Dermatology-Online

Remove pigment spots

Definition

Pigment spots can arise from increased UV radiation and the resulting increased melanin formation.

Pigment spots are the result of hyperpigmentation / hypopigmentation of the skin. They arise when specialized skin cells release too much or too little of the pigment melanin. The dye is the same one that tans us after sunbathing. If too much melanin is released, brownish discolorations (pigment spots) are visible on the skin.
In contrast, too little melanin is released. Then white spots are visible. The latter is referred to as white spot disease (Vitiligo) described. The removal of the white spots is not possible, only the appearance can be weakened with UV therapy.

Natural treatment of pigment spots

You should protect your skin from sunlight to prevent these spots from developing. If the pigment spots are there anyway, they are usually completely harmless and are only removed for aesthetic reasons. The pigment spots can be bleached with simple home remedies. Aloe vera gel or juice is a good natural product. Regular creaming should reduce the pigment spots. Castor oil is also suitable for bleaching (massage in twice a day). Juices made from fruits and vegetables, such as onion juice, garlic, tomato or lemon juice, are also said to be effective against pigment spots. Various recipes can be made from these ingredients that are supposed to be effective. These products are particularly suitable for external use. A healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins C and E is supposed to prevent the pigment spots "from within".

Find out about another method for removing pigment spots: Fruit acid peeling

Removal by bleach

Cosmetic skin care products are the next level in the removal of Pigment spots. You have to be patient with this method because the stains will disappear only after use for a few weeks. With this method, some products are offered with different ingredients in order to achieve an even complexion again. Kojic acid is an ingredient that does that Melanin is supposed to distribute in the skin and inhibits its further productionAfter two months of use, the number of stains should decrease, without many side effects to evoke.

The active ingredient reduces a little faster Dioic acid the pigment spots (after 4 weeks) by removing the Melanin formation is reduced and the spots are reduced. Furthermore applies Azelaic acid as helpful by the Inhibition of the enzyme responsible for the formation of melanin. Thereby the pigment spots decrease after two to three months, but has Azelaic acid the unpleasant side effect, Skin irritation and inflammation trigger.

Another over the counter supplement is B-rescorcinol. The active substance inhibits the cells of the skin that produce melanin (melanocytes). B-rescorcinol is available in many forms: as a serum, cream or stick. If you use the preparations consistently, they show up first successes after eight to twelve weeks.

A The prescription-only active ingredient is vitamin A acid, also Tretinoinum called. This active ingredient leaves the Pigment spots fade after six weeks, however, vitamin A acid irritates the skin. With all cosmetic products it is important that To protect skin additionally with sun protection factorto prevent new stains from forming.

Laser and IPL technology

For the treatment of pigment spots by means of laser therapy, red light in a certain wavelength is used, which forms a very high-energy laser beam. Before starting treatment, the skin must be examined to determine whether the spots are suitable for therapy. In addition, the number and size of the pigment spots can be used to estimate how long the session will last. The span is between 5 minutes and half an hour. The laser beam is gentle on the surrounding tissue, as it only attacks the over-pigmented cells in the upper layer of the skin.

During the therapy you feel a pinch, which can be contained by a numbing cream in people who are very sensitive to pain or when treating large areas of skin. The laser treatment causes the skin to die, which is why a scab initially remains on the lasered areas. The scab heals quickly, however, and leaves very sensitive skin that must be protected from direct sunlight for the next few weeks. The cost of a laser treatment is between € 75 and € 200 per session.

Alternatively, the pigment spots can also be removed using the Intense Pulsed Light technology (IPL technology). The difference to laser therapy lies in the type of light. The laser uses light in one wavelength whereas IPL technology uses different wavelengths. Since the radiation is only converted into heat in pigment-rich cells of the skin, the therapy is very targeted and protects the surrounding tissue. The destroyed skin is shed. At first, a little scab forms and the skin turns dark, but this normalizes quickly. A session usually lasts between 10-15 minutes and costs from € 150. The number of sessions required depends on the size and number of pigment spots. Even after this procedure, you should avoid going into the sun and putting too much strain on the skin (sport, sauna). The effect of the IPL technology becomes visible after about 4 months and lasts for up to several years.

The IPL technology is only suitable for removing pigment spots, but also for permanent hair removal. Learn more about IPL at: IPL technology - what you should pay attention to!