How to deal with age spots on the face

A fresh, even complexion is every woman's dream. However, even with high-quality skin care, pigmentation may appear on the face. The reasons for this phenomenon are varied. We’ll talk about how to remove age spots on the face at home in this article.

Causes of pigmentation

White, brown, yellow spots can appear on the skin at any age. Why are there pigment spots on the face? This deficiency may occur as a result of:

Hormonal changes. Pigmentation can be triggered by a hormonal surge due to pregnancy, endocrine diseases, or taking certain medications.

Using cosmetics of dubious quality.

Age-related changes. Over time, pigment cells lose their ability to stop melanin production. And age spots appear on the face.

Diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

Exposure to a variety of chemicals at work.

Deficiency of certain minerals or vitamins (PP, C, A, group B).

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (as a result, sun spots occur).

Unbalanced and unhealthy diet.

As you can see, the reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse. Therefore, it is possible to clear your face of age spots only with an integrated approach. And it is advisable, of course, to undergo a medical examination for the presence of any diseases. Perhaps, having gotten rid of a certain ailment, you will forget about pigmentation.

How to remove age spots on the face?

Today, many beauty salons use the latest technology. As a result, pigmentation on the face disappears after several procedures. However, such methods are not very cheap. Therefore, many people think about how to remove age spots on the face at home. There are proven folk ways to eliminate this deficiency.

If you don't drink enough water daily, your skin becomes more prone to developing pigmentation. Experts recommend drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. Thanks to this, our body can easily get rid of toxins through urine or sweat. If there is not enough fluid supplied, it will not be able to cope with the task, which will immediately affect the condition of the skin. Every morning you should start your day with a glass of clean, cool water.

Oatmeal

Almost everyone knows that this cereal is extremely beneficial for the human body. Oats can significantly improve skin health. To whiten age spots on the face with oatmeal, you should combine 2-3 tbsp. l. cereal with a few spoons of fresh milk. Use the mixture as a mask. Gently massage the skin in a circular motion and leave for 30-40 minutes to allow the mixture to dry. After the specified time has passed, you need to wash your face with water and pat lightly with a towel. This product has a fairly coarse structure; as a result of its use, the skin is naturally cleansed of dead cells and impurities. The positive effect will be noticeable after the second procedure.

Potato

Few people know about the benefits of this vegetable for treating pigmentation on the face. You need to take a medium-sized potato, wash it, cut it and apply it to problem areas of the skin for a while.

Everyone knows about the beneficial properties of this product. Honey is an excellent antibacterial agent that can deeply nourish the skin and prevent hyperpigmentation. Apply it several times a day on your face and very soon you will notice a positive result.

Almond

The nut is used to eliminate many skin diseases. To treat pigmentation, take a few almonds, put them in a glass of clean water and leave them overnight. In the morning, grind the nuts in a blender along with water. The prepared paste should be applied to the face, gently massage the skin and leave the mask for an hour, then rinse gently. Adding milk or honey will enhance the effect.

Green tea

The drink removes toxins from the body, which often cause pigmentation. It is recommended to drink green tea without sugar. You can also use it externally. Place the tea bags in the refrigerator and then apply to the affected areas.

A pineapple

This fruit is acidic and contains vitamins that perfectly nourish the skin. Soak a soft cloth in pineapple juice, cover your face and leave for 60 minutes. The juice contains enzymes that have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. After the procedure, it is recommended to wash your face with warm water.

Effective masks

How to remove age spots on the face at home? Use proven recipes. The most effective of them are the following:

Pepper mask. Grate the sweet pepper on a fine grater, trying to retain as much juice as possible. Apply the resulting mixture to your face.

Mask of honey, parsley and lemon juice. Grind the parsley leaves, combine 2 tablespoons of the raw material with the same amount of lemon juice and liquid honey. Lemon juice and parsley are the most effective whitening agents.

Lemon-yeast mask. Combine yeast (25 g) with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of milk. This mask can even eliminate white pigment spots.

Cucumber mask. Cucumber can also effectively whiten your skin. Grate the vegetable on a fine grater. Combine 3 tablespoons of the resulting mass with a tablespoon of lemon juice, olive oil or daily cream (of your choice).

