When you are exposed to the sun for a long time, there is often the risk of sun spots on the face, which can even become permanent. Do not worry: there are some precautions that, if observed carefully, allow you to avoid the birth of these imperfections and to tan in total tranquility.
Sunspots undoubtedly represent the negative aspect of a tan, above all because they appear in a rather unexpected way on the face, shoulders and décolleté. Obviously, their formation depends on ultraviolet rays, which interfere with the melanogenesis. This is the mechanism by which the synthesis of melanin takes place (ie the pigment determines the color of our skin). When the sun occurs in this process, it generally causes an annoying increase in the production of melanin and the appearance of solar lentigo. Let’s try to understand the phenomenon better.
What are solar spots or lentigos
The solar spots or lentigo, are those small skin patches that darken the complexion locally. Their color ranges from light brown to hazelnut.
These skin discolorations are very easy to recognize with the naked eye, because they have specific characteristics:
- they are larger in size than freckles;
- they can appear in groups;
- they are usually flat and oval in shape;
- they range from light brown to dark brown or hazel;
- they tend to appear in areas more exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, shoulders, décolleté, feet.
Lentigos occur in both men and women, especially over the age of 60. However, this does not mean that younger people do not take this risk, in fact, everyone has to pay attention to how they protect themselves while tanning.
What sunspots depend on and why they form
Excessive sun exposure without protection
Obviously, the main cause of sunspots is due to a ‘prolonged exposure to the sun without protection during the hottest hours and without adequate protection.
It seems trivial, but in reality it is the most lethal combo for the onset of these imperfections, therefore every exposure should never be taken lightly, but you must always use the right products.
Hormonal changes
Sunspots can be caused by hormonal changes, for example if yes use the pill or if you are pregnant. In the latter case, however, the spots (chloasma gravidarum) are more likely to be reabsorbed by the skin once the gestation period is over.
Taking medicines
In summer, the heat and the intensity of UV rays can affect the integrity and effectiveness of drugs, as well as the effects of the same drugs on our body.
Antibiotics, supplements, antihistamines And anti-inflammatory (especially topical ketoprofen) can cause not only redness, erythema and blisters, but also the dreaded dark spots. For this reason, it is always important read the instructions carefully in case of taking medicines. Excluding these categories, therefore, it is always advisable to check compatibility with UV rays. Or, in the case of chronic diseases, in which it is impossible to stop the drug, you will have to avoid exposure altogether.
Use of photosensitizing products
A photosensitizing substance it causes a harmful response when it comes into contact with the sun’s rays and has negative consequences for the skin. These can be allergies, blisters, rashes, burns, and sunspots.
There are several substances that have these characteristics, such as:
- essential oils phototoxic such as ginger, lemon, lime, bergamot, cumin, mandarin, orange and verbena.
- some dyes they can be phototoxic if they contain rose bengal or eosin. So use them only at night or with high factor sunscreen.
- the aforementioned drugs;
- the perfumes. Some substances usually included in fragrances such as lavender, ginger, bergamot, vanilla, lemon and orange, can cause stains that could remain on the body forever.
You can replace this product with aromatic waters that do not contain alcohol in them and have a lower concentration of essences.
The best solution, however, is always to apply the perfume only in the evening, as well as thoroughly cleanse the skin, before going to the beach, to erase any traces of the product.
Poor skin hydration
Let’s not forget the importance ofhydration on the health of our body. Also as regards the relationship with the sun and therefore the protection from possible sunspots, the famous two liters of water (at least) a day help to avoid the appearance of these imperfections. This quantity has the power to promote the normal regeneration process of cells, which prevents the birth of lentigos, but also the reduction of the risk of aging.
Not very delicate hair removal
The dark spots after waxing they can remain on the body for years before disappearing completely. Even in some cases, due to a sort of “skin memory”, they can form again when it exposes us to the sun again.
Usually their appearance occurs in the most sensitive areas, ie on the groin and face, especially when you want to remove the mustache.
For this reason, you must never underestimate the importance of a good beauty routine that involves the use of a good post depilatory cream. In addition, it is recommended to wait a couple of days before exposing yourself to the sun after hair removal.
