- 01 Causes of pigment spots
- 02 How do pigment spots develop?
- 03 What are the types of pigment spots?
- 04 What helps fight age spots and pigment spots?
- 05 The right skin care for pigment spots
- 06 Reduce pigment spots for a more youthful complexion
Pigment spots are hyperpigmentation of the skin. The brown spots are mainly found on areas that have been exposed to the sun. This includes hands, the chest, neck, and face. Pigment spots on the body, e.g., the arms, are also common. A pigment disorder can develop over many years or very quickly. While the spots are harmless, most wish they would disappear. If you want to prevent or even remove pigment spots, you can find out how hyperpigmentation occurs here and what you can specifically do to treat it.
CAUSES OF PIGMENT SPOTS
Pigment spots are a pigmentation disorder of the skin. They are flat and have a brownish discoloration. The discoloration is usually caused by strong sunlight, but can also appear because of other causes. Congenital pigment spots include freckles, moles, and liver spots. In most cases, the skin changes are harmless.
Here is an overview of possible causes:
- Solar radiation
- Genetics
- Drugs and intolerances
- Hormones, hormone fluctuations, pregnancy
- Diseases
HOW DO PIGMENT SPOTS DEVELOP?
In your skin there are skin cells that produce the skin pigment - known as melanocytes. The skin pigment is called melanin and it ensures that your skin contains skin cells that produce the so-called melanocytes. The skin pigment is called melanin and ensures that you get a tan when you sunbathe. The tan also forms a protective effect against UV radiation. The skin does not always tan evenly, which is why too much melanin is produced in some areas. The skin is darker in these areas. Regular and unprotected exposure to the sun increases the risk of pigment spots. Since a person is naturally exposed to the sun for longer and longer periods of time over the course of their life, the term age spots is used.
WHAT TYPES OF PIGMENT SPOTS ARE THERE?
Pigment spots are flat, such as moles or benign birthmarks. Therefore, they cannot be felt. Freckles, along with age spots, are among the best-known types of pigment spots. They are present only on the face in some people, but can also cover the arms, chest, back, as well as the entire body. Exposure to sunlight can darken pigment spots like freckles. If sunlight exposure fades again, as is the case in winter, the pigment spots can become paler.
Pigment spots or hyperpigmentation are often round in shape when they are relatively small. Larger pigment spots, on the other hand, may show an irregular shape. They have a darker color than the surrounding skin, which is often between a light and darker brown. Pigment spots can also have a reddish or yellowish color. Furthermore, areas that are lighter than white occasionally appear. These are called white spot disease, or vitiligo. Like dark pigment spots, they are harmless in most cases, but require intense sun protection as these areas are less able to protect themselves from sunburn due to the lack of melanocytes.[2]
Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy) can also promote the formation of pigment spots, as mentioned above. These so-called chloasma or melasma often disappear all by themselves after pregnancy. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur after inflammation or wounds. The corresponding skin areas are often reddish in color. This type of pigmentation disorders can affect, for example, people with blemished skin or acne.[3]
| Did you know? Hyperpigmentation may not only appear on the skin, but in very rare cases may also show up on the eyeball or in the iris. Pigment spots in the eye usually do not affect your ability to see. However, these changes could be hiding an eye disease or a tumor, which is why you should consult an ophthalmologist as a precaution if they appear.[4] |
WHAT DO AGE SPOTS LOOK LIKE?
Age spots are pigment spots that appear after the age of about 50. They are often slightly larger than freckles and irregularly shaped. They usually appear as brown spots on the skin of the face and hands first, but can occur all over the body. Age spots are slightly darker, revealing a brownish hue that stands out and contrasts from the rest of the skin. They are sometimes black or reddish. Age spots can also become visible as white patches on the skin when the stronger pigmentation affects larger areas and the less pigmented areas remain as light patches on the skin. Except for the visual impact, they have no negative effects on your skin, and in many cases can be treated with appropriate anti-aging care and preventive measures, such as the use of a sunscreen with high SPF.
WHAT HELPS FIGHT AGE SPOTS AND PIGMENT SPOTS?
