Lightening

<What are the causes ?>

1. Sunlight and age : the main causes of pigmented spots, “solar lentigos” or “lentigos senilis”.

• UV radiation crosses the epidermis and stimulates pigmentation cells of the skin (melanocytes). Some of these melanocytes are permanently disturbed, and begin to secrete copious amounts of melanin in a continuous fashion.
• This is why people who work out of doors (sailors, builders …) tend to develop these spots sooner than other people.

Excessive sun exposure (exposure to too much sun or for too long) over time induces the formation of an excessive amount of melanin, which results in the formation of blotches, the “lentigos” (small round and flat spots).

•  Furthermore, the risk of hyperpigmentation increases  with cell aging and usually tends to occur on the areas that are the most exposed to the sun during life (face, neck, hands …).
•  Lentigo affects more than 90% of Caucasian subjects over 50 years of age. All skin types are affected.


2. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or to taking oral contraceptives.

• In brunette women (dark skinned), hormonal changes can induce the appearance of a brown mask over the face, known as a “melasma” or “pregnancy mask”. These are spots located on the upper part of the face, sparing the edge of the scalp, and which become more pronounced during summer.  The color is variable and deepens in response to ultraviolet irradiation.
• This common pigmentation develops suddenly, but fades or disappears completely after normal hormone levels are restored (at childbirth, for instance). However, residual pigmentation can last for several months or even years.
NB.  Some cases of “pregnancy mask” can occur in the absence of either pregnancy or use of the pill.l


3. Phototoxic substances.

In the presence of sunlight, some plant essences, fragrances… or taking certain medicines… can lead to the appearance of brown spots that result from a photosensitization reaction (phototoxicity).
In addition, the damaged and scarred skin (sequelae of burns, sunburn, scarring from inflammatory lesions – acne in particular) is also likely to develop pigmented spots.