Have you ever observed some dark spots appear on your face after you have a long summer in the sun? These are flat, pale brown patches on the skin. It appears due to long UV exposure that leads to excess melanin production. These sun spots are also known as solar lentigines. It’s a kind of hyperpigmentation only and is one of the most common issues for Indian skin. They are very irritating and troublesome to get rid of.
It can be mind boggling to deal with these dark spots. You must have come across multiple products in the market that claim to remove dark spots immediately and promote them as a miracle product. They often contain harsh chemicals that might be helpful in the short term.
But when used in the long run they cause serious skin issues. You need to select the right cosmetic product with the right ingredients as per your skin type that are safe for your skin. A pigmentation cream comes in handy when there is such hyperpigmentation. This kind of product must be able remove the dark circles and does not affect the skin. It must not alter skin’s natural tone. It should only be removing uneven skin tone.
What are the major factors of sun spots on skin?
Sun spots are the major concern which people deal with. When melanin secretion gets triggered by the UV rays then they produce free radicals on the skin. This can lead to pigmentation over time.
Actual biological process behind these spots:
- UV rays: Sun’s Ultra Violent rays can trigger the skin and penetrate into the outer skin layer.
- Activation of melanocytes: These UV rays activate the melanin producing cells called melanocytes.
- Melanin triggered: Melanin is responsible for natural skin color and it also acts as a defense system for skin, so it gets triggered to UV rays and to protect the skin it starts secreting in excess.
- Cluster of melanin: Melanin gets clustered under the skin cells and spreads to form packs.
- Dark spots: these melanin clusters form spots on the skin that appear dark and flat. Brown spots known as sun spots are formed.
These spots, if settled down, can be difficult to fade on their own. A dark spot reduction cream might be helpful in removing these spots.
Pigmentation creams
A pigmentation cream is a cosmetic formulation that removes the pigmented, uneven spots of the skin and enhances natural skin color. These types of creams work by various mechanisms, one of them is inhibiting melanin production by attacking on melanin producing enzymes called tyrosinase and stopping its action.
It can also block melanin transfer pathways and prevent it from reaching the skin cells. It can also fasten the dead skin shedding process that can cause uneven spots on the skin. If there are anti-oxidants present in a pigmentation cream they can neutralize the free radicals.
Key ingredients that perform greatly
- Niacinamide(vitamin B3): It is the ingredient whose work is to block the melanin pathway and prevent it from reaching the skin surface. It is an anti-oxidant as well. Niacinamide also helps in repairing the skin barrier function.
- Alpha arbutin: It is an alternative for hydroquinone and it is derived from plants which makes it a safe and biodegradable alternative. It inhibits the functioning tyrosinase enzyme that is responsible for melanin production, thus reducing melanin levels which removes sun spots.
- Liposomal tranexamic acid: This is in the form of a microsomal lipid sphere that penetrates deep into the skin and delivers the product gradually. It provides a longer duration of action. It works by inhibiting melanin production.
Ingredients to avoid
- Hydroquinone: It might be a great depigmenting agent but its harmful effects are also great. Long time use or unsupervised use of this can cause permanent darkening of skin called ochronosis. It is advised to be used under medical supervision only.
- Mercury: It is still present in some unregulated cosmetics. It is not ideal to use because of its toxic effects and it may lead to mercury poisoning and nervous system damage.
How to use a dark spots reduction cream effectively?
- Firstly wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Then pat dry your face.
- Take the right amount of cream(pea sized) and then start applying to the targeted areas with sun spots.
- Now massage this with your fingers gently and let the cream absorb
- Use it in the PM routine for the first two weeks and then move to the AM routine as well.
Additional tips to consider
- Always wear sunscreen while moving out during the day. It is non-negotiable.
- Be consistent with one product for at least 8-12 weeks.
- Do not switch products continuously it can cause skin irritation and inflammation.
- Dark and middle skin types are more to skin inflammation, so they need extra care.
- Always exfoliate after coming from outside.
Last thoughts
Sun exposure can always lead to stubborn spots that appear brown and flat. These spots are frustrating and do not fade on their own. You need to think smart and choose a well formulated product with key activities that actually help in removing these spots. Don’t go for any random product that claims to lighten skin or have an overnight effect.
Always go for a scientifically backed product which has been tested by dermatologists. No need to be impatient, it takes time to remove these spots and it’s not a miracle that it will work in a day. Just stay consistent and think smart while choosing the right product. A sun spot free is achievable, you just have to be smart and patient.