There are several ways to combat pigmentation and age spots. However, it is best to prevent the development of pigmentation disorders before they appear in the first place! For this, it's worth protecting the skin from stress factors as best as you can. The heat, cold, sun, and free radicals can damage and dry out your skin. Good, daily care is therefore particularly important. Creams with a sun protection factor and especially sun creams for the body offer protection against UVA and UVB rays and thus also protect skin from premature aging.
Summer (vacation) is a rather unique case: summer vacations can put an enormous amount of stress on your skin. Before you go to the beach, the park, or spend time on the balcony to sunbathe, you should make sure that you have adequate skin protection. Your skin is well protected against sunburn and subsequent visible skin damage if you use a sunscreen that has a high sun protection factor and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you reapply your cream regularly and spend more time in the shade. This way you actively prevent pigment spots and still enjoy the sun to the fullest.
Pigment spots that have already developed can be removed in a variety of ways. This does not necessarily require medical intervention, which could again pose new risks. With the right skincare products, which stimulate the regeneration of your skin and gently lighten the skin tone, you can carefully and lastingly reduce hyperpigmentation in many cases. Some active ingredients, such as retinol or vitamin C are particularly effective and are therefore often used in pigment spot creams and serums.
| Please note: always keep an eye on hyperpigmentation! If the size, shape, or color of a pigment spot changes, the area itches or bleeds, then a dermatologist should be consulted to rule out a malignant condition and possible skin cancer. |
THE RIGHT SKIN CARE FOR PIGMENT SPOTS?
The Waterlover Sun Milk SPF 50 is an ecological sunscreen which protects the body and face, moisturizes, and can counteract pigment spots caused by the sun. The Creme Solaire Anti-Age SPF 30 offers intense sun protection especially for your face. The sunscreen is specially designed for the face, neck, and chest. With vitamin E and patented Life Plankton, the sunscreen effectively counteracts pigment spots and sunburn.
Despite all prevention and careful sun protection, pigment spots can still appear over time. Finally, as described in the previous sections, there are other causes such as hormonal changes or side effects of certain medications that occasionally trigger hyperpigmentation. In this case, you can achieve good results with various cosmetic products that visibly reduce pigment spots.[5] When choosing skincare products to reduce pigment spots, be sure to use effective ingredients.
RETINOL FOR PIGMENT SPOTS
When applied externally to the skin, retinol (vitamin A) causes an acceleration of cell division and thus regeneration. This stimulation allows the darker pigmentation to be broken down more quickly, which gradually causes them to fade. The Blue-Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream by Biotherm offers you the ideal anti-aging care for your face. It moisturizes your skin and provides it with essential nutrients that make it look younger and more even. The skin tone looks more balanced and brighter after regular use. At the same time, this regenerating cream can reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles.
VITAMIN C CREAM FOR PIGMENT SPOTS
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can significantly improve skin texture and even pigmentation. Besides its anti-aging effect in terms of skin elasticity, collagen formation, and wrinkle depth reduction, it also has an impact on pre-existing pigment spots. A cream with vitamin C, such as the Aqua Glow Super Concentrate, refreshes your skin, promotes its natural radiance, and makes it more even. The lightweight moisturizer is ideal for daily use and gives your complexion a youthful glow.
HYALURONIC ACID SERUM FOR PIGMENT SPOTS
Hyaluronic acid is an important natural component of your skin, which supports an optimal supply of moisture and thus cell regeneration. When used topically for pigment spot care, hyaluronic acid can strengthen your skin's protective barrier and make it more resistant to environmental factors. This can mitigate the appearance of pigment spots and promote the regenerating effects of other substances such as vitamin C or retinol. The Life Plankton Elixir Anti-Aging Serum by Biotherm contains this deep-acting ingredient and is therefore able to accelerate skin renewal. It is best to apply the serum daily after your cleansing routine and before applying a protective day cream.
VITAMIN E FOR YOUR SKIN
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is an important antioxidant involved in a number of the skin's metabolic processes. If it is missing or present in your body in insufficient quantities, this can lead to an increased formation of age spots. Therefore, pay attention to your diet and use cosmetics that care for your skin, which contain vitamin E and thus directly provide your skin with this important active ingredient. Many sun care products contain vitamin E to promote skin regeneration after sun exposure. Discover the nourishing and soothing After-Sun Body Milk from Biotherm. Its formula, enriched with pure Thermal Plankton™ extract, trace elements, and vitamins B5 and E, instantly soothes and stimulates cell regeneration of sun-damaged skin.
