Brown spots on the face: how to treat them effectively?
Exposure to the sun's UV rays, the primary factor in skin aging , is also the cause of brown spots . But it is not the only cause: genetics, age or even pollution can cause the appearance of dark spots on the face and body. Fortunately, there are effective treatments to even out skin tone and reduce the presence of pigmentation spots . From topical products based on natural ingredients to professional techniques, discover how to treat brown spots on the face and regain skin with an even and radiant complexion.
Understanding the origin of pigment spots
There are several types of spots that can appear on the face.
What is a brown spot?
A brown spot , scientifically known as actinic lentigo or solar lentigo , is a light to dark brown mark often found on the face, décolleté, hands, or areas exposed to the sun. This skin hyperpigmentation results from excessive melanin production, often induced by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The older the skin gets, the less able it is to defend itself against external aggressions.
Commonly called age spots , brown spots are not always a sign of skin aging . Under the effect of the sun's rays, pigment spots can appear even on young skin, and more generally on matte to dark skin.
What is the difference between freckles and brown spots?
While brown spots are linked to skin aging or repeated sun exposure, freckles appear from childhood, generally on fair skin, and are the result of genetics. Unlike brown spots, they intensify with sun exposure but can fade in the absence of exposure.
Brown spots on the face: what are the causes?
Different factors can explain the appearance of brown spots .
Internal factors: the role of hormones and genetics
Hormonal changes , especially in women, are sometimes the cause of skin spots. Pregnant women may be affected by the " pregnancy mask ", also called melasma or chloasma. This is a pigmentation of the areas exposed to the sun (the forehead, cheeks and lip contour), which generally disappears in the months following childbirth.
Genetic factors contributing to the appearance of dark spots involve a hereditary predisposition, particularly in people with fair skin.
External factors: the impact of the sun and pollution
This is the main cause of marks on the skin. The sun's UV rays , and more specifically UVB , are responsible for the production of melanin and the appearance of spots.
Combined with environmental factors (drought, pollution, smoking, etc.), excessive exposure to the sun has consequences on the appearance of the skin, which most often only become apparent several years later.
This is why sun protection is recommended from a young age, particularly on the face and décolleté, which are a sensitive area where the skin is thinner and more fragile.
Influence of age on skin hyperpigmentation
Skin aging affects the skin's ability to regulate melanin production . With age, skin cells regenerate less efficiently , and accumulated UV damage leads to uneven distribution of melanin, promoting the appearance of dark spots. In addition, the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers alters the structure and function of the skin, making spots more visible.
To prevent skin aging, it is ideal to apply sunscreen daily to boost cell regeneration with suitable treatments.
How to treat dark spots on the face?
With age, the appearance of brown spots is therefore an almost inevitable process. But today, the cosmetic industry is full of effective treatments to fade marks on the skin. Among all the existing anti-spot solutions , Nooance-Paris helps you choose the best treatment to fade these spots.
Cosmetic active ingredients to favor for treating brown spots
Vitamin C, for its restorative and antioxidant effect
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the production of melanin. It thus reduces pigmentation by interfering with melanin synthesis and protecting the skin against UV-induced free radical damage.
Kojic acid, for its lightening properties
Widely used in lightening products, kojic acid significantly improves the appearance of small dark spots.
Niacinamide, for its anti-aging action
Niacinamide , or vitamin B3, reduces blemishes, brown spots and redness. It is an ally of choice in anti-aging cosmetics to slow down premature aging of the skin. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it strengthens the skin barrier, improves the texture and tone of the skin.
Professional dermatological treatments
When brown spots are already well established, it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist to resort to deeper treatments:
- Pigment laser sessions : in just a few sessions, brown spots lighten and the complexion regains a bright and even appearance. This method leaves no scars and the sessions are relatively short (5 to 30 minutes).
- A chemical peel : more than just a deep cleaning, a peel involves removing dead cells and the superficial layers of the skin. It helps to brighten the complexion and smooth the skin, while promoting faster cell regeneration.
- Intense pulsed light (or IPL) is a newer technology inspired by lasers. It targets skin imperfections (redness, pimples, spots) as well as signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines). The advantage of this method is that the light energy comes from different wavelengths, which increases the effectiveness of the laser in targeting the melanin present in pigmented areas.
Skincare routine to prevent and treat pigmentation spots
Find out how to prevent and treat dark spots with 3 good practices to incorporate into your beauty routine right now.
Step 1: Cleansing and exfoliating the skin
Clean skin is more likely to receive anti-blemish treatments: use a gentle cleanser, suited to your skin type, daily morning and evening.
Exfoliants and scrubs are best used occasionally to remove dead skin and boost cell renewal. It is best to use chemical scrubs rather than mechanical ones.
Step 2: The importance of hydration and sun protection
In addition to protecting the skin against the effects of ultraviolet rays, sun protection care is essential to prevent sunburn and the appearance of new sun spots.
It must be combined with a hydrating treatment , with a cream and/or a serum according to the skin's needs, based on hyaluronic acid for example.
Step 3: Application of anti-blemish serums and creams
Always select cosmetic treatments concentrated in powerful active ingredients, adapted to your skin problem. The Intensive Anti-Dark Spot Treatment from Nooance-Paris offers you a unique formulation based on pure vitamin C to visibly reduce dark spots on the skin. It is particularly recommended for people prone to hyperpigmentation.###soin-intensif-anti-taches###
