QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
6. What are brown spots?
Normal skin color is formed by melanin, a natural pigment that also determines hair and eye color. In the skin, the enzyme tyrosinase converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when too much melanin is produced and forms deposits in the skin.
The cells that make pigment are called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanosomes, where synthesis of melanin occuwrs exclusively.
Hyperpigmentation is not a medically harmful condition. However, it always is advisable to have new brown spots checked by a dermatologist to make sure they are not skin cancers.
Hyperpigmentation is a common clinical condition for which many people seek remedies because they view it as being cosmetically displeasing. It can affect people of all skin colors and races, and tends to increase as we age. For example, freckles become more permanent during the first or second decade of life. Often hereditary, freckles also can darken with sun exposure and fade with less sun exposure.
Age spots or liver spots are small, mottled or darkened patches of skin which appear in older adults – especially on the face, the backs of hands, and arms in individuals who have been exposed to the sun. The medical name for this condition is solar lentigines.
Hyperpigmentation also results from inflammation or other skin insults. For example, skin diseases such as acne or shingles may leave darkened spots. Scars from skin injury or surgery also may become hyperpigmented. Cosmetic procedures – including laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, chemical peels and dermabrasion – also may leave the affected area darker than the normal skin color. All these conditions may be categorized as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
In addition to hyperpigmentation, many women suffer from melasma, a hormonal mask-like skin condition that often results from birth control pills and/or pregnancy. Melasma appears as blotchy brown spots – most often on the cheeks, forehead and temples of the face, but also on the abdomen and other areas. Chloasma is another name for melasma.
There are several skin lighteners that are available on the market today to address the problems with hyperpigmentation. Among them are: Hydroquinone, Uva-Ursi Extract(Arbutin), Kojic acid, Thyme Extract (Thymol), and Cucumber Extract. SkinCeuticals skin care line produces skin lightening products that contain these key skin lightening ingredients.
For more information, or for a consultation with our aesthetician, RN or surgeon, please call The Spa@theimagecenter at 714-230-2440.
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