Sunspots: Our tips for a summer without shadows

How do these pigment spots appear?

Behind every tan lies a natural biological reaction… Indeed, after sunbathing, the skin turns brown: this new color is linked to the presence of melanin produced by cells called “ melanocytes ”. By filtering 20% ​​of UVB and 60% of UVA, this melanin acts as a real natural protection against the penetration of rays and their potential harmful effects. But repeated and overly intense exposure disrupts the production system: benign, but often unsightly, pigmentary abnormalities then begin to blur your face…

What is their origin?

The appearance of these brown spots can be linked to skin aging or hormonal fluctuations. It is therefore necessary to distinguish:

• Solar or actinic lentigines
  These hyperpigmented lesions occur on areas exposed to UV rays and increase in size and number with age. Photoaging that begins in childhood and is conditioned by the intensity and duration of time spent in the sun. Indeed, the damage caused by ultraviolet rays accumulates over time and reduces your solar capital, that is to say, your skin's ability to protect itself by synthesizing melanin. Once this ability is impaired, a real pigment disorder is triggered! In overproduction, melanocytes are distributed irregularly along the basement membrane of the epidermis: the spots then appear in a non-uniform manner...
• Melasma
  This localized hyperpigmentation is very common and completely benign. It develops mainly in women from the age of 20/30, sometimes later. Today, the causal link between these brown spots and sun exposure is clearly proven. Under the action of UV rays, melanocytes proliferate and melanogenesis accelerates… An effect that is significantly amplified by the hormonal context, which is known to influence the harmony of the skin.

5 good reflexes to outwit them

Even if they have different causes, the same preventive measures should be followed to protect against solar lentigines or melasma:

1. Protect yourself from the sun
   Quite simply! Because it strengthens and facilitates the appearance of new spots. To do this, apply a photoprotector , several times a day, evenly and generously. Take a high index of high protection SPF 30 to 50+ depending on your skin type and the level of sunshine. Renew the application ideally every 2 hours.
2. Choose moderation
   Even with good sun protection, adopt lifestyle rules adapted to the season: reduce exposure times, avoid the sunniest hours, cover yourself with long clothing, even anti- UV clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Avoid irritating creams on the skin
   Like peels: too aggressive and poorly tolerated in summer, they risk causing inflammation that can worsen hyperpigmentation.
4. Moisturize your skin
   A good habit to follow during the summer period too! In the evening, give your skin a hydration booster treatment that will help the skin barrier to rebuild itself.
5. Adopt a healthy and balanced diet
   Invite carotenoids into your plates! These natural pigments, which are the origin of the yellow, orange and red colours of fruits, increase the minimum erythematogenic dose, the smallest amount of light capable of causing sunburn after 24 hours. So consume without moderation… just like antioxidants such as polyphenols or flavonoids present in red fruits: a tasty cocktail to ward off the effects of UV rays!

Pigment spots are therefore not inevitable: it is possible, by taking a few precautions, to protect yourself from them. And even if the sun is essential for your well-being, remember that your best option remains protection, and that a gradual tan is the guarantee of a beautiful, uniform and long-lasting tan!