Cream for age spots

Sun exposure and the daily onslaught of harmful environmental factors such as air pollution and toxins all wreak havoc on our skin. These aggressors damage cell walls and connective tissues, leading to visible signs of aging. The skin may look dull and dry, pigmentation or age spots may appear, wrinkles. The way it reacts to UVA and UVB rays is partly due to our genes, but also heavily dependent on how we have cared for our skin over the years. Tanning beds and tanning directly under the sun can have enormous consequences for our skin.

Many women claim that age spots on the skin are unwanted disturbers of their peace. They usually appear on the cheeks, above the upper lip, and on the body - arms, back and legs. Many call them "age spots", but this is not the whole truth.

Generally, long exposure to the sun is the main culprit for dark spots on the skin. When exposed to the sun, our skin secretes melanin to protect us, which is what usually causes a tan. However, melanin is unevenly located in the cells - and where there is more of it, dark or light spots appear under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. In dermatology, this phenomenon is called hypermelanosis (dark spots) or hypomelanosis (white).

Dark spots can occur due to fluctuations in hormones (thyroid gland), or the adoption of artificial and quite common during pregnancy or menopause, the use of oral hormonal contraceptives. There is also a place to be heredity and vitiligo (lack of melanin in some areas of the skin), problems in the functioning of the ovaries and gallbladder or liver. Dark or light spots appear even with improperly performed peeling, scrubbing or photo or laser hair removal procedures.

For more on the causes of age spots, see the next video.

Use a quality sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 for optimal facial protection. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a barrier and provide maximum sun protection. Be sure to apply sunscreen half an hour before going outside, and also if you sunbathe.

Types of pigmentation:

1. Freckles. The most common and safe type of pigmentation. Although freckles are often considered attractive, some people want to reduce them. Freckles are a large collection of small dark or light spots. They often become more obvious during the summer months and less noticeable throughout the winter. Although freckles are mostly benign, it is better to take a closer look at overly dark spots.
2. Birthmarks (nevi). These are patches on the skin that can develop in the womb or shortly after childbirth. They come in a variety of colors including brown and black. The exact cause of birthmarks is unknown, and some of them tend to disappear as the child grows older. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to seek treatment - so consultation with a doctor is necessary.
3. Melasma and chloasma. Melasma and chloasma are common forms of pigmentation that can be caused by either the sun or hormonal changes. They appear as large brown spots, most commonly on the cheeks, upper lip, bridge of the nose, and forehead, and usually darken during the summer months or during periods of high sun exposure. Melasma can be caused by higher levels of estrogen at certain times during the menstrual cycle or as a result of sun exposure. It can also be associated with a change in contraceptives or hormone intake. Melasma is most common in women, only 10% of cases in men. Often referred to as the "pregnancy mask", chloasma is usually associated with the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. However, it can also occur in diseases of the liver, ovaries, pituitary gland.
4. Lentigo, or age spots. They usually result from sun damage to the skin. Small dark spots are usually found on the hands and face, however, they can affect any area exposed to the sun. Most often appear around the age of 40 years.More stable than other types of pigmentation because they persist even during periods of low or no sunlight - for example, in winter. For this reason, the best treatment for them is prevention.
5. Albinism. This is a lack of coloring pigment - melanin - in the skin. It is mainly hereditary and affects the skin, hair and eyes - making the former light, actually white, and the latter red or blue. Albinos are generally more susceptible to various sun-induced skin conditions, including skin cancer. The reason for this is the lack of melanin to protect the skin.

It should include as many natural plant ingredients as possible, and as few silicones and parabens as possible - ideally, they should not be at all.. Also, do not buy creams or other products with more than 2% hydroquinone - in rare cases, and only by prescription, 4% can be used. Asian creams and serums often contain mercury, since it is not prohibited there - but products with it have a number of contraindications. Arbutin and tretinoin should also not be included.

Pay special attention to creams containing ingredients such as:

1. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Natural bleaching agent for removing pigmentation - found in large quantities in citrus fruits, from which we can conclude that their presence in creams is also positive.
2. Salicylic acid. In addition to whitening, it will help shrink pores, reduce inflammation and reduce sebum production.
3. AHA acids (fruit acids). Dairy, apple, lemon, wine.Whitening here occurs due to exfoliation of the upper layer of the skin and acceleration of regeneration. It will also reduce oily skin and get rid of post-acne.
4. beta carotene reduces the amount of melanin.
5. Retinol, vitamin A. Nourishes the skin and at the same time exfoliates and cleanses. It is retinol in combination with fruit acids that is considered the best remedy for aging skin, as it has a positive effect not only on age spots, but also on wrinkles and tone.

