Our skin contains so-called melanocytes. These are cells that contain pigments and are present in the basal cell layer of the epidermis. On contact with UV rays, the cells are stimulated and produce more of the skin pigment melanin. This causes the skin to turn a brownish color. The coloration of the skin is the body’s own protection against UV radiation. Pigment spots or hyperpigmentation is caused by an overproduction of melanin. This can be triggered by high sun exposure as well as by congenital factors, hormonal disorders, medication, burns or illnesses. Pigment spots are often perceived as annoying as they lead to an uneven complexion. How can pigmentation spots be avoided or removed?
Sunspots (lentigines solaris) on the skin
Summer is arriving and the days are showing their sunny side. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause so-called sunspots (lentigines solaris) to develop on the skin. These are light to dark brown spots. They occur more frequently in old age and are therefore also referred to as “age spots” (lentigines senilis). The skin changes are not harmful or dangerous. Instead, they are an aesthetic problem for many sufferers because they appear on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun a lot and are therefore difficult to hide. This mainly includes the face, décolleté, shoulders, neck, arms and the backs of the hands.
Avoiding sunspots – is that possible?
To avoid hyperpigmentation of the skin, it is advisable above all to avoid strong sunlight. In the sun-intensive summer hours (midday and early afternoon) you should avoid being in the blazing sun if possible. Daily sun protection is also very important. As a rule, the day cream should contain a sun protection factor of at least 30, and a sunblock with sun protection factor 50+ should be applied for outdoor activities or in the sun. If you have existing pigmentation disorders, only use a high sunscreen with sun protection factor 50+ in everyday life. This reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and, in particular, skin diseases such as skin cancer.
However, it is not possible to completely prevent the formation of certain pigment spots. Both sunspots and other pigment changes such as moles and birthmarks can occur despite sun protection and skin care – or even exist from birth.
Laser treatments against pigment spots
Disturbing pigment changes on the skin can be minimized in our Weißensee skin center with the help of a gentle laser treatment. The energy emitted by the laser devices is absorbed by the melanin. As a result, the pigments are literally burst open. The small color particles are then removed or broken down by the body.
Ablative laser technology can also be used for protruding skin changes. The upper layer of skin is vaporized and removed by rapid and intensive light pulses. Additional anesthesia is not necessary for superficial benign skin changes, as the treatment is virtually painless up to a certain skin depth. In the case of deeper skin changes, the areas are anesthetized locally.
Another option against pigment spots: chemical peeling
In addition to laser therapy, there are other treatment options to choose from for an even complexion. Sun damage and pigment spots can also be treated with a chemical peel. chemical peeling treatment. A chemical substance is applied to the skin, which causes the top layer of skin to peel off. The depth of the peeling can also vary depending on the depth of the skin damage. There are peelings that only affect the upper layer of the skin and those that cause changes even in the deeper layers of the skin.
After the skin is exfoliated, fresh skin cells are revealed, resulting in a healthy, rosy and even complexion. In addition to disturbing pigment changes, chemical peeling can also be used to treat wrinkles. It is particularly important after a peel to protect the skin areas from direct sunlight in order to avoid hyperpigmentation of the sensitive fresh skin cells. However, it can never be completely ruled out or avoided that pigment spots will reappear.
Everything for your skin
In our skin center, we use state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatments and care products to provide your skin with optimal support. To determine what is wrong with your skin and which skin-specific problems are present, we use, among other things, the deep skin analysis with VISIA® 7 among other things. Based on the evaluations, we draw up your individual treatment concept and discuss it with you in detail. The precious and highly effective care products available in our skin center include the series from skinbetter science® , SkinCeuticals® and dermalogica®. You can find more information on the intensive care substances on our treatment pages.
More information on pigment spots and treatment options
You would like to have your pigment spots removed with a gentle therapy. At our Weißensee Skin Center, we will be happy to explain to you which treatment options are available and how they work in detail. Your personal appointment You can easily make an appointment with us by phone or e-mail. You can also use our online appointment booking online.