Berry-honey mask. Wash the viburnum and black currant berries well and squeeze the juice out of them. Take two tablespoons of each and combine with liquid honey (1 teaspoon). Moisten a cloth with the resulting mixture and apply it to your face.

Onion juice mask. Take a tablespoon of onion juice and liquid honey (for dry skin) or table vinegar (for oily skin).

Horseradish mask. Combine a tablespoon of horseradish, grated on the fine side of a grater, with a tablespoon of chopped green apple.

Carrot mask. Combine grated carrots (1 tablespoon) with a tablespoon of cream and one yolk.

Kefir mask. To 2 tablespoons of kefir, add a couple of drops of olive oil and a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Starch mask. Dilute potato starch (½ tablespoon) with freshly squeezed lemon juice to the consistency of thick sour cream.

Mask based on blue clay. Combine a tablespoon of clay with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. You can replace lemon juice with yogurt or cucumber juice.

All of the above masks are applied to the skin for 20-30 minutes and washed off with warm filtered water.

Medicinal decoctions and infusions

A medium-sized bunch of parsley is poured with hot (not boiling) water and left to steep for 30 minutes. Then the broth is filtered and a small amount of lemon juice is added to it, after which the liquid is frozen, and the resulting medicinal ice cubes are wiped on the face.

200 g of common dandelions are poured with boiling water (a glass) and left to infuse for 15 minutes, then the mixture is filtered and frozen in the form of cubes.

A teaspoon of honey is dissolved in 100 g of viburnum juice and frozen into cubes.

Regular milk and sauerkraut brine have a good whitening effect.

Cream for pigment spots

Today, pharmacies offer a fairly wide range of products that help whiten age spots. One of them is a mercury-based cream. It is highly effective, but has a number of contraindications. It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for kidney and liver diseases. Before using such a product, you should check how your skin will tolerate it. For this purpose, the cream is applied to the bend of the elbow and the reaction is observed during the day. If no discomfort occurs, the product can be used. Anti-pigmentation creams containing mercury are toxic and should not be used for long periods of time.

Products containing glycolic acid are widely used today. These cosmetic products not only lighten age spots, but also smooth and soften the skin. The only drawback of this cream is that you will have to wait several months for a positive result.

No less popular are products made on the basis of azelaic acid. Such creams have an anti-inflammatory effect, so they are used mainly to lighten age spots formed after acne treatment.

The cosmetics industry also produces special oil-based creams. They do not contain water, so toxic substances cannot penetrate the skin. An important point: when using this product, the skin should not be wetted with water, as severe irritation may occur. It is recommended to cleanse the face using special lotions.

When choosing cosmetic products for skin care, pay special attention to their composition. It is desirable that it contains the following components:

Kojic acid - this substance must be included in creams for the skin around the eyes; its action is aimed at eliminating dark circles.

Hydroquinone is the most effective substance that can eliminate age spots on the face. However, it should be borne in mind that it can cause skin irritation, so women during pregnancy and lactation should avoid it.

Arbutin is a more gentle substitute for hydroquinone and is of natural origin.

Salon treatments

Many cosmetic centers use laser technology to treat pigmentation. The pigment is exposed to concentrated light, causing it to be destroyed. And the skin takes on a normal, healthy appearance. After several sessions of this procedure, unwanted pigmentation will disappear.

Mesotherapy is also quite in demand. This method is based on the action of injections that can destroy pigment accumulations. In addition, this procedure prevents the occurrence of other spots: the enzyme that causes darkening of the skin ceases to be produced.

For shallow pigmentation, spots can be eliminated using phototherapy. Cosmetic defects are eliminated under the influence of intense pulsed light. This procedure is also effective in the treatment of acne.

If you really want to, almost any skin imperfection can be eliminated with folk remedies without resorting to expensive salon procedures. From this article you learned how to remove age spots on your face at home. We hope you find these recommendations helpful.

Freckles, lentigo, melasma - are you familiar with these words firsthand? We provide a list of useful recommendations for those who have developed age spots or have suffered from them since childhood.

1. Causes of age spots on the face
2. How to deal with age spots
3. Cosmetology against pigmentation
4. Composition of lightening cosmetics
5. Tools Overview
6. Prevention of pigmentation

Causes of age spots on the face

Cosmetologists call pigmented areas of the skin that have darkened due to excess melanin production. It has been scientifically proven that pigment spots can be located in the epidermis, dermis and at their border. The result of the correction depends on the depth of pigmentation: the deeper and the larger the accumulation of melanin, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.

