Pigment spots affect many women in Western Europe. These brown to black discolorations of the skin primarily appear on areas of the body that are heavily exposed to the sun. Women often notice them in localized areas under the eyes or on the forehead. Over time, or in the event of inflammation, they may take on a reddish tint. As a rule, pigment spots are harmless and do not spread. Nevertheless, women perceive them as a blemish on their overall appearance and on the visual appearance of their face. The following section provides information on the causes and the most effective methods for treating them.
The Causes and Medical Background
The causes of pigment spots lie in the skin cells. They produce the skin pigment melanin. This pigment determines skin type. When skin cells are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, they produce more melanin. This is how a sun tan develops. The skin pigment surrounds the skin cells and dissipates heat. When a physical disorder occurs, the skin cells produce an excess of melanin. As a result, pigment spots form. The medically correct term for this symptom is hyperpigmentation.
A person’s lifestyle habits determine whether they suffer from hyperpigmentation. Researchers believe that long-term sun exposure is the primary cause of hyperpigmentation. Other contributing factors include hormonal imbalances and changes in medication. Examples include taking birth control pills or being pregnant. Medications containing St. John’s wort can also contribute to hyperpigmentation.
An Overview of Treatments for Pigment Spots
Creams and other substances that lighten the spots promise to improve the appearance of the skin. Caution is advised here. If the concentration is too high, the melanin-producing effect is intensified and the spots darken further. Lasers are a commonly used alternative. They minimize the risk of scarring. Doctors cite white patches caused by reduced skin pigmentation as a side effect. At www.eucerin.com, patients can find gentle methods for treating hyperpigmentation to avoid such side effects. They’ll find in-depth information on the symptoms and possible solutions.
The Even Brighter line from Eucerin.com contains substances modeled after the body’s own, which do not place an unnatural burden on the skin. B-resorcinol sustainably inhibits melanin production and does not cause any additional skin irritation. The skincare products in the line complement these effective treatments and provide the skin with nutrients and moisture. The sun protection factor is particularly important in these products. Skin-protecting ingredients prevent high melanin production from recurring. For over 100 years, the company has been guided by the latest medical knowledge.
