The 101 Skin Spots
The colour of our skin and hair depends above all on a pigment called melanin.
Skin spots or dyschromia are the consequence of an excessive production of melanin: melanin is produced by melanocytes, cells that reside in the basal layer of the epidermis, and this is precisely why it determines skin colour. There can be changes in skin colour linked to an altered distribution and production of melanin:
hypermelanosis or hyperchromia characterised by an increase in melanin in the skin;
hypomelanosis with reduction or absence of pigment from the skin, which appears lighter than normal skin.
Hypermelanosis, the most common darker coloured skin spots, are usually localised in specific skin areas or diffuse and can be due to either an increase in the number of melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) or an increase in the amount of melanin produced (dark pigment produced by melanocytes) with normal melanocyte numbers. Very often those that bother us most are those affecting the face
WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERING FACTORS?
The most frequent are:
exposure to ultraviolet rays
taking photosensitising drugs
the application of cosmetics, perfumes or waxing that can generate hyperpigmentation that is said to be post-inflammatory (e.g. after waxing or after treatments that make the skin more sensitive or inflamed)
hormonal factors that can contribute to the onset of skin spots, very often also during pregnancy. This is also why hypermelanosis affects women of childbearing age more frequently (in this case we speak of melasma gravidarum)
AND THE SOLUTION?
The first thing to do is to have a specialist visit with a dermatologist as it is fundamental, after a careful clinical examination of the lesions, to understand the depth of the pigment arrangement, in order to be able to set up an appropriate treatment programme to resolve the problem.
Resolution is normally proportional to the depth of the pigment: the deeper it is, the more difficult it will be to eliminate them completely.
BUT PREVENTION ALSO PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE
Prevention is fundamental when setting up any kind of treatment programme for spots, to prevent their reappearance or worsening. Therefore, it will be necessary for those suffering from this problem to always use high sun protection throughout the year, even in winter.
There are several possible treatments to lighten skin blemishes, both home and professional.
Often the combination of the two is successful
Cosmetics based on depigmenting substances and with substances that also help slow their formation
Chemical peelings (professional)
Laser treatments/specific equipment (professional)
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