Why do brown spots appear on my hands?

It would seem that what’s scary about pigment spots on your hands? They don't hurt, they don't itch. But their appearance is upsetting because it hints at age - it’s not for nothing that such spots are called “senile buckwheat.” We'll tell you what to do.

1. Age spots: what are they?
2. Types of age spots on hands
3. Causes of age spots on hands
4. Causes of age spots on the hands after 40, 50, 60 years
5. Is it possible to get rid of age spots on hands?
6. Cosmetology procedures
7. Cosmetics for home use
8. Review of products for correction and prevention of pigmentation

Age spots: what are they?

Any local changes in skin color are a consequence of an excess or, conversely, deficiency of the melanin pigment. And he gives us:

1. beautiful tan;
2. charming freckles;
3. flirty moles.

Pigment spots are only an external manifestation of the activity of melanin, which has a very serious mission - to protect skin cells from damage (in particular, as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation). When the protection weakens, the risk of cell injury increases and, as a result, the appearance of new growths on the skin.

The instability of melanin, which either shoots out dark spots or suddenly disappears, indicates a violation of this protection.

Pigment spots are a consequence of an excess or, conversely, deficiency of the melanin pigment. © iStock

Types of age spots on hands

Spots on the hands come in all imaginable sizes, from dots to “islands.” The palette of shades is not very rich, but some variety is still observed. The spots are:

1. yellow;
2. brown;
3. reds of all shades - from pink to wine;
4. white.

Causes of age spots on hands

Ultraviolet

In 90% of cases, the main cause is the sun. In areas of the skin that are in small doses but constantly exposed to UV rays, an inflammatory reaction occurs around melanocytes (these are melanin-producing cells). And it provokes even more active pigment synthesis.

In addition, the rays damage fibroblasts lying in the dermis (they synthesize collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid). The fibroblast signals pigment cells to protect it from the sun with extra melanin. And the uneven location of pigmented zones is associated with the transport of melanin to areas with photodamage.

Hormonal changes

Conditions in which hormone levels are unstable include:

1. pregnancy;
2. taking hormonal medications (including contraceptives);
3. menopause.

Diseases

Liver ailments can also be accompanied by yellow and brown spots on the hands. There is also an opinion that some infections provoke a decrease in melanin production, and then vitiligo develops against the background of illness or immediately after recovery.

Hypovitaminosis, For example, severe vitamin C deficiency can cause hyperpigmentation.

Stress sometimes leads to vitiligo, that is, local interruption of melanin production.

Port-wine stains - red or purple, birthmarks or acquired - are hemangiomas, the result of dilation and proliferation of blood vessels in a particular area of ​​the body.

Hypothermia. Cold injury to the hands may subsequently appear as white spots.

Causes of age spots on the hands after 40, 50, 60 years

Until recently, you could throw up your hands and say: “Well, what do you want - age!” But modern women are not satisfied with this answer. We have begun to live longer, and now 50-year-olds are 10–15 years younger than their parents at the same age, both in terms of physical fitness and ambition. Therefore, senile pigment spots on the hands (lentigines) - those small brown ones mixed with larger, lighter ones - thoroughly ruin your life.

Their true cause is not the number of years lived, but the amount of time spent in the sun and sunburn received, starting from infancy. Such injuries quickly exhaust the reserve of melanocytes.

The other extreme is frostbite, which over time leads to a decrease in pigmentation.

Is it possible to get rid of age spots on hands?

Pigmentation on the hands is the result of quite serious internal changes. Getting rid of them is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. The procedures offered in clinics are, of course, more effective than home care. Although effective preparations have appeared among whitening cosmetics.

In any case, the maximum effect can be achieved by combining professional and home care.

Cosmetology procedures

Peeling

It removes the surface layer of the skin and stimulates its deep renewal - without age spots.

Any chemical peeling helps to get rid of unwanted pigmentation to one degree or another, but special preparations for pigment spots have also been developed.

For example, AHA peeling Pigment Balancing Peel, SkinCeuticals. Its effectiveness is determined by the combination of two components:

exfoliant based on glycolic and citric acids;

brightening powder made from ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and emblica extract.

Both formulations are mixed, which ensures maximum concentration of active ingredients.

The maximum effect in getting rid of age spots can be achieved by combining professional and home care © iStock

Phototherapy

Light pulses destroy melanin, and immediately after the procedure, the treated areas darken even more. But very soon the skin begins to peel off and a new one, without blemishes, appears in its place.

