What are those brown spots that often appear on the skin of our faces and hands, and how can we prevent or treat them?
They are sometimes called liver spots or age spots, but these names are not accurate. The accumulation of extra color in the skin – hyperpigmentation – has nothing to do with the liver and is only partially linked to aging.
Brown spots are an excess accumulation of melanin, the substance in our body that gives us color (pigment) in our skin, eyes, and hair. Melanin is also responsible for moles and freckles and for the color of fur and feathers in animals and birds. As we get older, our bodies don't regulate melanin production and distribute skin color as efficiently.
We may be more likely to see these brown spots as we get older, but they can also appear when we're younger and have several causes: sun exposure, smoking, hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy), drug reactions, and diseases such as Addison's disease or celiac disease. Using certain harsh lightening creams or laser treatments (particular fitzpatrick skin type 5 and 6) can also induce hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation affects people of all skin colors, from those with the lightest to the darkest skin.
What are the best ways to prevent brown spots? We may not be able to prevent their appearance completely, but we can do a lot to minimize them. Avoid over-exposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen. Wear a hat. Don't smoke. Eat well, drink a lot of water, reduce stress and exercise.
At Birdie Day Spa, we offer several non-invasive but effective treatments to help prevent and correct hyperpigmentation. These include a range of treatments from basic to non-acidic peels, and are always designed with your particular skin type and condition in mind for improved results. Because our treatments are gentle, there's no downtime. You'll be able to enjoy your smoother, healthier-looking skin as soon as you walk out the door. With sunscreen on your happy face, of course. See our site at www.birdiedayspa.com
Thanks for sharing the video! Since learning more about skin cancer awareness month last month, I have been much more conscientious of the risks that unprotected sun exposure holds, especially when it comes to melanoma. While this is the least common form of skin cancer, it is the most aggressive and deadly type as well. This means that it is crucial to be mindful of the initial signs of melanoma, because early diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death.
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