Names of spots on the skin: how to recognize and treat them?
Throughout our lives, the skin is subjected to the effects of the sun , premature aging or hormonal changes. This is how skin spots of different shapes and colors appear, which are not always easy to identify. From freckles to brown spots, including vitiligo and melasma, discover the names of the spots on the skin and the best Nooance-Paris beauty tips to prevent the appearance of these pigmentation marks .
What are the main causes of skin spots?
There are three main factors that explain skin pigmentation.
Sun exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun accelerates the production of melanin , which is the pigment responsible for skin color. This is the phenomenon that causes tanning . But when the skin is exposed too often or too intensely, excess melanin can cause hyperpigmentation and the appearance of brown spots.
People who live in very sunny countries and those who work outdoors (gardener, farmer, carpenter, etc.) are usually affected by sunspots earlier than others.
Hormonal changes
In women, hormonal changes (puberty, contraception, pregnancy) can cause pigmentation spots. Indeed, certain hormones make the skin more sensitive to UV rays. This is particularly the case during pregnancy: melasma , or pregnancy mask, is a form of hyperpigmentation that affects more than half of pregnant women.
It should also be noted that severe acne during adolescence can leave scars in the form of brown spots , caused here by a reaction to the skin inflammation.
Natural aging of the skin
Age spots are commonly referred to as hyperpigmentation that occurs naturally over time, especially on the face, neck, and hands. They are not related to age per se but rather to skin aging , which is the result of both genetics and the external environment.
What are the spots on the skin called?
Spots on the skin take different forms: they are the result of an overproduction of melanin (brown spots) or, on the contrary, a lack of pigmentation (light-colored spots).
Brown spots
These are the most common and are most often caused by overexposure to the sun.
Lentigo
Lentigo is a hyperpigmented area in the form of a plaque that appears on parts of the body most exposed to the sun.
Actinic keratosis
We also speak of solar keratosis or senile keratosis to designate this precancerous lesion in the form of a crust or red lesion. It forms on weakened skin and must be treated to prevent it from developing into skin cancer.
Freckles
Freckles, or ephelides , appear on light skin , most often from childhood. These small spots are due to genetics but also to sun exposure.
White spots
Vitiligo
Recognizable by its white spots on the skin , vitiligo is a form of depigmentation caused by the absence of melanin in the affected areas. It is a disease that is not medically dangerous but can be unsightly and difficult to bear for those affected. Today, there are very effective aesthetic treatments to treat it.
Hypopigmentation
It is a skin condition characterized by partial discoloration of the skin : melanin is not absent but very reduced. It often follows trauma to the skin (injury, burns, surgery, etc.).
Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis alba, or pityriasis alba, is a form of atopic dermatitis or eczema that mainly affects children: white patches form on the cheeks.
Red spots
Urticaria
A hives attack appears as a rash with red patches accompanied by itching.
Angioedema (Quincke's Edema)
Associated with swelling of the face and neck, Quincke's edema is a severe allergic or inflammatory reaction accompanied by a form of urticaria (redness, red patches, itching).
Angioma
Angiomas are benign tumors caused by the dilation of blood vessels: they appear as red spots on the skin.
Purple spots
More rare, certain pathologies cause purplish spots on the skin. Purpura takes the form of red and purple patches: it is due to hemorrhage in the skin.
Yellow spots
Yellow skin discoloration can have different causes but is usually linked to the presence of a rare disease such as:
- Necrobiosis lipoidica
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Jaundice
How to treat skin spots?
After identifying the names of the spots on the skin, let's see the treatments that exist to fade them or get rid of them permanently.
Laser treatments
Laser is an expensive but very widespread technique for erasing pigment spots . Just a few sessions are enough to obtain very effective results on brown spots , especially on dark skin, without side effects or scars.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, or light therapy , is an alternative to laser and surgery. This gentle, non-invasive treatment uses LED light energy to reduce redness, fade pigmentation spots, and treat certain skin conditions.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy, or cryosurgery, is an anti-blemish treatment that uses intense cold, more precisely liquid nitrogen cooled to -190°C, to destroy the skin lesions responsible for the spots.
Preventing the appearance of pigment spots: tips and beauty routine
The best remedy for skin spots is prevention: an effective skincare routine, a healthy lifestyle and daily sun protection.
Daily skin care
To combat oxidative aging and prevent the formation of spots, it is essential to follow a simple and optimal skin care routine :
- Cleanse the skin using a gentle, non-aggressive cleanser.
- Regular hydration : morning and evening, use hydrating products suited to your skin type in the form of a moisturizer, serum or gel.
- Anti-blemish treatments : target your skin problem (signs of aging, redness, imperfections, etc.) for a tailored beauty routine.
Finally, avoid these 5 common skincare mistakes that can ruin the effectiveness of your beauty routine.
Sun protection
Applying sunscreen daily is the best way to prevent the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
Choosing suitable sun protection
There are several criteria to take into account when choosing a good sunscreen .
- The different types of skin
Natural skin color (light or dark skin) and skin type should be taken into consideration when choosing sunscreen. Oily , combination, or acne-prone skin needs a non-comedogenic , lightweight, matte finish sunscreen . Dry and sensitive skin will benefit from rich , moisturizing sunscreens .
- SPF or Sun Protection Factor
The protection factor ensures that the product protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is advisable to apply a sunscreen of at least SPF30 when going outdoors.
Avoid intense sun exposure
It is now scientifically established that 80% of skin aging is caused by extrinsic factors, including the sun. Regardless of your genetic predisposition, sun exposure remains the primary cause of the appearance of signs of aging and pigment spots.
It is therefore essential to protect your skin daily from harmful UV rays using a minimum SPF30 sunscreen and to avoid exposing yourself during the hottest hours.