WHICH CREAM IS BEST FOR PIGMENT SPOTS?
The best skincare product for pigment spots is something that simultaneously moisturizes your skin and stimulates its regeneration. The skincare products from the Blue Therapy range, such as the Blue Pro-Retinol Multi-Correct Cream from Biotherm provide your skin with moisture and high-quality ingredients. On the one hand, they soften the appearance of pigment and age spots, and on the other hand, they prevent their formation. Combined with protection against UV light, you can easily maintain a youthful glow.
TOP TIPS FOR FIGHTING PIGMENT SPOTS
Concentrated serums are ideal for combating age spots and wrinkles. With the Blue Therapy Accelerated Serum, you can refresh your face and chest, and boost the regeneration of your skin at the same time. Used daily, the serum reduces the signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigment spots, and creates a more even complexion.
| Beauty Tip: To find the right products for your skin concerns, you can use the online skin diagnosis tool – Bioscan - or arrange a personal consultation with Biotherm's trained skincare experts. |
EXCURSUS: SHOULD YOU HAVE PIGMENT SPOTS REMOVED?
Various beauty institutes advertise the possibility to permanently remove pigment spots using lasers. This method is controversial among experts, because pigment laser treatment can cause risks that can harm your skin and your whole body. A powerful laser that is not properly setup can cause damage to the eyes and skin. These can be caused, for example, by diffusely scattered radiation or incorrect setting of the values.
The German Commission on Radiological Protection (SSK) states: "The non-critical removal of pigmented skin lesions can be particularly dangerous. Even dermatologists are not allowed to use lasers for pigmented moles in routine therapy. Due to the uncontrolled and possibly incomplete destruction of malignant pigmented moles (malignant melanoma), which cannot be properly diagnosed after such a procedure, there is a risk of spontaneous or even stimulated metastasis."[6]
Therefore, instead of reducing pigment spots with laser treatment, you should choose a cosmetic treatment that doesn't involve surgical interventions and favors preventive measures through the use of optimal sun protection. High quality cosmetics with sun protection factor offer you maximum safety when used. In addition, they simultaneously care for your skin, stimulate natural cell regeneration, and thus offer you beneficial anti-aging effects.
| Want to learn more about anti-aging? Then read our skincare tips for skin regeneration and learn which active ingredients and skincare routines can improve the natural functions of your skin. |
REDUCE PIGMENT SPOTS FOR A MORE YOUTHFUL COMPLEXION
Prevent the formation of pigment spots and hyperpigmentation by making sure you use adequate sun protection. Promote the natural regeneration of your skin and provide it with all the essential nutrients and moisture. Antioxidants can support you here because they also form a shield against free radicals, which could damage your skin under the influence of UV light.
Pigment spots and age spots that have already developed can be softened with high-quality anti-aging serums and face creams. Discover the world of Biotherm products now!
[1] Das, Shinjita: Melasma, in: MSD Manual Ausgabe für Patienten, 11.03.2022. URL: https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/hauterkrankungen/pigmentstörungen/melasma
[2] Müller, Mareike/Sabine Schrör: Vitiligo, in: NetDoktor, 16.07.2018. URL: https://www.netdoktor.de/krankheiten/vitiligo/
[3] Shinjita Das , MD, Harvard Medical School: Hyperpigmentierung, 2021. URL: https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/hauterkrankungen/pigmentstörungen/hyperpigmentierung
[4] Herrmann, Konrad, and Ute Trinkkeller. "Geschwülste (Tumoren) der Haut." Dermatologie und medizinische Kosmetik. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2020. 125-135.
[5] Bayerl, C. "Topisches Anti-Aging–Evidenz und Wirkprinzip." Aktuelle Dermatologie 44.06 (2018): 277-291.
[6] „Gefahren bei Laseranwendung an der menschlichen Haut“, Empfehlung der Strahlenschutzkommission, Verabschiedet in der 169. Sitzung der Strahlenschutzkommission am 31. Oktober 2000. URL: https://www.ssk.de/SharedDocs/Beratungsergebnisse_PDF/2000/Gefahren_bei_Laseranwendungen.pdf?__blob=publicationFile