Age spots can be congenital, acquired or age-related. Patients turn to cosmetologists or dermatologists with such types of hyperpigmentation as freckles, lentigo, melasma, and clinical manifestations of photodamage.

Freckles most often appear in people with fair skin and blond or red hair © iStock

«Freckles (ephelids) are small spots, mostly round in shape, uniform in color, 1-2 mm in diameter, says Karine Vardanyan, SkinCeuticals brand expert, dermatovenerologist and head of the allergology department at the European Medical Center clinic. “Most often, freckles occur in blond, brown-haired and red-haired people on open areas of the skin under the active influence of solar radiation.”

The more intense the ultraviolet light, the darker the freckles. Without exposure to the sun, they turn pale, and in winter they may disappear altogether.

Solar lentigo - These are oval-shaped pigment spots measuring 2–20 mm. They are most often located on the face and hands, but can also appear on the torso. The color of the spots is mostly uniform, the pigmentation is persistent and does not disappear on its own.

How to deal with age spots

It doesn’t matter whether you have just discovered age spots or have been struggling with them for a long time, the first and main rule is to use a cream with a sun protection factor and moderate sun exposure.

Pigment spots are most often provoked by ultraviolet radiation © iStock

Cosmetologists urge you to protect your skin from the sun, especially your facial skin. Ultraviolet rays reduce the skin's immunity, dry it, provoke photoaging and the appearance of age spots.

Whitening creams have a certain effect if used regularly over a long period of time, but they are not able to completely get rid of pigmentation. Spots can be effectively corrected only with the help of cosmetic procedures - hardware or injection.

Lightening agents will help:

reduce the contrast between the pigment spot and the surrounding skin;

reduce spot size;

maintain the lightening result;

prevent the appearance of new stains.

Whitening creams and serums, as a rule, contain a powerful dose of acids, which means that it is better to use them in the autumn-winter period, when the sun is least active in our latitudes.

Cosmetologists recommend using brightening serums with acids and retinol before bed, and be sure to apply cream with SPF in the morning to avoid the appearance of new spots.

Cosmetology against pigmentation

Today, there are many methods for correcting pigmentation and hyperpigmentation. An integrated approach to treatment involves:

reduction of UV-induced melanin synthesis;

decreased transport of new melanin into cells.

Whitening procedures include chemical peels, mesotherapy, phototherapy (IPL systems), phonophoresis and, of course, the use of professional and home lightening products.

Chemical peeling

One of the mildest procedures for getting rid of age spots. During a superficial peel (for example, glycolic peel), the thinnest top layer of skin is gradually removed under the influence of weak acid solutions. You will have to be patient: to get rid of a small pigment spot, you will need a course of procedures.

For pigmentation that has appeared some time ago, the use of medium peels based on trichloroacetic acid or retinol is effective. After they are performed, rehabilitation is required for several days.

Age spots can be congenital or acquired with age © iStock

Whitening mesotherapy

Biorevitalization cannot defeat age spots - this is a fact. But peptide injections enriched with vitamin C help not only lighten the skin, but also improve its immunity.

Phototherapy (IPL systems)

For those who panic at the sight of a needle, we recommend taking a closer look at hardware methods for combating pigmentation. Phototherapy is a treatment using broadband pulsed light. Unlike a laser, it does not “burn out” the top layer of skin, but heats it, activating the processes of producing new collagen and elastin.

A certain temperature regime allows you to fight stains - it’s not painful or hot. To get visible results, 5–7 sessions are enough.

Laser therapy

New generation lasers work wonders. The American machines Fraxel and Picosure are considered the most advanced today. The rays warm the skin deeply enough to start renewal processes.

Composition of lightening cosmetics

To combat pigmentation, various serums and creams are used, which we will discuss in the next paragraph. Let's look at what components they work on.

Preventing pigmentation – sun protection © iStock

Key whitening ingredients block melanin synthesis by affecting the enzyme tyrosinase involved in this process.

Hydroquinone - a substance that damages or kills melanocytes that synthesize the pigment melanin. Toxic and therefore prohibited for use in Europe.

