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What to do about pigment spots

15.7.2021

Summer, sun, pigment spots. One of the most common causes of these skin marks are UV rays. A dermatologist reveals how you treat them and what to do to prevent them.

Bodies sizzling in the sun and people rushing to find any cool they can – it’s summertime in Zurich. It’s sad when the euphoria ends abruptly when you look in the mirror after a swim. Sunbathing not only results in a tan, but also in spots. Especially the face is freckled with mostly harmless pigment spots. Can you do anything about it and if yes, what? Dr med. Daniela Kleeman (website in German), Specialist FMH Dermatology and Venereology, has answers.

What are pigment spots and how do they develop?
Dr med. Daniela Kleeman: Either you’re born with them or they develop with age. When you sunbathe, melanocytes – pigment-forming cells – produce more melanin. This pigment provides an even tan that protects the skin from UV rays. If there is an excess of melanin on some parts of the body, spots may appear. Years of excessive sun exposure can disrupt this mechanism: the melanin accumulates in areas on the skin and no longer breaks down on its own. This accumulation is noticeable as brownish spots on the skin.

What can I do to prevent it?
Because excessive sunbathing is the trigger for pigment spots in most cases, it’s important to avoid long sunbathing in the blazing sun. A high level of UV protection, or at least one that is tailored to the skin type, is essential. You should also spend more time in the shade. Wearing a cap or hat with a wide brim will further protect your face.

What about a skin care routine?
Especially during the sunny months, I advise applying either a sunscreen as day care or a face cream with integrated sun protection factor. Don’t forget to apply sunlotion to your hands. They’re at least as exposed to the sun as your face.

What if pigment spots are already there?
Even if it’s still summer time, avoid further UV exposure from the sun, tanning beds and regular daylight. Otherwise, you risk the spots getting darker. If the pigment irregularities are triggered by medication or hormonal preparations such as the contraceptive pill, discontinue the medication and possibly replace it with another one.

Do DIY solutions help to «bleach» spots that have already appeared?
There is always the talk of citric acid. However, this isn’t enough to remove dark stains. More efficient methods such as lightening creams or chemical peels are needed. Lightening creams are applied locally. They bleach with substances such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol. However, patience is required. The product must be applied daily until the first results are visible.

What happens during a chemical peel?
In a chemical peel, your skin is treated with fruit or salicylic acid and additional bleaching substances. It peels off the top layer of skin and boosts cell renewal. We perform this treatment on an outpatient basis. Meetings are usually held every two to three weeks. However, they can be booked at longer intervals. Already after the first session, results are visible.
By the way, I recommend seeing a dermatologist even if you don’t know whether a spot – newly formed or changed – is malignant or harmless.

Are the spots definitely gone after this beauty treatment?
Usually they’re only lightened with a chemical peel. If you sunbathe excessively and without protection, the spot will usually return.

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Vanessa Kim

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