Why do age spots get worse in summer?

Skin pigmentation is nothing more than an attempt by our body to protect cells from the damaging effects of harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Beautiful skin with an even tan has long been considered an indication of health and beauty in our world. Bronze tanned reference models on magazine covers dictate the fashion for tanning and natural tanning all year round. But often in pursuit of the "perfect" skin tone, the fair sex is faced with an even greater "problem" - skin pigmentation.

Why does pigmentation increase in summer?

Skin pigmentation is nothing more than an attempt by our body to protect cells from the damaging effects of harmful ultraviolet radiation.

This is a response to excessive exposure to the sun, through a more active work of the defense mechanism and, as a result of the excessive production of pigment - melanin, by melanocyte cells.

In the absence of sunlight, a minimum amount of melanin is synthesized in our skin and melanin granules have a light color. After exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the composition of the sun's rays, darkening of already existing light granules of melanin occurs (fast reaction), and melanocytes are also activated. This leads to an increase in melanin synthesis, melanin granules are distributed in keratinocytes and give the skin a darker tone.

Freckles

Freckles are benign congenital hypermelanosis. In simple words, this is not a pathology, but an individual feature of the skin. Freckles are most common in people with fair skin, light hair, and blue eyes. Freckles are congenital and are common in people with fair skin and light or red hair. Freckles branch off on their own in the autumn-winter period. This is due to the absence of a provoking factor - ultraviolet radiation and the body does not require additional protection.

Hormonal disbalance

In addition to external factors provoking the appearance of pigmentation, there are a number of internal reasons - hormonal imbalance. In this case, women are more susceptible to pigmentation, since throughout their lives there are many factors predisposing them to jumps in various hormones, which affect the overall hormonal background. There are also many cases when the cause of pigmentation lies in a disruption of the endocrine system or diseases of internal organs, in which case the negative effect of ultraviolet radiation is a trigger, which in the future, without eliminating this factor, only aggravates the situation and interferes with further treatment.

Treatment of age spots

It is better to start the treatment of age spots with a skin diagnosis. Diagnostics of the skin will allow you to determine the severity of pigmentation, the depth of the pigment. This can be superficial pigmentation, which includes freckles, deep pigmentation (melasma, chloasma) and mixed forms. Depending on the type of pigmentation, the appropriate treatment will be selected. It could be

• Jessner's Peel with hydroquinone and resorcinol
• Retinoic peeling
• Photorejuvenation - removal of age spots
• Home care with hydroquinone and retinol
• Systemic antioxidant preparations - GliSODin
• Sunscreens

Prevention of age spots

However, it is worth remembering that pigmentation and its consequences are much easier to prevent than to cure, therefore, the use of professional sunscreen cosmetics remains the first and main means in the treatment and prevention of hyperpigmentation. An SPF 30+ is recommended for everyday use. This is quite enough to protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. When traveling on vacation, where the UV rays are more intense, it is recommended to use an SPF of 45 or higher. When choosing a sunscreen, pay attention to the presence of UVA and UVB filters. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you are actively relaxing, playing sports, swimming, then choose waterproof SPF, otherwise the protection will be washed off with water or sweat.

Prevention of Aging

Also follows note that pigmentation is a sign of photoaging and is one of the main factors in skin aging. Skin that is constantly exposed to dangerous ultraviolet radiation will show age-related changes much earlier and more noticeably, a deterioration in the elasticity and firmness of the skin, it will be dull and dehydrated, and wrinkles will appear.