To choose a product specifically for your skin, you will need some basic knowledge, for example:

1. Skin type. The label “for all skin types” is not entirely correct - since there is no universal cream suitable for everyone. This is logical, because dry skin needs a nourishing whitening agent with a lower acid content than oily or combination skin.
2. Pharmacy cosmetics are better than store-bought ones. Yes, this is often the case - if you do not take into account luxury products with exclusive components. However, often you can find an alternative to any expensive remedy in a pharmacy - after all, our mothers once did this. Moreover, the creams from the pharmacy are certified, tested for the presence of harmful substances.
3. Do not buy a cream if it is less than a couple of months before its expiration date. It will start to deteriorate much faster after depressurization.
4. Check the product for an allergic reaction. Apply it to the crook of the elbow or the inside of the wrist - if within an hour the skin is in order there, no peeling or irritation appears, the product can be used on the face.

So the first thing you have to do is cleanse your skin. - you can use it as your usual foam or gel cleanser, or you can use a specialized cleanser with a whitening complex. Remove makeup with micellar water, lotion, milk or oil. Whitening creams are best used at night, 30-40 minutes before bedtime - as some components are phototoxic (fruit acids and vitamin C). For the same reason, it is better to carry out active treatment of pigmentation in the autumn-winter period - the time of the least solar activity.

Use the cream every night and when you see the result, take a break for a month. At this time, actively nourish and moisturize the skin, exfoliate dead cells. If you bought a cream for the prevention or lightening of freckles, then using it every three days will be enough.

Be very careful about contraindications and side effects - because it is not only about your life, but also the health of your child. Mercury, arbutin and tritinoin should be avoided, as well as bismuth salts, kojic acid, and, unfortunately, hydroquinone.

However, during pregnancy, you can use bleaching agents that contain these components: benzophenone, AHA acids, parsley extract, grape seed oil, and vitamin E.

Like any medical or cosmetic product, whitening creams have their contraindications and side effects. And it is better to get acquainted with them, so as not to aggravate the situation and not start the problem.

• First, read the ingredients carefully. If you are allergic to any ingredient, limit your use of products with it. Remember that although hydroquinone is toxic, some unscrupulous manufacturers use it. Never buy a cream that contains hydroquinone.
• Secondly, some whitening creams contain mercury. Such funds are contraindicated in diseases of the kidneys and liver, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

Be prepared for side effects such as:

1. Allergy;
2. photosensitivity;
3. Irritations.

If you apply a cream containing hydroquinone to dry, dehydrated, burned or sensitive skin, it will turn red, burning and itching. The same applies to cosmetics containing mercury - we advise you to bypass it, since the constant use of the product can result in poisoning by the vapors of this substance. This can lead to mental disorders, kidney and liver diseases, as well as problems with the development of the fetus.

Tretinoin, which is part of whitening products, is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, thus accelerating the whitening process. However, there are times when irritation and more terrible diseases like contact dermatitis appear because of this.

Despite all this advertising revolving around various European and American brands (Welltex, Kora, Expigment, Fleblight, Oriflame, Dabao, Uriage and others), you should pay close attention to Asian manufacturers - remember the snow-white clean and smooth skin of Korean and Japanese women. Yes, indeed, Korean and Japanese remedies are very effective and known all over the world, women sing odes to them. Anti-aging serums have no competitors at all in terms of effectiveness. However, when choosing any Korean cream or serum, be sure to check the composition for mercury and allergens. You can pay attention to the brands Tony Moly, Holika-Holika, Secret Key, Mizon, Misha.

Of the manufacturers of the CIS countries, you can really please Bielita-Vitex. This company has an anti-pigmentation cream and a mask to lighten age spots and freckles, and the prices are very low.

Yinni has an excellent cosmetic set from age spots "Green Tea". It includes two creams - night and day. During the first week, age spots will begin to lighten, and the stratum corneum of the skin will roll down. Pores are cleared and become smaller, skin tone is even. The composition includes directly green tea, vitamins C and E, lactic and mandelic acid, hydroquinone, lemon and parsley extract and many other useful things.

GLENMARK Melanative one of those representatives of whitening creams that cope with burn scars. Firm Biocon WhiteSnow there are several products - a day and evening cream asset, as well as a cleansing lotion, which only work together. Align the overall tone and lighten freckles, acne marks. Excellent representatives of budget cosmetics.

Facial ampoules Tiana Concentrate against hyperpigmentation "Skin Radiance" help with chronic pigmentation and can also be used during pregnancy. There are 10 ampoules in one pack, and literally 3-5 drops are needed for one procedure. One ampoule is enough for a day, and one package - for a month, respectively. It is also sold in some pharmacies - one ampoule for 50 rubles.

Meladerm by Civant Skin Care is one of the market leaders in hyperpigmentation creams and has been around for almost a decade. Meladerm is a 100% natural hydroquinone-free cream.

InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum includes powerful natural ingredients that help reduce hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots on the skin. Great product at a very affordable price.

If you are a fan of the organic approach, then remember that there are quite a few home remedies for hyperpigmentation. Here are some options.

• Lemon juice. The vitamin C found in lemon helps to lighten dark spots. Use a simple recipe: take lemon juice and mineral water in a 1: 1 ratio, mix and refrigerate. Use two to three times a day, wiping your face with a cotton pad. You can store such a composition for no longer than a week, otherwise it will turn sour. In order to enhance the effect, you can add a couple of drops of apple cider vinegar or lemon essential oil.

