Uneven skin tone, persistent marks, small shadows on the skin: brown spots affect many women and men. Behind this term lie various realities: excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, traces of blemishes… All these situations can lead to hyperpigmentation , which is far from being reserved for old age.
What is a pigmented spot?
A brown spot is the result of an overproduction of melanin , the pigment that naturally colors the skin. When this melanin accumulates unevenly, it causes darker areas to appear. These marks, often benign, nevertheless alter the evenness and radiance of the complexion.
Although they are sometimes called “age spots” , there is no need to wait until you are 80 years old to see them appear: they can appear as early as adolescence, following acne or skin inflammation, and then later under the effect of the sun and the passing of time.
The main causes
Hyperpigmentation results from several factors, sometimes combined:
- The sun : the most common cause. UV rays stimulate melanin production, and repeated exposure eventually leaves a lasting mark.
- Skin aging : with age, the skin renews itself more slowly and retains more traces of past aggressions.
- Hormonal fluctuations , such as pregnancy, menopause, or the use of certain contraceptives, can trigger melasma , often called the "mask of pregnancy." It manifests as symmetrical pigmented areas on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.
- Skin inflammations : acne scars, chafing or irritation can leave stubborn pigmented marks.
Where do they appear?
Brown spots are located mainly on areas most exposed to light: the face, neck, décolletage, backs of hands, sometimes the shoulders.
Can we prevent them?
Although they are part of the skin's natural life cycle, some see brown spots as a sign of aging, while others consider them a dent in the complexion's radiance. So, what can you do to prevent them? A few simple steps can truly make a difference:
- Use appropriate sun protection every day.
- Avoid prolonged exposure, especially during peak hours.
- Maintain a regular skincare routine that stimulates cell renewal and preserves an even skin tone.
- Protect the skin gently, in order to reduce inflammation that can leave marks.
Brown spots tell the story of the skin: its sunny summers, its hormonal fluctuations, its occasional imperfections. Understanding the mechanisms behind them is the first step to better preventing them and preserving the beauty of an even and radiant complexion.
