Everything You Need to Know About Brown Spots

Brown spots, also called age spots, although not directly related to age, sunspots, or lentigines, are small, variable-sized skin spots that appear in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, or arms and are linked to an excess production of melanin.
Brown spots often appear in individuals over 40 years old, after years of sun exposure. However, they can also occur in younger individuals due to intense or prolonged sun exposure.
They are generally not harmful to health, but it is necessary to remain vigilant because a melanoma can mimic a lentigo, and only a dermatologist can distinguish between the two. They do not require treatment, but for aesthetic reasons, they can be made less visible.

Brown spots are different from moles that develop all over the body, seborrheic keratoses, which are skin lesions that resemble dark warts, or melanoma, especially in the form of Dubreuilh, also called malignant lentigo. It can develop on the face and neck, in particular. The diagnosis is only made through biopsy.

Causes: Why Do We Have Skin Spots?

Brown spots are primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
After years of exposure, melanin can concentrate in certain areas of the skin and pigmentation occurs. Brown spots often appear in individuals over 40 years old.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made through simple observation of the skin by a dermatologist. They may use a painless instrument called a dermatoscope, a kind of magnifying glass that allows them to refine their diagnostic impression. A biopsy, which involves taking a skin sample that will be analyzed under a microscope, may be necessary if the doctor has the slightest doubt about the origin of the spots. Monitoring brown spots is necessary. If they appear to evolve (increase in size, change in color, bleeding, enlargement, etc.), it is important to consult a specialist, as these may be symptoms of melanoma development.

Melanocytes and Melanin

Melanin (from the Greek melanos = black) is a dark skin pigment produced by melanocytes. It is mainly genetic, but sun exposure also determines the amount of melanin in the skin and defines its color. This pigment is present in the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin.

The main characteristics of skin spots:
• Flat, oval, or round brown spots that appear in sun-exposed areas.
• Brown spots usually appear on the back of the hands, face, or shoulders, i.e., on all areas regularly exposed to the sun.

People at Risk

Some people develop more brown spots than others. Genes play a role in their appearance. These people usually have fair skin, although brown spots can also appear on darker skin.

Risk Factors

Prolonged and regular sun exposure significantly increases the risk of developing brown spots. The same goes for sunburns, which are the main factors in the appearance of brown spots, especially on the shoulders. Therefore, it is common to observe the appearance of many brown spots on the shoulders after a significant sunburn.

Prevention

Preventing brown spots requires reasonable sun exposure. It is advisable to:
• Avoid the sun between noon and 4 pm
• Seek shade
• Wear a hat and clothing
• Apply appropriate sunscreen to unprotected areas every two hours.

Medical Treatments

The choice of technique is made in consultation with the dermatologist and depending on the skin type.

Treatment is not mandatory, as brown spots have no health consequences. However, it is necessary to ensure, by consulting a dermatologist, that any spot appearing on the skin is really a harmless spot. Some people may find them unsightly; in these cases, treatments can be an option to make them less visible.
There are creams to lighten brown spots.
• Cosmetic creams containing plant extracts are sold over the counter, but it is still unclear whether they are truly effective.
• Other prescribed creams are usually based on hydroquinone, a depigmenting agent. This treatment requires the imperative use of full protection every time it is exposed to the sun. It can also cause itching, irritation, or dry skin. This cream, however, provides only modest results. This treatment can also be combined with a tretinoin cream and a mild topical steroid like hydrocortisone.

Laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) can be a solution, as the photon beam released into the skin destroys melanocytes and melanin, which gradually disappear in the spots. Do not expose yourself to the sun after a laser or IPL session, as the sessions cause redness and crusts that can cause other pigmented spots if exposed to the sun.
Cryotherapy, the same technique used for wart removal, for example, involves placing liquid nitrogen on brown spots to depigment them. This technique is not recommended for dark skin. Sun exposure shortly after treatment is strongly discouraged for the same reason as laser or IPL.
Peeling is also often offered. This technique involves applying an acid to the skin to exfoliate it and remove brown spots.

Novos 'Anti-Blemish' à venda

Diadermine Lift+ Flash Effect Capsules

Diadermine Lift+ Flash Effect Capsules Experimente a revolução no cuidado da pele com as Cápsulas..

7.95€ 13.25€

-40%

SVR Clairial Ampoule

SVR Clairial Ampoule - Despigmentante Intensivo para uma Pele Radiante Descubra a solução definitiv..

32.95€

La Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum

La Roche Posay Mela B3 Serum é um sérum facial de alta eficácia, especialmente formulado para tratar..

37.95€ 53.30€

-29%

ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Serum Antimanchas

ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Serum Antimanchas Descubra o poder do ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Seru..

60.95€ 69.00€

-12%

Topicrem Ka Keracur Gel Queratorregulador

Topicrem Ka Keracur Gel Queratorregulador é a solução ideal para quem busca suavizar e hidratar a pe..

29.95€

ISDIN Pigment Expert Sérum Corrector Despigmentante

..

41.95€

A-Derma Biology AC Perfect

A-Derma Biology AC Perfect: Sua Pele Merece o Melhor Cuidado Conheça o A-Derma Bio..

17.95€ 25.78€

-30%

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Contorno de Olhos

Eucerin Anti-Pigment Contorno de Olhos - Reduza Visivelmente as Manchas e Ilumine o Seu Olhar Des..

27.95€ 36.27€

-23%

❮ ❯