How to prevent brown spots on the skin?

Pigment spots are caused by a disruption in the pigmentation process (melanogenesis). The melanin, pigment responsible for the natural coloration of the skin, is overproduced in certain areas, leading to the appearance of brown spots. These spots most often appear on the face. However, they can manifest anywhere on the body, particularly on the forearms, décolletage, upper back, backs of the hands, and shoulders. They can affect all skin tones and types. Nevertheless, they appear more frequently in individuals over the age of 40 and in those with darker phototypes (IV to VI). Sometimes they fade over time, but occasionally they persist for many years.

There are three types of brown spots:

• Melasma:

  Also known as pregnancy mask, brown spots primarily appear on the face due to hormonal fluctuations. They often form during pregnancy, hence their nickname, or also when taking a medication that affects the hormonal system.

• The lentigo:

  Also referred to as age spots or sun spots, lentigo occurs due to the photo-aging of the skin. These brown spots appear on the areas most exposed to the sun's UV rays, namely the back of the hands, the face, the neckline, and the back.

• Thepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation :

  It results from an overproduction of melanin following inflammation (injuries, burns, blemishes, acne flare-ups). Even though this phenomenon is generally associated with the appearance of red or even rosy spots, on dark skin, it can cause brown spots.

The appearance of certain brown spots is sometimes inevitable (especially melasma) but others can be avoided by adopting these simple measures:

• Use a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin tone.

  Indeed, the UV rays from the sun promote the appearance of brown spots. The choice of sun protection depends on each individual's phototype. According to the FITZPATRICK classification, skin types are categorized into 6 phototypes defined by hair color, complexion, frequency of sunburn, and type of tanning. Thus, individuals with red hair, freckles, and a pale complexion (phototype I), and those with blonde hair and light skin (phototype II), should opt for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. People with light brown hair and light skin (phototype III) or brown hair and slightly tanned skin (phototype IV) should lean towards a sun protection factor of 30 or even 50. Finally, for mixed-race skin of phototype V or black skin of phototype VI, a sun protection with a minimum SPF of 20 is sufficient for protection.

• Applying antioxidant skincare treatments.

  Brown spots are caused by a phenomenon known as "oxidative stress". This refers to the degradation of healthy skin molecules and compounds by oxygen radical species (free radicals) excessively generated by the sun's UV radiation. These radicals are particularly unstable and reactive due to their unpaired electrons. Certain compounds have the ability to stabilize these free radicals, thus making them much less harmful to the skin and preventing the onset of several deteriorations such as brown spots but also wrinkles, sagging, etc... Among these preventive molecules on hyperpigmentation, we find the vitamin C or theferulic acid which will neutralize the free radicals.

Thus, during your morning beauty routine, you can apply several treatments enriched with vitamin C. On clean, dry skin, apply the brightening lotion with vitamin C, which also contains lemon verbena water (INCI: "Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water") for a light fruity scent. Concentrated with active ingredients to regulate the skin's pH, brighten the complexion, and reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots, this toning lotion is applied with a cotton pad over the entire face, avoiding the eye contour, and does not need to be rinsed off. Then apply the brightening face serum highly concentrated in vitamin C derivative (INCI: "Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate"). This treatment also contains 3% of Albizia Julibrissin extract (INCI: "Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract "). This Asian-origin plant revitalizes the skin. Together, these ingredients help slow down photo-aging and prevent the appearance of brown spots. If you wish to even out your complexion, our tinted serum is also enriched with vitamin C and provides light coverage and a natural finish to the skin. Finally, don't forget to finish your routine with a sun protection suitable for your phototype.