prevent pigment spots:

Since hyperpigmentation is usually caused or promoted by sunlight, a high sun protection SPF is the alpha and omega especially for sensitive skin. This is especially true during pregnancy or when taking the pill, since the skin is then usually more sensitive and sensitive. You should be careful not to use sunscreen with age. It is best if you wear a UV protection with anti-aging at a young age, which is tested for skin compatibility. For example, a day cream with SPF, hand creams and body lotions is useful. Avoid the midday sun in summer or vacation to prevent any skin diseases or skin cancer.

How can you spot pigmentation get rid of it again?

Creams with whitening effect: Brightening creams (such as 'Eucerin' or La Roche-Posay's 'Even Brighter' series 'Pigmentclar') help to lighten pigmentation spots and prevent pigmentation, which can break down and transport melanin, as well as the production of The creams have to be applied over a longer period of time to counteract the pigmentation problem, so that the first results become visible.Whitening creams with vitamin C, mulberry or oleic acid extract can also reduce melanin production. With care and correction pens you can selectively conceal pigment spots.
Chemical peels: Using acids, chemical peels are used to irritate the skin and begin to peel. A procedure that should be evaluated and performed by the specialist. Depending on the extent of the pigmentation disorders, several sessions may be necessary. Since the new skin after this treatment is very (light) sensitive, it is advised to perform chemical peels only in the winter months. Even blemished skin benefits from a chemical peel.
Laser treatment: Even with a laser discoloration can be dealt with. He pinpoints the cells that contain too much dye and dissolves them. The dye is then removed by the own immune system. So the surrounding tissue should be spared the best possible. Like a chemical peel, laser treatment can only be done during the winter months so as not to put additional strain on the photosensitive skin. And: Always seek advice from an expert!

If you prefer to get rid of your pigmentation marks naturally, we have put together the best home remedies for pigmentation.

This way, pigmentation spots can be covered properly!

With a conventional foundation, pigmented spots usually can not be covered. Fortunately, there are a few good tips and tricks that can mask pigmentation disorders.

1st concealer

Normal make-up usually does not completely cover abnormal skin changes such as pigmentation. If the color shade is too light, the brownish spots appear greyish and make the complexion look pale. If the make-up is too dark, it quickly becomes unnatural. It is therefore best to use a concealer in your own skin tone in order to overpaint the darker spots. Concealer is basically nothing more than a foundation - just more pigmented and thus better covering. Then apply the foundation and veneer the transitions well. Some companies have special cover pens against pigment spots in the program. By a special coloring the brownish color of the pigment spot is purposefully neutralized. Just as green cover pens are also used to mask redness. Incidentally, such anti-pigmentation patches also help with older, brownish scars or darker eye shadows.

2. BB and CC creams

Not very pronounced pigmentary disorders can be masked with BB or a slightly more pigmented CC cream. These teint beautifiers are not as opaque as make-up and therefore look more natural. In addition, many products have the added value of containing lightening ingredients. So the stains are covered and gradually lightened by regular application. Another advantage: many creams are equipped with a sun protection factor. Since pigment spots are partly caused by the sun and can become even darker by irradiation, a high sun protection factor is the alpha and omega in prevention.

3rd Camouflage

Correct dark pigmentation disorders can only be tackled with camouflage. These products are equipped with a particularly large number of color pigments and therefore very opaque. It is best to dab them on the affected area and then fix the area with powder. Camouflage not only hides very well, but also very reliable. Due to the high pigmentation, it is also waterproof. So Camouflage not only withstands sweat during sports, but also a swimming pool visit.