• Green tea. Using it against age spots is very simple - you just need to brew leafy green tea, put it in the refrigerator and use it two to three times a day. It's also a great tonic. Store, like any natural remedy, no more than a week.

• Sandalwood powder. You just need to mix sandalwood powder, glycerin and pure water together to form a thick cream. Apply to the problem area for a couple of minutes. Optionally, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or brightening apple cider vinegar.

• Castor oil. This remedy works best when rubbed into the blemishes in a circular motion. Applying castor oil twice a day is an effective way to lighten blemishes.

• Milk. The lactic acid in milk will help lighten the stains. Use room temperature natural milk twice a day for at least 6 weeks for best results. You need to leave it on for 8-10 minutes and then rinse gently.

• Red onion juice. Place a cotton pad soaked in onion juice and apply to any dark spots you want to get rid of. Let the juice dry and then rinse gently. Then apply your usual cream.

• Potato. Yes, yes, regular potatoes. Grate it on a grater and mix with honey until the consistency of the mask. Hold for 10-15 minutes. In addition to lightening age spots, a potato mask will help get rid of peeling and acne, increase skin elasticity and softness, and also reduce the depth of wrinkles.

• Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant that does wonders for the skin. Sold in the form of oil solutions or capsules with oil content. Take one vitamin E capsule or a couple of drops of an oil solution and gently massage into dark spots before bed.Use every evening for several weeks and you will be impressed with the results.

• Aloe vera. Applied twice a day, it will help lighten age spots and improve overall tone. Use this medicine for two weeks and try it also as a tonic (recipe similar to the first one with lemon juice) for best results.

• Yogurt. Natural yogurt contains several enzymes that can effectively treat dark spots. Spread plain plain yogurt on the problem area or entire face and leave for at least one hour. The best option is to make such a mask before going to bed, at night. Wash off the yogurt with cool water.

Try also adding two tablespoons of oatmeal and one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to one tablespoon of plain yogurt.

If medications don't work, be sure to consult a beautician - they may prescribe in-salon treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels, that exfoliate the top layer of the skin and promote its renewal.

And now the video is a recipe for face lotion for age spots.

The company "Bely Len" produces a whole line of whitening cosmetics with vitamin C and fruit acids in the composition. It includes a mask, night and day cream, exfoliating peeling and tonic. Reviews about it are completely contradictory - it is obvious that there is an effect, but some ladies are confused by the mineral oil in the composition. It can clog pores.However, if you take the risk, keep in mind that you cannot use such products daily, as well as in summer and spring.

Daytime should not be used as a make-up base, as it can be phototoxic. Tonic before going outside is also not recommended. Peeling is soft and suitable even for sensitive or dry skin, pulls out plugs from the ducts of the sebaceous glands, thereby reducing the oiliness of the skin. Each product from the line costs no more than 200 rubles, the average rating is 4.

Below you will see a review of cosmetics "White linen"

Face mask Belita-Vitex Whitening against freckles and age spots has a rating of 4.1 out of 5. According to the ladies, it evens out skin tone, brightens post-acne and helps to quickly get rid of acne. Does not tighten the skin and does not overdry it, has a creamy texture and reduces oiliness of the skin. Contains kaolin, bearberry leaf extract (a safer analogue of arbunin), rice flour and citric acid. The manufacturer claims that the visible result will appear in a month.

In the video below - an experiment with a face mask from Belita-Vitex.

Face cream Achromin. The first thing customers notice is the smell. It is lethal, and if you are not ready to endure its every use, then you should not pay attention to the remedy. And this despite the fact that the manufacturer claims that the composition includes rose fragrance.The cream has an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 and the reviews are conflicting. Some argue that the cream really helps to get rid of old spots and freckles, while others say that it is completely useless even after a month's course.

Separate applause deserves a cream-mask exfoliant with fruit acids from the Bark. It really helps, although the rating is 4.2. Suitable for both dry and dehydrated skin, and oily, it is an excellent medicine and prophylactic. The before and after photos are amazing. Pregnant women should not use. The cream exfoliates dead skin cells and accelerates healing, brightens post-acne and age spots, tones and moisturizes the skin. Smoothes wrinkles and scars. The composition is amazing: glycolic, tartaric, citric, lactic acids, grape seed oil, D-panthenol, allontoin.

In addition to efficiency, the product is economical - a tube of 100 ml is enough for a year, the cost is about 700 rubles. After washing (optionally with peeling), apply the mask on the face and leave for 15-20 minutes. The skin will tingle a little within 5 minutes, but this is a completely normal reaction to acids. If you feel severe discomfort, wash off.

Video - Kora cream-mask review - in the next video.

Oriflame Even Out Dark Spot Fading Concentrate & Cream. This cream from Oriflame effectively reduces pigmentation without irritating the skin. The cream is not sensitive to sunlight, which makes it suitable for daily use. It is also safe to use it under the eyes and no allergy test is required for use. The price is high, but it's definitely worth it.