Dark Spots (AKA Hyperpigmentation): Why Do I Have Them?
When we reach our 40’s our skin begins to change. Dark Spots and Patches can start to appear. Here we explain what they are and what we can do to reduce their appearance.
But Why Do They Develop? – What Can I Do About Them?
This article looks into dark spots, their causes along with some treatment methods.
Dark Spots
Dark spots or patches on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation, liver spots, age spots or solar lentigines can appear on our skin at any time.
Depending on the cause of their appearance, they are most common as we hit middle age.
Although linked to various skin condition and can also be a consequence of some medications too, for the majority of us, they are caused by past exposure to UV ( sunbathing or working outside) or too many sun bed sessions.
In the majority of cases they are generally harmless, and can be treated to lighten their appearance, sometimes they can be cleared completely.
There are also some cases where the dark mark could be a sign of something more serious such as skin cancer.
Signs Or Symptoms
Ranging in colour anything from light brown through to very a dark brown/black, they a usually flat to the touch and most commonly oval in shape.
They can appear anywhere, but generally tend to develop on areas of the skin that get regular exposure to the sun including the face, backs of the hands, arms, shoulders and the back.
In most cases they are small, but its not that unusual for sufferers to get several dark spots grouped together to form a larger darker area.
Causes Of Dark Spots
Dark spots are caused by the overproduction of melanin ( the skins natural pigment) and also damage caused by every day toxins in the environment called free radicals.
Too much exposure to the sun or UV light from tanning beds is the number 1 cause of dark spots.
Often in middle age hyperpigmentation can start to appear when the skin begins to show the effects of excess sunbathing or frequent sessions at the tanning salon.
This is particularly evident in those of us who did not heed the experts warnings over the years and use lots of good sun screen.
Anybody with fair or red hair and pale skin are particularly at risk.
The causes do not stop there, however, in conjunction or addition to UV exposure, there are other skin conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation.
Skin Conditions And Diseases
There a number of skin conditions and diseases that can cause the appearance of dark spots, in addition, or alongside sun exposure.
These are:
Melasma – AKA Pregnancy mask
Chloasma – darken ski caused by hormonal irregularities
Riehls Melanosis – A type of contact dermatitis often caused by sun exposure
Poukiloderma Of Civatte – A benign skin condition that causes dark patches to appear – particularly on the neck.
Erythromelanosis follicular – another skin condition that can affect the face and neck, causing the appearance of red/brown pigmentation
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation – Often the result of an inflammatory lesion ie: acne
There also some medications that can cause dark spots to appear, largely because they make the skin extra sensitive to sun exposure:
- Certain Estrogenics including Vagife, Climara and Estrace
- Tetracycline type antibiotics such as Adoxa, Declomycin and Minocin
- Amiodarone ( used to treat heart issues)
- An Anticonvulsant called Phenytoin ( Brand names Dilantin and Phenytek)
- Phenothiazines that are commonly used to treat emotional disorders including brand names Compro and Thorazine.
- Sulfonamides that are used to treat infections, (sulfamethoazole/trimethoprim) – brand names include Septra and Bactrim
Diagnosing Dark Spots
If you have concerns its always best to seek advice from your doctor or a consultant dermatologist. The majority are perfectly harmless, with no testing usually required. If however, there is any doubt, the doctor will usually suggest a biopsy or further testing to double check.
Treating Dark Spots
Fortunately for those of you who want to reduce their appearance, there are some excellent topical treatments that can help reduce the appearance of dark spots, these can either work to fade the discolouration or lighten the skin.
You can get skin bleaching creams that work to gradually reduce the appearance of darker skin areas, it usually takes a couple of months to work fully.
For those of you who prefer scientific ingredients, look for products containing hydroquinone – no more than 2% in OTC products and certainly no higher than 4% in prescription treatments. Any stronger could be carcinogenic according to the FDA.
You can also look for retinoids including Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic acid, Kojic Acid and Deoxyarbutin.
For those of you who prefer more natural ingredients, a good skin lightener should include ingredients like:
- Aloe Vera
- Green tea extract
- Grape seed extract
- Bilbury
- Milk Thistle
- Maritime Pine Bark
- Gingko Biloba
My Recommendation For A Great Dark Spot Treatment –
Illuminatural 6i By Skinception – Click Here To Read My Full Review.
Side Effects Of Topical Treatments
Its not uncommon for dark spot treatments to cause sensitivity to sun exposure, for this reason its very important to ensure that you use good sunscreen throughout the course of treatment.
Cosmetic Treatments
Often used alongside topical treatments, especially in severe cases. These are not usually deemed suitable for anybody with sensitive skin.
These treatments types include:
Laser Treatment – Concentrated light is applied to the affected areas, it gradually burns dark spots away. Laser treatment can cause, in some cases, bruising, swelling and scarring.
Chemical Peels – As the name suggests, acids such as glycol or salicylic acid are applied t0 the area, this removes the top layer of skin, gradually clearing the discoloured area, leaving more normal skin tones below. This treatment can cause skin irritation.
Cryosurgery – This treat involves the application of a freezing liquid nitrogen solution, this freezes the affected care, causing it to peel away from the body. This treatment can cause permanent whitening of the treated area, basically the opposite of the original problem.
Microdermabrasion – fine crystals are rubbed across the skin often using a hand held wand, effectively rubbing or scraping the darken skin cells away. This is a low risk procedure which can leave the skin rather pink at first.
Preventing Dark Spots
As we get older, some skin discolouration is usually unavoidable, however, the best ways to avoid getting them can include:
Use Sunscreen with a good SPF – I recommend at least 15 and preferably higher – up to 30. Apply every couple of hours and immediately after swimming or if you have been perspiring a lot – after working out for instance.
Wear A Hat And Sleeves – Covering up is the name of the game, a hat can not only look fashionable, its the best way to protect your face, also lightweight clothes with long sleeves help protect your arms, lightweight linen trousers are good to cover and protect your legs.
We are not suggesting you cover up completely, just limit time in full sun and always remember to apply sunscreen.
The Midday Sun – Try and avoid sun exposure between 11am to 2pm as its when the sun is most intense and at its most damaging.
My Final Thoughts
Remember, most dark spots are annoying, but usually harmless.
That said, changes in skin colour can also be a sign of certain cancers, especially if the area, itches, bleeds or the surrounding skin goes quite red too.
It has been known for instance, for solar lentigines to turn into melanoma. (a form of skin cancer)
On that note, if you have any worrying dark patches, especially if their appearances changes, its well worth a visit to the doctor just to check them out.
Have You Got or Ever Had Dark Spots?
What Treatment Did You Use? Any Recommendations?
I would love to hear from you, use the comment form below.
