The brown spots of the skin have variable forms and appear most often on the face, hands or arms. Although they are called age spots, they are not necessarily related to age. They may be due to sun exposure; as a result, they are called sun spots or lentigo. These spots can affect even the youngest subjects because of overexposure to the sun.
People over 50 are the most likely to develop, especially after spending extended periods in the sun. These spots are usually benign.
The causes of brown spots
Brown spots develop due to exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Thus, the body produces melanin to allow the skin to tan and build a shield to protect the deep layers of the skin. After prolonged exposure to the sun, melanin can accumulate on certain parts of the skin and pigment it. As a result, brown spots appear on the face, neck, shoulders or arms that are most exposed to the sun.
Treatment of brown spots
Although these spots are harmless and pose no danger to health, they are at least unsightly, especially when they touch the face. As a result, medications are often used to make them disappear.
Medical treatment
Generally, whitening creams based on hydroquinone (a depigmenting agent), are prescribed by doctors in order to blur these spots. The work is done gradually and may take a few months to achieve the desired effect. Wearing sunscreen is a must because these creams make the skin sensitive to ultraviolet rays.
Treatment with medical interventions
The most common procedures are:
- Dermabrasion, which removes the superficial layers of the skin, giving way to the birth of a new skin.
- Cryosurgery, which consists of freezing age spots by putting liquid nitrogen on brown spots.
- Laser treatment or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to destroy the melanin-producing cells thanks to the beam of photons induced on the skin.
- The chemical peel which consists of applying acid on the skin to burn the outer layer and exfoliate the skin.
The choice of these treatments is up to the patient but still these techniques are sometimes painful and sometimes restrictive. For this purpose, other alternatives are possible by means of natural homemade treatments that can eradicate these unsightly brown spots.
Natural Alternatives
Dr. Doug Willen, D.C. NYC nutrition expert and author of Quantum Paleo has developed a treatment with ingredients and natural foods found in everyone. This is onion juice and cider vinegar.
- The onion has many benefits for the body and skin. It is full of trace elements, antioxidants and vitamins especially vitamin C. The onion also contains sulfur that is known to fight acne. It acts as an antiseptic to prevent and treat skin infections and promote healing of the skin. In addition, the juice of the onion is very effective on brown spots and insect bites.
- Apple cider vinegar is an effective ingredient for beautifying the skin. The acetic acid it contains can whiten the skin and acts as a depigmenting agent to restore its radiance; likewise the alpha-hydroxy acids it contains will eliminate dead skin that dull the complexion.
Preparation:
Place a diced onion in a bag and crush with a heavy object to extract the juice. Add to this juice half a cup of cider vinegar and mix until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Subsequently, dip a piece of cotton in the solution and apply it on the stains once a day. Continue applying the remedy for 1 month. Promising results will be visible at the end of the treatment.
Measures to prevent brown spots
Although alternative treatments are effective in reducing brown spots, prevention measures are required to prevent their recurrence or development, such as:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun between 10 am and 3 pm
- Apply sunscreen every day, 30 minutes before each sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
- Wear protective hats or anti-UV clothing.
Caution :
Although these spots are not dangerous, they should not be confused with melanoma. If these spots become darker than usual, more sensitive, red or bleeding, do not hesitate to consult a specialist.
