If summer’s end has left you with dull lifeless skin and uneven skin tones, you may be a victim of sun spots and the damaging effects of the sun’s powerful rays. Simply put, sun spots are dark spots or patches caused by too much pigment in the skin. Here’s what triggers it and what to do if you’ve got it!
They may not be pretty, but sun spots are usually harmless. This common condition, also known as hyperpigmentation, is caused by overactive skin cells called melanocytes, which stimulate the production of melanin, the substance that gives your skin color. What causes those melanocytes to misbehave? The sun is the number one culprit, as well as hormones and certain illnesses and medications.
Sun worshippers, beware! Aside from putting yourself at risk for sunburn or even skin cancer, exposure to UV rays plays a significant role in developing hyperpigmentation. When sun hits the skin, it stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin to absorb the ultraviolet rays, thus helping to protect skin from overexposure. As the level of melanin increases, skin begins to darken or tan. But when melanocytes overdo it and trigger too much melanin, the result is hyperpigmentation or sun spots, typically in the form of freckles or larger “age spots”. New spots can pop up and/or existing ones can darken. Your number one defense: Limit sun exposure, wear protective clothing, use a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and a topical vitamin C antioxidant to prevent further damage caused by free radicals.
