Types of pigmentation spots and what you can do about them

From dark circles under your eyes to brown or white spots caused by the sun or acne. No worries, you’re certainly not the only one, everyone has them. But what types of pigmentation spots are there? And how can you prevent and/or reduce them?

1. Sun and age spots

They occur in almost all skin types, increase with age, and can appear on your face and body. Sunspots are pigments caused by UV rays. When this radiation reaches your skin, your skin cells start to produce melanin (the natural pigment of your skin). Melanin protects your skin from the sun. But when melanocytes, the skin cells that make melanin, age or are overused, they get confused. They produce too much melanin that’s not distributed properly over your skin surface. This causes brown or white spots, so-called sunspots. The chance of this increases as you get older. Then the spots are also called age spots. In the long run, almost everyone will suffer from this.

2. Pigmentation spots caused by acne

Pigment spots after acne are also called irritation pigments because they arise after irritation or damage to the skin, as is the case with acne. In response to this, your skin produces extra melanin, which causes dark discolourations. The spots can get worse or darker with age.

3. Dark circles under eyes

From melanin that’s out of balance thanks to sleepless nights and/or genetic reasons. There are many reasons for dark circles. Dark circles are actually visible blood vessels that darken when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen or fluids. Because the skin under your eyes is super thin, these blood vessels are more visible. Stress, fatigue, aging, the sun, an unhealthy diet, and various medical reasons (anemia, thyroid problems) make you more prone to dark circles. To prevent dark circles, according to skin experts, it is important to sleep longer and better, drink plenty of water, cut down on caffeine, and exercise a lot (stimulates blood flow).

4. Due to pregnancy

During your pregnancy, the hormones rush through your body. These hormonal changes cause melanin production to be thrown out of balance. This makes you more sensitive to pigment spots, such as a pregnancy mask. To prevent or reduce pigmentation spots, you should avoid the sun as much as possible. Especially during the hours when the sun is strongest: between 12:00 and 15:00. Protect your skin extra by wearing a hat or cap and sunglasses and always apply an SPF, even in winter or on cloudy days.

Love, Skye Lewis ❤

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