Laser

The most popular method of getting rid of pigmentation works on the same principle as phototherapy (difference in light wavelength) - pigmented areas are treated with a laser. As a result, the top layer is exfoliated and skin renewal is stimulated “from scratch.”

It is a variation of light therapy and quite quickly removes superficial pigment spots.

Cosmetics for home use

Creams

The same products are used as anti-pigment hand creams as for the face. The most effective ones contain retinol and its derivatives plus other substances that can affect photosensitivity. In this regard, such products are used at night.

Serums

They have a higher concentration of active ingredients and are used in the evening. Some medications are not recommended for daily use.

Review of products for correction and prevention of pigmentation

Antioxidant gel for dry and normal skin Phloretin CF Gel, SkinCeuticals

Stabilized vitamin C, phloretin and ferulic acid reduce cell damage caused by solar radiation, stimulate collagen synthesis, making the skin more elastic.

Serum for even skin tone Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, Kiehl’s

A formula with vitamin C, birch and peony extracts works against age spots caused by photodamage and other reasons. The product makes the skin tone more even, gives radiance, and serves as a prevention of further pigmentation.

Sunscreen “Expert Protection”, SPF 50, Garnier Ambre Solaire

The product with vitamin E and a high sun protection factor prevents photoaging, one of the signs of which is hyperpigmentation.

Nourishing sunscreen milk Lait Solaire, SPF 50, Biotherm

The product with a light texture and a powerful antioxidant formula with astaxanthin protects the skin of the body (including hands) from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation and takes care to prevent hyperpigmentation as a side effect of tanning.

It is believed that pigment spots on a woman’s hands can appear with age. This opinion is widespread and erroneous, because a brown spot, a whole scattering of marks, can appear at absolutely any age. The reasons for the appearance of spots are not only age-related, they are associated with hormonal characteristics, skin reactions, allergies, and even general phenotypic characteristics. However, dark spots can be removed.

What are pigment spots

Before you start figuring out how to get rid of stains on your hands, you need to figure out where the so-called senile black marks come from. As a rule, the cause of spots is increased melanin in certain areas of the skin. The hormone responsible for the color of the skin, hair and eyes forms small dots when exposed to sunlight. Brushes are exposed to the sun the most. The deficiency can be removed using cosmetics, traditional methods, and special creams.

Reds

Unlike brown spots, a red spot on the hand can be either completely harmless or serve as a harbinger of disease. Urticaria is an allergy that spreads from the fingers and causes peeling and redness of the skin. The appearance of red marks is not a pigment formation, but is directly related to blood vessels, liver and heart diseases. Sometimes in the initial stages this is how vasculitis or hemangioma manifests itself. The latter ones in the photo resemble stars.

Yellow

Appearing yellow spots on the hands are a reason to consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible. The appearance of marks is not a disease, but the yellow color makes you think about problems with the liver, stomach, or intestinal dysfunction. Pigmentation of the hands appears with the onset of the disease: cholecystitis, liver failure, intestinal dysfunction. The gastrointestinal tract and other human organs are a single whole, so do not try to solve the problem solely with cosmetics.

Brown

Why do pigment spots appear on my hands? Brown spots on the hands of a young woman are alarming and serve as a reason to go to the doctor: there is a risk of developing a dangerous disease - melanoma. People with hormonal imbalances, after an allergy attack and after excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays should be especially careful. In old age and old age, a violation of melanin production occurs in many people; it is a variant of the norm. Marks are corrected with the help of nutritious decoctions, creams, other procedures and unconventional remedies.

Age spots on hands after 50 years

With age, the endocrine background changes; pigment spots on the skin of the hands in women 50-55 years old are considered the medical norm. Improper production of melanin and gastrointestinal diseases are the reasons why brown spots on the arm spread. Doctors call the marks senile, and the recommendations boil down to avoiding the sun and carefully monitoring the condition of each black spot, the appearance of white spots or on the fingers. Unusual degenerations will make one suspect the development of a malignant process.

How to remove age spots on hands

There are several ways to remove age spots on your hands. Whitening methods using specially made masks receive good reviews. The active substance acts against the accumulation of melanin, locally destroying excess pigment. The appearance of discolored areas of skin takes some time, and the marks tend to darken. For this reason, intervention by a cosmetologist or self-correction of the skin condition should begin as early as possible, as soon as the first suspicious phenomena are noticed.