Kojic acid - one of the AHA acids with whitening and exfoliating effects.

Arbutin - a plant component found in bearberry and blackberry. When combined with kojic acid, its whitening effect is enhanced.

Glabridin - licorice root extract has not only a whitening, but also an anti-inflammatory effect.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - antioxidant. It is easily destroyed, which is why magnesium salt of L-ascorbic acid is often used in cosmetics. Reduces melanin production and enhances collagen synthesis.

Azelaic acid - in high concentrations has a brightening effect. Capable of suppressing the growth and activity of abnormal melanocytes.

Tools Overview

For night care

Promotes cell restoration, improves skin tone and smoothes microrelief. Visibly shrinks pores

enhances the protective properties of the skin.

blueberry extract, fermented black tea extract, glycolic acid

glycolic, salicylic and fruit acids, quinoa extract

For day care

L-ascorbic acid, phloretin, ferulic acid

Moisturizing gel for even tone and smooth skin texture Brightening and Smoothing Moisture Treatment, Kiehl’s

Brightens and evens out skin tone, moisturizes.

Prevention of pigmentation

The best way to prevent it is to use creams with SPF, as well as moderate sun exposure. If you are going on vacation to hot countries, stock up on sunscreen for your face and body.

If this is the middle band, the SPF factor can vary from 30 to 50 units.

In a tropical climate, you can't do without SPF 50+.

The “fifty” rule also applies to climbers and skiers and snowboarders. The sun reflected from the snow can cause skin burns and age spots.

What to use in the city

Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30, Kiehl’s

The formula with squalane protects the skin not only from moisture loss, but also from photoaging.

Sunscreen fluid Mineral Radiance UV Defense SPF 50, SkinCeuticals

Thanks to titanium dioxide, plankton extract and tinting mineral pigments, the skin is effectively protected from UV damage.

Multi-active anti-aging fluid Renergie Multi-Lift Ultra SPF 25, Lancôme

Contains flax extract, which is rich in polyunsaturated essential fatty acids and promotes skin regeneration. Plus a sun protection factor sufficient for use in urban environments.

What to take with you to the sea and mountains

Sunscreen for face and body “Expert Protection Ambre Solaire” SPF 50, Garnier

A high UV protection factor ensures that hyperpigmentation does not attack the skin after returning from a vacation in hot countries.

Sunscreen fluid Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50, Kiehl’s

Vitamin E in the product acts as an antioxidant, and a sun filter (titanium dioxide) reflects the attacks of UV rays.

Sunscreen face cream Soleil Bronzer SPF 50, Lancôme

The maximum sun protection factor allows you to use the product in extreme climatic conditions: in the mountains or tropics.

Age-related or senile pigment spots on the face are a violation of the uniform skin tone in certain areas, which appears in people only in adulthood. The fair half of humanity is more susceptible to the manifestation of these defects than the stronger sex.

Causes of age spots

Any pigmentation on the skin directly depends on the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by melanin, a natural pigment produced by certain epidermal cells, melanocytes. Pigment spots are formed due to the uneven distribution of melanin in the skin; in places where it accumulates, the color of individual areas changes.

In medicine, such manifestations on the skin are called “senile lentigo.” Age-related pigmentation on the face, which appears after 45-50 years, can be associated with several factors:

1. problems in the gastrointestinal tract;
2. liver or thyroid dysfunction;
3. the appearance of polyps in the stomach (dark spots mainly form around the lips);
4. violation of fat metabolism in the body (with xanthomatosis, pigmentation has a yellow tint);
5. disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system (in this case, the spots are localized to a greater extent on the forehead);
6. infection of the body by parasites;
7. lack of folic acid and riboflavin;
8. changes in hormonal levels due to age-related changes in the body (dark areas are observed on the cheekbones and cheeks);
9. excessive exposure to the sun (ultraviolet radiation leads to photoaging of the skin and uneven color);
10. vitamin deficiency (lack of vitamin C and PP affects the appearance of such skin defects as age spots appearing on the face).

Pigmentation can be a consequence of several reasons, and before getting rid of age spots, it is necessary to undergo examination for the presence of diseases of internal organs and systems. Liver cleansing causes hyperpigmented areas of the face to lighten and go away on their own without treatment.

