More Info Pigmentation (more accurately called hyperpigmentation) and sun damage (solar photodamage or photoaging) are two closely related issues. While both result from sun exposure, each has other triggers as well.
     Pigmentation (more accurately called hyperpigmentation) and sun damage (solar photodamage or photoaging) are two closely related issues. While both result from sun exposure, each has other triggers as well. Sun Damage Photoaging befalls all skin types though paler complexions suffer more. Photoaging is the primary component—though not the only one—of environmental damage. More than just a cosmetic concern, photodamage is a major precursor for skin cancer. Pigmentation A common symptom of solar photodamage is hyperpigmentation. A condition that can also affect any skin type, it is more visible, again, on those with fairer skin. Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel Close  Symptoms of Photodamage Photodamaged skin looks older than that which has been protected.
Symptoms of Hyperpigmentation
An acne lesion or surface wound may leave red or brown pigment long after the initial injury has resolved. Without treatment, this discoloration may take several weeks to fade. Close  Sun Exposure Ultraviolet radiation from the sun (UVA and UVB) weakens the skin's support system of collagen and elastin. Ambient Light Indirect UV exposure through windows. Causes of Hyperpigmentation Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin producing cells in the base of the epidermis (called melanocytes) are activated thus producing excess pigment. This can be triggered by:
Causes of hypopigmentation All of the above. Close  I am in my mid-30s and have been using an SPF 15 sunscreen for years. But now I see age spots are coming up on my face and hands. How is this possible? The skin never forgets and a lifetime of neglect is cumulative. Plus, environmental exposure occurs from smog, pollution, on cloudy days and even indoors from light fixtures all of which affect the skin. Sun damage and hyperpigmentation can take years, sometimes decades, before showing themselves in the skin. Even if your last sunburn or tan was in your teens, the cumulative damage may well manifest itself as age spots—or worse, skin cancer—far into your adulthood. This is why sun protection is so important for children and teens. As far as your hands are concerned, you may not have been protecting them, or reapplying product, as much as you think. We see a lot of age spots on the hands, and on the chest too, because people forget to protect them adequately. Also, as good as sunscreens are these days, there isn't one that can block 100% of UV radiation. What is the difference between the melanin in a darker complexion, in a suntan and in an Those with darker complexions naturally contain more melanin that is fairly evenly distributed (except on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet). Fairer skins that get tan may also initially have even color where exposed to the sun. What we see as a tan is actually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from sun damage. Age spots occur from chronic sun exposure which, over time, causes melanin-producing cells to gather in clusters resulting in patches of increased pigment mostly on the face, hands and chest. Are freckles dangerous? In and of themselves, no, but they are post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and an indication that sun damage has occurred. No baby is ever born with freckles. Even the faintest sprinkle of freckles over a child's nose is an indication of sun sensitivity. Those who are prone to it, and natural redheads in particular, are extremely vulnerable to other photodamage and skin cancer, and need to take extra sunscreen precautions throughout their lives. Though it may not be apparent to the naked eye in the beginning, photodamage (which will later manifest as freckles) shows up if we look through a special lens. If I am sensitive to hydroquinone, are there other skin-lightening ingredients that will work? Hydroquinone is the only ingredient with FDA approval that can claim 'skin lighteningâ'. However, topical zinc, licorice extract, and mulberry extract also work well to even out uneven skin tone. Are age spots the same as liver spots? Age spots (lentigo singular, lentigenes plural) are occasionally incorrectly referred to as liver spots when, in fact, they have nothing at all to do with the liver. Close  BEST THINGS TO DO ABOUT PIGMENTATION OR SUN DAMAGE: 1. Proper Daily Skincare Regimen
2. Environmental Protection From The Outside Daily use of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protection helps prevent future environmental damage. 3. Murad Internal Skincare® Supplement Protection From The Inside Clinically proven to boost topical sunscreen protection by 25% from the inside with Pomegranate extract containing powerful antioxidant ellagic acid to neutralize free radical damage that accounts for more than 80% of the signs of premature aging. Youth Builder® Dietary Supplement Clinically proven to reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles by 34% with:
4. Professional Care Professional care: Regular facials, Vitamin C and exfoliation treatments by a qualified esthetician help repair damage and keep skin healthy. 2 OF THE WORST THINGS TO DO ABOUT PIGMENTATION OR SUN DAMAGE: 1. Tanning Whether outdoors or in a sun bed, even if you don't burn, all tans are damaging to your skin and to your health. If you can't live without the glow, self-tanners are both cosmetically pleasing and safe. 2. Smoking Smoking is one of the worst kinds of environmental damage there is because the burning toxins are literally in your face, up close and personal. Close  Learn the A—B—C's of Skin Cancer: The First Step Toward Prevention. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed every year. Exposure to the sun is responsible for almost 90 percent of all skin cancers. Do you know what the early warning signs of skin cancer are? It's more important than ever to be familiar with your skin so that you will be aware of any changes in moles age spots, that do not heal.  A represents Asymmetry.
Is half of your mole different from the other half?  B means Border.
Does the mole have an uneven, blurred or jagged edge?  C stands for Color.
Are there any variations in color (Tan, Brown, Red or Blue)?  D indicates Diameter.
Is the mole larger than a pencil eraser? Facing the Facts...
Choosing the Right Sunscreen Before we learned about the dangers of ultraviolet light, soaking up the sun's rays used to be considered healthy. While you may like the look of "healthy" tan, it's actually your body's attempt to protect itself from damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, frequent visits to tanning salons increase your exposure to ultraviolet radiation as well as your risk for skin cancer. No matter what the season, incorporating a good sunscreen into your daily regimen will reduce the signs of premature aging and rescue your skin from serious sun damage. Because ordinary sunscreens only offer a basic barrier against the sun, you may still experience inflammation, dryness and even some skin damage. To keep your skin soft and healthy all year long, be sure to look for a sunscreen that has the following ingredients:
Already Burned? If your skin has felt the ravages of the sun, taking immediate action will help your skin heal more quickly. Sunburn should be treated for the healing of current sunburn pain, skin damage and potential skin cancer as well as to prevent further sunburn.
Sun Protection in TABLET FORM!  Topical sunscreens provide us with the ability to enjoy the outdoors. However, in our hurry to get outdoors, we often forget to apply protection to delicate skin areas, which leads to damaging sunburns. Imagine being protected from the inside out—no more forgotten skin areas or messy lotions. It's very possible that in the near future, we will be able to take a small capsule and protect every square inch of skin. An exciting new study has shown that when potent antioxidants called polyphenols are taken internally, they can increase the SPF (sun protection factor) of topical sunscreens by up to 25%! Pomegranate extract has the highest levels of polyphenols found in any food substance and provides powerful antioxidant protection against the signs of premature aging. It is currently available in tablet form and has been proven to safely enhance your topical sun protection by up to 25%. As we look towards the future, the concept of an oral sunscreen may be the next step in optimal sun protection. Stay tuned to discover how your skin can stay young, healthy, and sun damage free! Close |
