Freckles, moles, liver spots our skin is rarely flawless. Unlike freckles, pigment disorders on the face and body are usually perceived as disturbing. The brownish spots make the skin appear uneven. Learn why pigment spots form, how to prevent them, and what options there are to get rid of them.
What are pigment spots?
Pigment disorders are a form of hyperpigmentation and appear as small brownish, reddish or ochre-colored spots that stand out visually from the rest of the skin. The so-called melanocytes are responsible for the discoloration. The pigment-forming cells are responsible for the production of the skin pigment melanin. This ensures an even tan and protects the skin from dangerous UV radiation when exposed to sunlight. If melanin formation is disrupted, excessive amounts accumulate in some places and pigment spots form. These can have a wide variety of shapes and characteristics.
Freckles, for example, appear in children and are often barely visible in winter. Liver spots and age spots, on the other hand, only appear after years of intensive sun exposure. Pigment spots are, therefore, mainly found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun – for example, on the face, décolleté, hands, and shoulders.
Causes of moles, liver spots, etc.
The main triggers for pigment disorders are usually UV rays and individual genetic predisposition. But stress and hormonal changes also influence the development of freckles, liver spots and birthmarks. For example, women who use the pill for contraception have pigment spots more often than women without hormonal contraception. Pigment spots can also become more common during pregnancy. They are usually large, darkly pigmented areas on the face – also known as the pregnancy mask or cholasma. Don’t worry: these skin discolorations are not permanent and disappear on their own after delivery.
Are pigment disorders dangerous?
As a rule, the color changes in the skin are harmless. However, they can also indicate diseases such as skin cancer. If it is detected at an early stage, the chances of recovery are good. A preventive examination by a dermatologist is therefore mandatory every two years. Through a professional skin screening, the doctor can rule out malignant changes in the skin or detect them early.
Removing pigment spots – these methods are available
Harmless pigment and age spots usually do not need to be removed. If you find them annoying, there are various ways to remove them. From creams to laser treatment, there are numerous methods to get rid of unwanted marks on the skin.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment is the most effective way to remove pigment spots . Laser treatment is particularly useful when the hyperpigmentation extends into the deeper layers of the skin. But freckles or light age spots can also be easily removed this way . During the treatment, the laser targets the pigmented skin cells precisely and destroys them. They are then disposed of by the body’s own immune cells.
After light therapy, the skin is particularly sensitive and, therefore, requires even more UV protection than normal. Depending on the severity, one or two treatments are usually necessary to completely remove all pigment spots.