To replenish the body with ascorbic acid, it is worth including citrus fruits, garlic, rosehip decoction, raspberries, herbs and other foods rich in vitamin C in your diet. Eating poultry, dates, legumes, mushrooms, and prunes will help restore the lack of vitamin PP.

How to get rid of it at home

There are many recipes that can help remove age spots yourself at home. You can fight age-related pigmentation with inexpensive drugs from the pharmacy, as well as folk methods:

1. Lemon juice can whiten your facial skin. To do this, you can wipe the pigmented areas with a slice of citrus fruit.
2. Hydrogen peroxide produces a whitening effect. Apply a little liquid to a cotton pad and apply it to dark spots.
3. A mask of dry yeast and hydrogen peroxide will have a positive effect on the condition of the skin. You need to dilute a tablespoon of yeast with a small amount of peroxide to get a paste and apply it to your face. After holding the mixture for 10-15 minutes, it is washed off with warm water.
4. A compress of apple cider vinegar mixed with orange juice is an excellent remedy that will help cleanse your face and hands from aging signs on the skin. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture 2 tsp. vinegar and 1 tsp. juice and fix for 15-20 minutes on the problem area. Then rinse with water.
5. Kefir masks will also help even out your skin color.
6. Dandelion liquid, the so-called “milk,” can help with this problem. Juice from the stem should be applied to dark areas for several days in a row.
7. If the cause of pigmentation is a helminthic infestation, you can get rid of age spots on the face by expelling the parasites at home. Traditional methods are often more effective than pharmaceutical drugs. Tansy or wormwood grass will do a great job with uninvited guests. You can use walnut leaves.

Review of creams for age spots

The cosmetics industry has not remained aloof from the problems of age spots on the face. In salons and specialized stores you can purchase various creams that help get rid of the signs of aging on the skin. However, you should beware of counterfeits and buy only those products that your friends or acquaintances have used and can give recommendations.

Idealia PRO from Vichy is recognized as an effective anti-pigmentation cream. It is rich in vitamins, microelements and substances that gently whiten the skin. Vitamin E makes the skin elastic and firm, and thermal water cleanses and brightens.

Elure cream is based on natural ingredients, which is an important point for a cosmetic product. Using Neotone Radiance cream, you can achieve even skin tone by exfoliating its top layer.

A product called Bielita from Vitex affects the production of melanin, slowing down the process of its production. It also has a whitening effect. When using it, application is carried out exclusively on stains, trying not to touch light areas.

A well-known cream for facial pigmentation is the Bulgarian remedy Achromin. It is able to remove brown spots on the body and protect the skin from their reappearance.

Clotrimazole is a remedy that helps get rid of pigmentation, eliminates inflammation and fungal infections on the skin.

The components of Melanativ cream are only two substances: alpha-arbutin and kojic acid dipalmitate. However, this does not affect its effectiveness in combating hyperpigmentation.

Hardware methods

What to do if the pigmented areas occupy a large area of ​​the skin or have too rich a color? If you can’t get rid of age spots that appear on the skin using folk remedies or using a cream, you can resort to hardware removal methods:

1. Laser therapy is considered an effective, harmless and painless method. During this procedure, the skin is polished and the top layer of the epidermis is removed by influencing it with a laser beam. There are two methods of laser therapy:

1. cold (the top layer is scanned and removed along with pigmented areas);
2. hot (a peeling effect is produced, which affects the deeper layers of the skin).

1. Phototherapy has a general rejuvenating effect on the facial skin and eliminates pigmentation. There are two options for the effect of flashes of light on the epidermis:

1. The IPL technique involves exposing the skin to wide bands of light pulses without ultraviolet radiation. The impulse is absorbed by the natural pigment, causing its destruction;
2. The AFT technique uses flashes of light to target old fibrillar protein. This action of the light stream resumes metabolism in the skin and in melanocytes, including.

Cosmetic procedures

In addition to removing hyperpigmented areas of facial skin using folk and hardware methods, there are a number of other options. They are provided for by procedures that are carried out in beauty salons and specialized rooms.

Prevention

It is difficult to avoid the appearance of age spots on the skin. But you can try to prevent their occurrence by regularly taking vitamin supplements and complexes, cleansing the body, in particular the liver, eating right, and using sunscreen.

You can remain beautiful, regardless of age. You just need to put in a little effort.