Posts Tagged ‘Sun Exposure’



More specifically Melasma or Lentigos

The brown spots we get on our skin happen from an irregular distribution of melanin. Either this can result in melasma, which is an uneven production of melanocytes causing light brown spots; or in lentigos (age spots) which are an uneven accumulation of melanocytes in the epidermis resulting in brown spots.

The melanocyte cells are located in the basal cell skin layer. These cells control the making of melanin, which gives each person their coloring. The rate of melanin production differs between each person being greater in dark skinned individuals.

Outside factors also affect the production of melanin, which may cause brown spots:

Sun exposure Certain medications & chemicals Hormones – pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills Underlying health problems – nervous disorders Acne

Melasma produces irregular, pale brown blotches that usually appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and upper chest. On darker skin, the blotches show up lighter than the surrounding skin. Melasma is common during pregnancy, menopause and in woman taking oral contraceptives. Sun exposure will make the brown spots worse.

Lentigos, also known as age or liver spots, are flat, light reddish-brown spots that appear on the face, throat, chest, back of hands, upper back and shoulders. Lentigos typically show up on skin, which is repeatedly exposed to sunlight. The ultraviolet sunlight causes overstimulation of the melanocyte cells in the skin. The cells clump together and show up as age spots.

Lentigos spots can vary in size from small to a couple of inches in width. They happen more often on light-skinned people and can start to be noticeable as early as the age of 30.

Even though both of these melanin-produced spots are harmless, they are unattractive to most people. So what gets rid of them?

Over the counter products that can be used to erase brown spots on skin are:

Bleaching (depigmenting) products which include- Hydroquinone (use only on fair to light skin tones – possibly irritating) Kojic Acid (an alternative for darker skin tones) Azelaic Acid Arbutin Ellagic Acid Retinoids (Retinoic Acid) Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Bleaching products work by inhibiting the production of the enzyme tyrosinase, which in turn reduces melanin. Over time, the brown spots will fade. Bleaching products will not lighten skin beyond its’ own natural color, so do not worry about going to light.

Retinoids, Vitamin C, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids can slowly fade brown spots on their own. However, they are best used in conjunction with bleaching products since they will boost the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Always use adequate sun protection when using any of these ingredients. Your skin will be extra sensitive to the sun. In addition, hydroquinone will be rendered useless if you do not use sunscreen.

Options that are available through a skin care professional are:

Laser Treatments (less damaging to skin) Chemical Face Peels Freezing the area with liquid nitrogen (may cause white spots)

By: Julie Roberts



Do annoying skin moles interfere with your daily life? Do you constantly suffer from sore, irritated moles that get caught and snag in your hair, clothes, or jewelry? Millions of adults go through the exact same scenarios day in, and day out. Skin moles prove to be problematic for individuals all over the world. They range from mild nuisances, to large, imposing skin moles that can interfere with daily activities of living. Furthermore, skin moles can effect your self confidence, and even become dangerous to your health. If you live with them daily, you’ve probably also thought of getting rid of skin moles. What options are available to you? How do you know which mole removal option is best for you?

If you suffer from skin moles, you may be wondering what causes them in the first place? Research has shown that there is a small hereditary link that may determine whether you develop skin moles or not. Another factor in skin mole development is sun exposure. Individuals who live in sunnier climates have shown an increased risk in the development of skin moles. So, if you love the sun, at least where proper attire and sunscreen. This will not only lower your risk of getting more skin moles, it will also help lower your risk of developing cancerous moles.

Sun and family history aren’t the only factors that can determine your susceptibility to skin moles. If your body is experiencing hormonal stress or fluctuations, you may notice skin moles appearing. You may also notice skin tags, which are small flap-like growths on the skin that can often be mistaken for skin moles.

Many people interested in getting rid of skin moles look into surgical mole removal. There are generally three ways in which moles can be removed surgically. The most common is a “shaving” method. Moles are scraped or “shaved” off in one swift motion. This method works best if your skin moles are rather shallow. For moles that are deeper, a cutting surgical mole removal method may be used. An incision is made and the mole is removed from its depth. Sutures are then put in place to close the incision site. Finally, laser mole removal can also remove deeper skin moles. Scarring can occur in all three of the above methods, and there is a risk of infection.

If you’re interested in getting rid of skin moles without resorting to surgical methods, perhaps natural skin mole removal is something you should look into. Many people have already discovered that natural mole removal is more cost effective, safer, and healthier than surgical methods. Often you find all of the ingredients necessary to naturally remove skin moles just by rummaging through your herb cabinet. If you don’t currently have the herbs or oils, you can easily get them at your local supermarket or homeopathic store for less than a cup of coffee at Star Bucks.

By: Jessica A.

Ever wondered how to begin clearing skin age spots so your skin becomes healthier and younger-looking? Don’t let those ugly brown spots get you down because there is a way to take care of them naturally.

Just like the wrinkles and fine lines, those age spots that appear on your skin’s surface can tell someone either that you look older than your actual age or that you once were a hardcore sunbather. No matter which category you fall into, the damage done can be fixed.

But before we delve into reversing your flat brown spots that are appearing on your face, arms, hands etc., let’s see if we can prevent or minimize the age spots to start off.

Prevention

• Use sunscreens because the flat brown spots are a direct consequence of unprotected sun exposure. Apply a good quality sunscreen when stepping out in the sun. Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or more that guarantees protection against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

• Wear tight clothing or full-sleeve length shirt and hat.

• Your diet plays a major role, so eat foods such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, nuts and fish because they’re rich in calcium, iron and carotene.

• Consume alcohol in moderation because keeping your liver functioning properly will dictate the chances of when visible age spots appear.

• Do your exercises…especially yoga because it improves blood circulation in the body that helps prevent age spots.

Clearing Up Those Age Spots

Don’t worry about using skin care products laced with harmful chemicals because there is a way to safely lighten your flat brown spots gradually and without causing any irritation.

Ever see people who have tried to lighten their age spots but end up with blotchy, unhealthy looking skin? That’s why you want to make sure that products you use on your sensitive skin will not harm your skin and are effective, natural products.

How to start clearing skin age spots can be done safely and effectively using a Natural Whitening Day Cream. No irritation or harmful chemicals will effect your skin like some other skin-whitening products found on the market today.

The answer to a safe and healthy whitening cream is found in its unique formula. The Natural Whitening Day Cream was specially formulated with an extract of Extrapone Nutgrass which naturally inhibits melanin to gently whiten your skin as well as making your skin look younger, smoother and healthier!

Clinical trials (on human volunteers) using Extrapone nutgrass has shown that it reduced melanin by up to 40%. Your skin will not only gradually become more evenly toned (naturally) but it will also become brighter and healthier without you having to experience harmful side effects or blotchy toned skin.

The natural whitening formula also contains other unique ingredients, besides the extrapone nutgrass extract, specially chosen for their ability to reverse the visible signs of aging on women’s skin.

Now that you know this, think twice before you purchase a regular skin care product containing harmful chemicals for clearing skin age spots, there is an effective high quality product I’ve already found for you.

Visit my website today where I give more information on this natural whitening cream and other high quality skin care products.



By: Marcia Kruger

Back to top

<< Previous Entries