How to remove age spots on hands

If we list the main ways to get rid of age spots on the hands, then there are several that remain basic. Sometimes it is possible to combine a number of methods in order to get rid of unpleasant color changes. Visits to a cosmetologist and the use of folk remedies to combat unwanted pigmentation can be combined. Age spots on the hands are eradicable.

Sunscreens with powerful protection are your best friends. Melanin tends to break down over time, the main thing is not to stimulate its production in the body. Maintain balance with nutritional formulations. Consult a cosmetologist about official medications to change your skin condition. Age spots on the hands can be removed, but allergic reactions followed by peeling can aggravate the problem. Do not buy medications with unknown composition without consultation.

The folk approach is more gentle and universal, suitable for any skin and can be used without prior consultation with a doctor or cosmetology specialist. The effectiveness of non-traditional methods has been criticized from the point of view of professional cosmetologists, but continues to remain at a high level. Here are the basic recipes:

1. Lemon juice for washing. The acid contained in the juice perfectly lightens and removes marks that appear on the hands with age.
2. A decoction of currant leaves and parsley, possibly with the addition of hydrogen peroxide, will also do a good job of cleaning. Compresses should be applied to the darkest places.
3. Ten drops of ammonia in combination with kefir and sour cream - and a good effective mask is ready, which is applied with your finger. The objects become the palms or other problem areas. Repeat for a week.

Some experts recommend adding hydrogen peroxide to any water for washing, except that used for the face. Pigmentation on the hands decreases. Palms, legs, body - even taking a bath with this common, inexpensive substance is allowed. How to get rid of age spots on hands? Hurry up. The sooner the procedures begin, the better you will be able to cope with them. You don't have to resort to laser correction.

Cream for age spots on hands

It is preferable to correct the lack of nutrients with creams. Hand cream for age spots does more than just remove unwanted melanin. It softens, moisturizes and makes the skin softer, smoothes out wrinkles. During the winter period, healing of red, scaly changes - so-called chicks - may be required. A good cream removes the negative effects of household chemicals. Which substances on the market should you prefer?

1. Clotrimazole - not only brightens, neutralizes inflammation;
2. Melanative is a nutrient medium, treatment and improvement of skin condition;
3. Skinoren is a medicinal cream that cannot be used thoughtlessly, but it fights fungal and bacterial infections;
4. Chinese “Green Tea” - herbal medicine, safe, supplied with antioxidants;
5. Medicalia has a good brightening and healing effect, but is drying and recommended for oily skin.

Before using any product, read the instructions and contraindications. You can’t thoughtlessly apply a product and hope that it will help. Be sure to read the ingredients and check for any sensitive reactions to the ingredients. Healthy looking hand skin is important. The appearance of age spots on the hands is a reason to bleach them, but not to risk the body.

One of the common cosmetic problems is age spots on the hands. In most cases, this condition does not cause physical discomfort to its owner (does not hurt, does not itch). However, many seek to remove hyperpigmented areas of skin for aesthetic reasons. In some cases, pigment spots are a sign of dysfunction of internal organs, leading to serious consequences.

Main reasons

The skin of every person contains special cells - melanocytes. They produce a pigment called melanin. This substance is brown in color and colors the skin, giving it a natural tone. Most melanocytes are found in the dermal cells of people with dark skin, and less in people with light, pale skin.

Under the influence of certain factors, melanin-producing cells can produce more or less pigment. This is the main reason for the appearance of brown spots on the hands.

Conditions that provoke pigmentation:

Sun exposure

Under ultraviolet rays, the skin produces melanin, which prevents excessive radiation. Tanning is a protective reaction of the body that prevents burns. With prolonged exposure to the sun, white or brown spots appear on the hands and other parts of the body. If such phenomena do not cause discomfort, then there is nothing wrong with it. Over time, the skin tone will even out and the spots will disappear.

Age

The appearance of spots on the hands may be due to age-related changes in the functioning of the skin. The reason for this is prolonged exposure to external factors, including sunlight, on the dermis. The appearance of hyperpigmented areas in advanced age indicates the occurrence of degenerative or pathological processes in the dermis at the cellular level.

Hereditary predisposition

Brown birthmarks or nevi can appear due to genetic reasons. Most often, these are benign phenomena caused by damage to the gene responsible for pigmentation. Spots are also a sign of congenital dermatological diseases or may be evidence of kinship.

