Summer Sun & Heat Can Cause You to See Spots...

Sun spots on your skin, that is. As the weather heats up so do the melanocytes in your skin. They are responsible for creating the pigment, or color, in your skin.  But when they are stimulated by UV rays they can create skin damage. Though in many cases it can be reversed, it is a time consuming process that requires thoughtful and consistent treatment. And while everyone's skin differs in the way it reacts to the sun, one thing for sure is that the more sun and even heat exposure you get the worse they can become.  They have various incarnations, such as liver spots, lentigines, hyperpigmentation, melasma and mottling.  Many cultures view them as more aging than wrinkles..

So how do you avoid them? If you already have some how do prevent others and  lessen the ones you have? First lets define each type of hyperpigmentation marking, how they differ and treatment options.

Liver spots are most often found on the hands and arms and named for their color.  They have nothing to do with your liver. They are typically caused by cumulative and frequent sun exposure.

Melasma is most often known as the pregnancy mask because it can occur during pregnancy on the forehead, checks and above the mouth.  It doesn't just occurs when pregnant though any hormonal issue can cause the same effect, such as menopause, hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapies.

Mottling is areas of discoloration on the skin. It may often be a combination of hyper-pigmentation (darkening) and hypopigmentation (lack of pigment) in the skin that creates a blotchy appearance. It is often one of the first signs of sun-related premature aging. Here is an example of mottling shown on the décolletage. 

Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation typically occurs when the skin has been injured and doesn't heal correctly. Acne, wounds and even  skin treatments that are performed too aggressively for your skin can create this response and is often more common in darker skin types.

​Solar lentignes, are also known freckles. I'm not referring to the cute 'you're born with" freckles. Solar letigines typically develop later in life and can be large and difficult to cover up.

The best way to prevent skin pigment issues is, of course, good sun protection - both sunscreen and covering up the skin with clothing and hats. If you have already developed some of the above issues  there are a variety of options for treatment. They will vary depending on your skin condition as well as the ethnicity of your skin. Treatments often includes chemical exfoliants / peels combined with melanin suppressant ingredients such as kojic acid, bearberry and licorice extract among others.  Topical and oral antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin C are often prescribed. There are also various corrective procedures such as photo laser/light treatments. Consult with a licensed esthetician to get the best personalized course of treatment and remember it takes time. Aggressively treating can lead to worsening of pigment issue.