Spots on the face can be defined as darker and mostly brown spots on the skin compared to the skin color. Although brown spots on the face, which can occur due to various reasons, can generally be seen in all age groups, they are more common in middle age. Brown spots on the skin are mostly caused by exposure to intense sunlight or artificial UV rays used in devices such as tanning beds. In addition, side effects of some medications or certain skin problems can also cause brown spots on the face. The most important reason why spots are more common on the face is that the face is the part of the body most exposed to the harmful rays of the sun.
Brown spots on the face are also known as melasma. Melasma, which causes dark spots on the cheeks, chin, forehead, nose and lips, is an extremely common skin problem. Spots caused by skin discoloration, i.e. hyperpigmentation, are commonly seen during pregnancy. Although spots on the skin are usually a cause for concern, melasma does not have any health risks. Treatment is generally preferred to eliminate aesthetic concerns, and not receiving treatment does not cause any problems.
What are the symptoms of brown spots on the face?
Although melasma often causes brown spots on the face, it can also cause spots on other parts of the body exposed to sunlight. While the spots are brown in people with fair skin, they can appear in pale gray tones in people with darker skin tones. The main symptoms of melasma can be listed as follows:
Having spots darker than the person’s skin color,
Spots forming on both sides of the face,
Large and dark spots,
Spots concentrating in a certain area such as the upper lip and chin.
When these symptoms are noticed, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In addition to causing color changes in some parts of the face, melasma can also cause aesthetic concerns and, as a result, damage to self-confidence. When the person’s appearance changes due to the resulting skin problem, depression and anxiety disorders may develop. However, as mentioned before, melasma does not cause any physical harm to the person.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Brown Spots on the Face
Although visual examination is usually sufficient to diagnose melasma, in some cases, it may be necessary to apply some tests to rule out certain causes. Since melasma can have similar symptoms to other skin problems, a biopsy examination may be required. For this, a small skin sample is taken and diagnosed after being examined in a laboratory environment.
Wood lambs examination is another method that can be used in the diagnosis of melasma. A special light is held on the skin to determine whether there is a bacterial or fungal infection. This method can also be used to determine how many skin layers melasma affects.
Brown spots on the face do not cause pain or ache. Since these spots have the same texture as the rest of the skin and do not pose a health risk, treatment is not necessary. However, treatment is often preferred for cosmetic reasons. There are different methods that can be applied for the treatment of melasma. In order to make the right choice among these methods, which can be categorized as topical treatments and aesthetic procedures, the person’s skin type is evaluated.
Creams that have skin lightening properties can be prescribed to remove brown spots on the face. Creams used for several months gradually reduce the appearance of spots. An active ingredient called hydroquinone, which has the effect of reducing melanin production, is used in the production of skin lightening creams. Long-term or high-concentration use of hydroquinone has the risk of causing serious health problems. Therefore, it should be used under the supervision of a doctor and for the period recommended by the doctor.
In some cases, there is a risk that acne can also cause brown spots on the face. In this case, creams containing retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid, retinol, glycolic acid, deoxyarbutin, kojic acid or adapalene may be used to remove brown spots. Creams containing these ingredients can also help lighten hyperpigmentation. Since creams used in topical treatment may contain ingredients that increase skin sensitivity, the use of high-protection factor sunscreen should not be neglected during treatment.
It is also possible to benefit from medical procedures to remove brown spots on the face. Although these procedures can be applied together with topical treatments, it should be noted that they may not be suitable for some sensitive skins. Treatments such as laser treatment, microdermabrasion and chemical peeling can be used to remove brown spots on the face.
How to Prevent the Formation of Brown Spots on the Face?
The most important reason for the formation of brown spots on the face and the darkening of the spots is exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. The way to prevent this is to protect yourself effectively from the sun. In this context, sunscreen products with a protection factor of at least SPF 30 or higher should be used every day. Mineral filter sunscreens may be the right choice for skin prone to brown spots.
Sunscreen applied to the skin should be renewed every two to three hours. Loose and light-colored clothing should be preferred to protect the skin from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat or umbrella should be preferred in cases where you will be under the sun for a long time.
In addition to all these, the skin should be moisturized regularly and correctly. Especially in cases where skin spots begin to form, more care should be taken in moisturizing. Dryness or irritation of the skin can be listed among the factors that cause darkening of spots on the skin. To prevent this, a skin cleanser and an effective moisturizer suitable for your skin type and needs should be used.