Dark spots and photoageing: how to treat them at home

Dark spots do not appear overnight. They build up over years of sun exposure, the occasional hormonal change and the natural passing of time, until one morning we notice them more clearly in the mirror. Understanding why they appear is half the treatment: from there, everything you do has purpose.

What is photoageing

Photoageing is the ageing of the skin caused by accumulated exposure to solar radiation, both ultraviolet and visible light. Unlike chronological ageing, the kind that simply comes with the years, photoageing depends largely on habits. And that is good news: what depends on habits can be prevented.

Its most common signs:

• Progressive loss of firmness and elasticity
• Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth
• Uneven texture
• Sun spots and uneven skin tone

Why dark spots appear on the skin

Dark spots appear when the skin produces melanin irregularly as a defensive response to solar radiation. Behind that response there are three main causes, and it is worth knowing them because each one calls for something different.

Accumulated sun. This is the main cause, and the key word is accumulated: the spot you see today is not from this summer's sun, it is a photograph of the sun from years ago. Sun exposure adds up silently until melanin stops being distributed evenly.

Hormones. Pregnancy and hormonal changes can trigger hyperpigmentation, especially melasma. This is why some spots appear even when you protect yourself from the sun.

Time. Over the years, cell renewal slows down, and all the accumulated damage the skin had been concealing starts to become visible.

Depending on their origin, the most common spots are solar lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. Each behaves differently, which is why with persistent spots, or spots that change in shape, size or colour, the first step is always to consult a dermatologist.

The prevention you cannot photograph

No device or cosmetic replaces daily sun protection. It is the measure with the strongest scientific backing and the one that makes the difference in the long run. Four keys:

• Sun protection every day of the year. In winter too, on cloudy days too, even if you work indoors. And with prolonged exposure, reapply: your morning sunscreen does not last through an afternoon at the beach.
• Physical photoprotection. A hat, sunglasses and shade during the central hours of the day. Previous generations did it without knowing why, and they were right.
• The forgotten areas. Hands, neckline and neck reveal the passing of time before the face does, precisely because almost nobody protects them.
• Consistency. The hard part of prevention is that it gives no visible results. You will see nothing. And that is exactly the sign that it is working: the spots that never appear cannot be photographed.

From that base, a routine with antioxidants and good hydration helps the skin sustain its cellular health against daily exposure.

What LED technology at home can add

This is where science applied to the home has something to contribute. The SKINVITY Silicone LED Mask works with 219 triple LED diodes emitting four wavelengths (630nm, 470nm, 830nm and 1072nm), with a design that adapts to the skin to prevent light dispersion.

Let us be precise: the mask does not act directly on melanin, but on the collagen and cellular health of the skin. And it is exactly there, in firmness and overall skin quality, where the efficacy test (conducted on more than 20 women over 40, over 8 weeks) recorded these results:

The first changes start to show from day 28 of consistent use.

A relevant detail for anyone thinking about the sun: the mask is not photosensitising. It can be used day or night without conditioning subsequent sun exposure, which makes it the natural ally of the summer months. In the case of melasma, it is the recommended device within the SKINVITY routine, always with medical supervision if in doubt.

Fractional radiofrequency: for the no-sun season

When the damage has already settled in as uneven texture, the fractional radiofrequency of TriPollar Envig Edge works on renewing the most superficial layers of the skin through small shots that act on accumulated damage.

In summer, the mask; when daylight hours shorten, fractional radiofrequency. Every technology has its season.

How to build it into your routine

Ten minutes a day of Silicone LED Mask are enough, on clean, dry skin, every day if you wish. The full routine looks like this: every morning, sun protection without exception; every night, LED mask; and when the no-sun season arrives, Envig Edge to work on accumulated damage. Everything complements your usual cosmetic routine and cosmetic and medical-aesthetic treatments, with no need to choose between them.

And a dose of patience: dark spots took years to form. Starting to see improvement in 28 days is a good deal.

Frequently asked questions about dark spots

Do dark spots come back after treating them?

Without daily sun protection, yes. That is why prevention is not the alternative to treatment: it is part of the treatment.

Can I use the LED mask during pregnancy?

It is not recommended during pregnancy, as no studies are available in pregnant women.

Does any LED light work on dark spots?

No. Each wavelength has a specific function, which is why the technology behind the device matters. Not all LED light is the same, even if it looks identical from the outside.

When do results start to show?

With consistent use, the first changes start to show from day 28.

The best routine against dark spots started ten years ago. The second best starts today. If you want to go deeper into caring for your skin with technology backed by efficacy tests, discover the Silicone LED Mask and how it can accompany your skin towards its best version.