They appear on the cheeks, the hands, the shoulders or the décolleté. Pigmentary spots due to the sun sometimes occur several years of prolonged, repeated and unprotected UV exposure. `
More or less numerous and showy according to the corporeal zones, they can be sources of complexes. Our advice to recognize and protect them.
Different types of sun-spots
- The mask of pregnancy: not only for future mothers
In pregnant women, but also in estrogen therapy (pill, hormone replacement therapy), there is an increase in the synthesis of melanin (the brown pigment) by the existing melanocytes (cells that make melanin). This melanin is not distributed homogeneously (we do not see this melasma on the body). It has an orange-brown color and preferably sits on the forehead and around the eyes, in wings of butterflies, around the mouth, where the skin contains a high concentration of melanocytes.
- Lentigo, or age spots: not always related to age
Unlike melasma, it is caused by a multiplication of the number of melanocytes that will function in an anarchic way. The more pale the skin, the more exposed it is without adequate sun protection, and its melanocytes will make stains. The phenomenon is complex: fibroblasts, these elastic cells of the skin secrete mediators that are captured by melanocytes. Consequences: these multiply causing a higher secretion of brown pigments and their disorderly accumulation in the stratum corneum.
It is evident, therefore, that skins whose fibroblasts and melanocytes have been damaged by the sun or the advancing age are much more susceptible to staining. On the contrary, this nonhomogeneous rise of melanin can result in small patches of droplets on the parts regularly exposed to the sun. This is hypomelanosis .
- Inflammatory pigmentations: almost tattoos
Sunburn in the 3rd degree, a scar after surgery, or even an acne scar can cause "leakage" of pigment to the dermis causing almost indelible stains. Hence the importance of protecting oneself in this case with very strong UVA / UVB / Infrared indices.
- Solar Keratosis: we go to the dermato to have his spots examined
These brown spots , slightly in relief, with the rough touch are keratinocytes (the cells constituting the superficial layer of the skin). These cells are degenerate, almost dead but not quite and can induce malignant lesions. They follow the "sunburn cells", whose suicide it is better to organize before they degenerate by choosing solar products containing effective substances, such as extracts of baobab, anthocyanin, milk thistle and so on.
What solar products to avoid stains?
The manufacturers of solar products multiply the references in order to encourage us to use protections perfectly adapted to our lifestyle, our skin sensitivity, and the power of the solar rays to which we are exposed.
- For every day in town: the "blurs"
The dermatos advise these creams which give a good look pored while protecting us effectively.
Our choice: Flora Solaris, Sanoflore, SPF 20.Certified Bio, its texture anhydrous tinted with vegetable pigments spreads homogeneously and its extracts of Edelweiss contain highly antioxidant molecules.
Compact tinted, Avene, SPF 50 . Ideal for a small retouch and essential for the intolerant skins, its 100% mineral filtering system is accompanied by a powerful anti RL for a prolonged cell protection.
- For a terrace café: the solar mists
Newly appeared, true invisible bodyguards, these sprays do not wear makeup but effectively protect us under effective SPF.
Our choice: Fraiche Invisible Mist, Anthélios, La Roche Posay, SPF50. Its fresh but dry spray protects not only the sun but also pollution.
Spray Sun Photoderm LEB, Bioderma SPF 30. Thanks to an exceptional UVA 30 / UVB 30 ratio, it regulates the impact of the sun on the skin and is especially recommended for allergic skin prone to summer lucidity.
- Under moderate exposures: anti-aging at any age
When one tends to make stains it is the sign that our fibroblasts or our melanocytes are tired. For less soliciting the active ingredients contained in solar anti aging are an excellent solution.
Our choice : UV-Bronze Face, Filorga, SPF 50 . This formula stimulates detoxifying skin enzymes to neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress generated by UVA / UVB and Infrared. It adjusts to the solar radiation whatever its intensity.
Fluid Protector Energizing, SPF30 Sunissime, Liérac. A comprehensive protection that targets 100% of radiation and contains energizing and plumping active ingredients.
- Under strong exposures: muscular bodyguards
No hesitation: if one can not avoid the "cagnard" one turns to formulas able to curb the anarchic pigmentations.
Our choice : Photo Reverse, Esthederm. Extracts of algae and Asian plants inhibit pigmentation in the stained area while biomimetic peptides regulate a homogeneous rise of melanin. We can thus enjoy the sun while attenuating and preventing our brown spots.
Fluid Matifying SPF 50 , Daylong. It limits the appearance of stains thanks to an exceptional protection against UV and a patented antioxidant with remanent action which prevents the degradation of our cells and our DNA for 24 hours.
- Against Sunburn cells: high-tech formulas
To eliminate our damaged cells or avoid them this has the ability to specifically protect their DNA.
Our choice : Restoring Cream, Sun Cellular Solution, Valmont, SPF30. To salmon DNA and RNA was added a D2 silicon complex. This accelerates the targeted repair of the cells damaged by the rays at the same time as it increases their production of collagen.
UV Repair, Biological Research. Milk thistle, tocopherol, carnosine helps our cells in apoptosis to be eliminated during the night while polysaccharides restore and calm the epidermis.
- In the evening: anti-aggressive spots
To leave nothing to chance and perfect the action of the solar stain, dermatos advise to apply a light whitening agent in the evening at bedtime (but never in the sun during the day!).
Our choice: Melascreen Night Cream, Ducray Laboratory. In a soft and comforting texture, anti-staining peptides are associated with niacinamide to block the transport of melanin to the stratum corneum.
Anti-Stain Spark, Vinoperfect, Caudalie. Ultra-skin-friendly formula oil-free, rich in vine sap extract, corrects spots and prevents their appearance. Good plan: you can even apply it in the day under its sunscreen.
Thanks to Lionel de Benetti, cosmetic engineer, and to Dr. Philippe Deshayes, dermatologist, consultant for La Roche Posay laboratories
