Let's talk about summer and skin blemishes

Someone had to start talking about summer and skin blemishes, even if we don't like that association. And, while we're at it, besides giving you useful information and innovative solutions, we'll debunk some myths . At SKINVITY, we only like myths in movies or glossy magazines.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition in which brown patches develop on the skin, primarily on the face. Although it may seem that the cause of these patches is hormonal, studies indicate that the main trigger is sun exposure .

It is sometimes called the "mask or cloth of pregnancy" because it usually appears during this stage, which is as wonderful as it is intense.

Melasma is classified into three types :

Epidermal (affects the outermost layer of the skin). The hyperpigmentation is brown, with well-defined borders.

Dermal (affects the middle layer of the skin). Grayish-blue areas appear.

Mixed (affects both the outer and middle layers of the skin). They have a pigment between brown and gray.

Melasma, ladies, isn't just a winter issue. Myth debunked. It needs to be addressed year-round. As we're now heading into summer, we're going to give you a few key tips:

If you're going to be out in the sun like a lobster… you don't need to stop your treatment, but you do need to adapt it. How? By increasing your sun protection measures: topical, oral, and with all sorts of great outfits that protect you: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and of course, seeking shade from time to time. Umbrellas are essential at the beach, and the beach bar is also a good refuge.

If you use specific creams, it's recommended to reduce the use of depigmenting agents such as retinol, vitamin C, arbutin, azelaic acid, or tranexamic acid. It's best to avoid hydroquinone altogether.

As oral supplements, you can start treatment with oral tranexamic acid (see a doctor for advice, don't experiment).

Start oral supplements with depigmenting action.

What are solar or senile lentigines?

These are dark, flat spots of uniform color, no larger than 1 cm in diameter . They are also known as "age spots" or "sun spots." They are signs of photoaging and are caused by prolonged sun exposure. All women over 30 or 40 who grew up without SPF 50 sunscreen during childhood and adolescence are at risk of developing them . Remember that the skin has a memory and remembers those endless sun sessions with plenty of oil and no SPF.

They can appear anywhere, but they have a predilection for the face, shoulders, décolletage and forearms.

LED light works wonders for fading them, and they can be removed with laser or pulsed light. They're not dangerous and shouldn't alarm you. Unlike with melasma, cosmetic treatments only have a lightening effect.

Solar lentigines can be light or dark in color, but the color is uniform. If they are irregularly shaped, grow larger, or have multiple shades within them, it's best to consult a dermatologist.

We recommend our SKINVITY Silicone LED Mask for treating dark spots . It's proven that LED light oxygenates cells, impacting skin tone and appearance. While it won't make them disappear completely, it significantly improves their appearance and reduces their visibility. It also works on fine lines and wrinkles, stimulating collagen production. Sessions last from 10 to 30 minutes, allowing you to multitask while using it. And, of course, you choose when and where to create your routine.