Contact with chemicals

Exposure to some compounds leads to disruption of skin pigmentation and the appearance of dark or light spots in areas of contact with the reagent. These can be chemical burns caused by acid or alkali. In order to avoid such phenomena, it is necessary to protect your hands with special rubber gloves when working with hazardous substances (including household chemicals).

Cosmetics

Some products, such as hand creams, can cause an allergic reaction that manifests as spots on the skin. The skin begins to peel, crack, itch, become inflamed and red.

Changes in hormonal levels

During pregnancy, menopause and adolescence, age spots may appear on the skin of the hands and body. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which leads to disruption of melanin production by skin cells. Such spots often go away on their own after hormonal levels normalize, and only in rare cases is it very difficult to get rid of pigmentation.

Health problems

The skin is a mirror of the body, signaling the presence of certain problems. Spots appear on the body, hands, forearms, and elbows, which are symptoms of a number of diseases. These may be disturbances in the functioning of the liver, kidneys and digestive system. Sometimes abnormal pigmentation is a sign of a serious disease (skin cancer).

Mineral or vitamin deficiency

Lack of nutrients primarily affects the condition of hair, nails and skin. The appearance of spots on the hands may be evidence of a lack of vitamins A, B and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper and iron.

Effective treatments

In modern cosmetology, there are a large number of hardware methods for treating age spots. Let's consider the most effective procedures that are carried out within cosmetology rooms.

Laser therapy

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that allows not only to even out skin tone, but also to make its relief uniform. Removing stains with a laser beam is carried out by evaporating the upper layer of the dermis, due to which the skin becomes smooth.

Chemical peeling

You can get rid of any age spots on the skin of your hands with chemical peeling. This is a cosmetic event in which the upper keratinized layer of the dermis is removed with the help of acids. Along with the skin scales, pigment spots and callous formations disappear, the color and structure of the integument is evened out.

Dermabrasion

A modern procedure that allows you to remove any superficial skin defects through mechanical action. The event is carried out using a special abrasive device that cleans the dermal layer. It is painful and not very effective in the fight against scars, scars, and pigmented formations.

Cryotherapy

A type of physiotherapeutic effect carried out using liquid nitrogen. A substance with low temperature characteristics allows you to remove most cosmetic problems. The technology is used to remove warts, corpus callosum and birthmarks.

Folk remedies

To combat unwanted pigment spots on the skin of the hands, you can use traditional methods. Let's look at the most effective recipes for home remedies to even out skin tone and get rid of cosmetic problems:

1. Lemon juice. Cut the lemon into two parts and squeeze out the liquid. Apply the fresh product to the skin of your hands using a cotton pad and leave for 30 minutes. After half an hour, the composition should be washed off and use a nourishing moisturizer.
2. Cucumber. Grate five cucumbers on a fine grater, then pour 200 milliliters of vodka into the mixture. Place the ingredients in a sealed container and leave to infuse in a dark place for 10 days. Apply the prepared lotion to problem areas of the skin every day for 30 minutes.
3. Dairy products. Mix a tablespoon of cottage cheese with a teaspoon of sour cream and 10 drops of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the ingredients for 30-40 minutes - this is enough to eliminate pigmentation.
4. Castor oil. Mix a tablespoon of castor oil with half a teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the ingredients to areas that require lightening. Wrap the treated area with a bandage or seal it with a plaster for 3-6 hours, then remove with running water.
5. Black radish. Grate one medium radish and pour in a glass of vinegar, leaving the product to infuse for two weeks. After 14 days, dilute the concentrate with water in a volume of one and a half liters and use the product as a balm for treating pigmented hand skin.
6. Dill. You can remove pigment spots using dill decoction. To prepare the composition, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs into a glass of boiling water and send the mixture to low heat for 10 minutes. Cool the product, strain and apply to problem areas.
7. White clay. Pour a tablespoon of white clay with warm milk or water until a pasty consistency is obtained. Apply the mixture for 15 minutes. This will even out the tone of the skin and get rid of increased pigmentation.
8. Potato compress. One potato should be peeled and boiled. Crush the finished product into puree and wrap the resulting mass in gauze. Apply a bag of cooled puree to the problem area for 20-30 minutes.
9. Onion broth. Grate or finely chop a couple of onions, pour two glasses of cool water over them and mix with 200 g of sugar. Place the mixture in a saucepan and cook over low heat for an hour. Add a tablespoon of honey into the mixture, mix the mixture and strain. Use the liquid part to treat stains on your hands.