One of the most important effects of the sun on the skin is sunspots that appear over time. Especially in the summer months, when exposure to sunlight increases, using sunscreen products is inevitable, but not enough. Protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun in every season by using appropriate products is essential for skin health.
The cells that give the skin its color are called melanocytes. Melanocytes located in the upper layer of the skin produce melanin, the pigment. Under normal conditions, melanin production is higher in dark-skinned people and lower in fair-skinned people. Accordingly, skin differences can be observed between individuals.
A darkening of the skin color, or tanning, can be achieved due to sun exposure. It is known that melanin production in the skin increases after exposure to sunlight and that melanins are distributed in the uppermost layer of the skin that is visible to the eye. These color pigments cover the skin like a garment and try to protect it from the harmful effects of sunlight. This situation also reveals the differences in tanning between individuals. In this respect, it can be said that tanning is actually a defense mechanism of the skin against the harmful rays of the sun.
Brown spots that appear on areas exposed to sunlight, especially the hands and face, after prolonged and repeated exposure to sunlight are called sunspots. However, sunspots can be caused not only by sunbathing but also by frequent use of solariums. Spots on the skin can occur as a result of sun exposure, injury, acne, and the use of various cosmetic products. In addition to all these, sunspots can also occur due to genetic factors, hormonal changes, and the use of various medications. Therefore, before skin spot treatment, it is necessary to make a correct assessment of each patient and determine the treatment method accordingly.
What are the Skin Spots that Increase Due to the Effect of Sunlight?
Skin spots that increase due to the effect of sunlight can cause aesthetic concerns. Especially in the summer months, not providing effective protection against the harmful rays of the sun is one of the most important factors that support the formation of skin spots.
Melasma: Melasma, a skin problem that occurs especially on the face and is characterized by darkening of the skin color, occurs as a result of exposure to sunlight. The ultraviolet rays of the sun stimulate melanocytes, the color pigment in the skin, and cause an increase in melanin synthesis. As a result, the skin can be seen to darken. Dark spots can be seen on the skin during periods when hormonal changes are at their peak, such as pregnancy, and due to the effects of various medications used.
Lentigo (Sun Spot): Lentigo, in other words hyperpigmentation, is a type of skin spotting that is mostly seen in people over the age of 40. The main difference between sunspots, which are often confused with freckles, and freckles is that sunspots are larger and darker. Lentigos have clear boundaries and their colors darken when exposed to the sun. They are commonly seen on the hands, face, back and shoulders. In addition, sun spots can also be seen on the legs.
Freckles: Another skin blemish that occurs due to exposure to sunlight is freckles. Freckles, which are small, well-defined and brown spots, are mostly seen on the nose, cheeks, hands, forehead and shoulders. Freckles, which can also cover the entire face, are more common in red-skinned and fair-skinned people.
How to Get Rid of Sun Spots?
It is possible to use different methods such as spot creams, laser treatment and chemical peeling separately or in combination for the treatment of sun spots. People who complain about sun spots should apply sun protection cream with a factor of at least 30 every 4 hours every day, regardless of the season. Even if sun protection products are used, care should be taken to avoid direct exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, stay in shaded areas and use accessories such as hats and glasses. It is important to avoid applying very aggressive treatments for sun spot treatment. Otherwise, spots may be triggered.
How is Spot Treatment Performed?
Before applying spot treatment, the cause of the skin spot is determined and the factors that trigger the formation of the spot are eliminated.
In case of problems such as redness, itching and burning on the skin, these problems should be treated first and then spot treatment should be started.
The methods to be applied within the scope of spot treatment may vary depending on the skin structure and the condition of the existing spot for each patient. Among these methods, laser treatment, PRP, mesotherapy and chemical peeling come first.
In order to get effective results from spot treatment, applying a single treatment method is usually not enough. Therefore, it is common to combine spot treatments. In addition, if the doctor deems it necessary for the patient, it may be possible to support the spot treatment with antioxidant supplements and sunscreens.
If the appropriate method is determined for the patient and the treatment is applied by specialist and experienced doctors in the field, sunspots can be removed. However, the fact that there is a risk of recurrence of the spot problem due to various reasons should not be ignored.
Spot Treatment with Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy, an effective medical aesthetic procedure, is applied by injecting spot-lightening and antioxidant substances under the skin with the help of thin needles. What needs to be done to prevent the recurrence of spots is to strengthen and improve the skin tissue. In this context, mesotherapy treatment is performed by injecting special mixtures containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, hyaluronic acid and similar components that a healthy skin needs.
PRP Spot Treatment
In PRP treatment, a certain amount of blood is taken from the patient and this blood is subjected to centrifugation. As a result of the applied process, the blood is separated into its components. The platelet-rich plasma part is injected into the targeted area and PRP treatment is applied. Platelets are a blood element and contain growth factors in their structure. The skin is renewed through growth factors applied to the area to be treated within the scope of PRP treatment. The renewed skin gains a more vibrant and bright appearance.
Chemical Peeling Spot Treatment
Within the scope of chemical peeling treatment, the upper layer of the skin is gently peeled. In this way, pigment synthesis in the skin is suppressed. The increase in collagen synthesis triggers the cell renewal process. Chemical peeling treatment provides more effective results in superficial spots.
Laser Spot Treatment
Laser treatment affects the color pigments in the skin or peels the skin. When this method is preferred, care should be taken that the area to be applied is not tanned due to sun rays or the use of bronzer. The tanned skin area may absorb the laser beams, which may cause irritation or blisters on the skin.
What to Do to Protect Yourself from Sun Rays?
The harmful effects of sun rays are generally caused by UVA and UVB rays. These rays cause tanning, sunburn and sun damage to the skin. In order to protect yourself from the negative effects that the harmful rays of the sun may cause, you should not go out in the sun between 11:00 and 16:00 during the day. When going out in the sun, wide-brimmed hats and light-colored, cotton and thin fabric clothes should be worn.
In addition, sunscreen products that are suitable for your skin type and meet your skin’s needs should be used when going out in the sun. Creams that should be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun should also be reapplied at 3 to 4 hour intervals. If you go into the sea or pool, you should reapply sunscreen cream without waiting for this period.