Black Spots and How to Remove Them

We dislike dark spots. This emotional response stems from various concerns, such as whether it is cancer or a common skin condition, and whether it will disappear or persist. Let's learn more about the various causes of black spots and how to treat and prevent them.

What are black spots?

Everyone wishes to have skin as clear and flawless as their idols. Unfortunately, having that kind of skin is not easy. Black spots appear unexpectedly, especially as we age. The other cause is prolonged exposure to sunlight without sunscreen protection.

The following are some of the factors that contribute to the appearance of dark spots:

• The sun's rays. Indonesia is a tropical country with a lot of sun. Long-term sun exposure can cause premature aging and the appearance of black spots. Excess melanin produces melanosomes, which darken the skin pigment and result in the formation of black spots.
• Hormonal discord.
• Irritation caused by specific products.
• Skin inflammation or skin injury.
• Medication side effects include steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogen, and psychotropic drugs.
• Pregnant women, pituitary tumor patients, hemochromatosis patients, Addison's disease patients, and liver disease patients.
• Genetic factors.

Due to mild allergies, sun exposure, and hormonal changes, people with these factors are predisposed to diseases such as melasma.

Black spots, on the other hand, are not simply black patches. There are various types of black spots that we should be aware of.

1. Sun lentigo

The most common type of black spot is solar lentigo. Sun exposure and aging factors are to blame. Melanin accumulation causes black spots to form on the face. They are generally small and have a fairly uniform shape. These black spots can progress into melanoma or harmless pigmentation over time.

Use sunscreen outside or inside the house to avoid the appearance of sun spots. Apply it every two hours at the very least. If you engage in activities that cause you to sweat a lot, you can increase the frequency. Wear protective clothing or a hat if you want to go out. This clothing shields you from direct sunlight.

If you already have black spots, use retinol or hydroquinone creams. It could be a prescription or an over-the-counter cream. Doctors or beauty experts may use laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or cryosurgery to treat certain conditions.

The laser treatment is carried out by burning the black spots layer by layer. Bruising, swelling, and changes in skin texture are common side effects of this procedure.

Meanwhile, glycolic acid-containing skincare products can be used to perform chemical peeling or exfoliation. This type of acid can penetrate the skin's deepest layers and provide effective results. Glycolic acid stimulates the growth of new cells by shedding dead cells on the face's surface.

Microdermabrasion is a dermatological procedure that removes the skin's top layer. This procedure can help to even out skin tone, reduce acne scars, and brighten dull skin. A small wand with crystal or diamond tips is used as the tool. The skin on the face may become red after this procedure.

2. Seborrheic keratosis

A growth or bump on the skin's surface. It is scaly, rough, dark in color, and raised. It is commonly found in adults and tends to increase in number with age.

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy will be used by doctors to treat it.

3. Moles

Moles can also appear as black spots. The shape and size can vary depending on the skin color. Color and size can also vary. However, the color is even and the shape is regular. The presence of melanoma or skin cancer is a common concern when a mole is discovered.

Moles that change shape, color, or size should be evaluated further. Typically, doctors will perform a biopsy.

4. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Any skin inflammation, particularly acne-related inflammation, can increase pigmentation, resulting in dark spots. This condition, however, can go away on its own after a few months or longer.

Hyperpigmentation can be treated with a variety of methods. For example, laser or chemical peel treatment. Several creams are currently available to treat dark spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated in two ways: reducing the number of spots and avoiding UV light.

5. Melanoma, or skin cancer

Melanoma can develop spontaneously or from existing moles. Melanoma, unlike moles, has an irregular, jagged, or blurry shape and a diameter of more than 6 mm. Be on the lookout if a mole changes shape, size, or color over time.

Consuming nutritious foods

Dark spots can be reduced by eating nutritious foods. Nuts, fruits, and vegetables are high in vitamins A, C, and K. Some research suggests that eating these foods can help prevent age-related skin damage like fine wrinkles, dark spots, and acne-related inflammation.

Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are high in vitamin C, which promotes collagen production. Lemons can also be used to treat acne scars and reduce hyperpigmentation. Other fruits, such as tomatoes and papayas, are high in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals.

In addition to eating nutritious foods, dark spots can be reduced by limiting sugar intake. The glycemic index of sweet foods is high. This causes skin inflammation, decreases collagen production, and results in dark spots and premature aging.

Black spots don't seem to be a cause for concern. However, remember that changes in skin color can sometimes be a sign of cancer. Especially if accompanied by other changes, such as bleeding, itching, and redness.

If you have dark spots, visit GWS Medika Springhill Clinic, a facial clinic in Springhill, to get treatment. Not only dark spots, this facial clinic in Jakarta Utara also has various treatments for those of you who want to have healthy and beautiful skin.

Radiate your beautiful, healthy skin from now on!