The origin of skin spots

Skin spots affect many women around the world. In fact, one in every three women in USA has skin spots, which are primarily caused by overexposure to the sun, but there are other external factors such as pollutants or even the use of certain medications, as well as internal factors such as hormonal changes.

Dark spots form when the sun radiates our skin, causing our bodies to activate natural defense mechanisms that protect us from the sun. Melanocytes synthesize melanin to protect us from the sun, and as the cells regenerate, this dark pigment (melanin) rises to the surface, revealing the spot.

What types of skin spots can we find?

• Lentigines: These are small, lentil-shaped spots that grow over time. Their primary cause is sun exposure, so they tend to appear in more exposed areas like the face, chest, or back of the hands. Although they appear with age, the cause is not age, but the accumulation of sun exposure hours. Because our skin has a memory, lentigines appear over time and as sun exposure hours accumulate.
• Melasma: These dark, irregular spots typically appear on the upper lip and cheeks. They are also known as “the mask.” This type of skin spot is more common in women because it is frequently caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy (chloasma) or contraceptives.
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: These appear after a skin lesion heals, such as acne, a wound, or a burn. These dark spots generally improve over time.
• Ephelides: Commonly known as freckles, these are small, flat, light brown spots that develop on the skin, particularly after sun exposure. They are local concentrations of pigment, primarily melanin, that are not associated with increased melanocyte production.