Facial discolouration – what is it and where does it come from?
Discolouration refers to spots in a limited area that differ from the surrounding skin only in colour. 1. Lesions with a different structure, causing itching, burning or tenderness, prone to bleeding, with an erythematous border, suggest other dermatological problems and should be consulted with a doctor.2.
Discolouration occurs as a result of abnormalities in the synthesis and metabolism of melanin – the skin's natural pigment – including its excessive production, impaired breakdown or increased concentration of melanocytes, i.e. cells that synthesise melanin. 3.
The most common types of skin discolouration are4:
- lentigines – appear on aging skin exposed to UV radiation (from the sun and artificial sources, e.g. solariums). Lentigines are oval or round in shape and range in colour from light brown to black. They most commonly occur on the face, the backs of the hands and the neck.
- chloasma – is associated with hormonal disorders in women; it often appears during pregnancy or as a result of hormonal contraception. The discolouration is brown, irregular and clearly stands out from the skin. Chloasma usually occurs around the mouth, cheeks and forehead.
- Café au lait – oval or round lesions that have the colour of coffee with milk (light brown). The cause of their occurrence is unknown.
- freckles – these are smaller than lentigines, and their colour saturation and intensity depend on UV radiation, which is why they are most visible in summer. Freckles are usually hereditary.
- post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – appears in areas where acne, rashes or sunburns have occurred.
- drug-induced discolouration – occurs as a result of a phototoxic reaction induced by drugs (certain antibiotics, psychiatric drugs, antiallergic drugs, painkillers and others).
The causes of discolouration can vary – from hormonal disorders, through side effects of medication, to ongoing inflammatory processes – but the harmful effects of UV radiation are most often highlighted.5.
Reducing facial discolouration – daily skincare
Due to the fact that the main external factor contributing to the appearance of facial discolouration is exposure to UV radiation, the use of products with a high SPF filter should be a key element of daily skincare. This is particularly important for people with aging skin, which is more prone to discolouration due to reduced melanocyte function. Protection against the harmful effects of the sun is provided by 1° HYDRA-OX Moisturizing BB Cream SPF 50 and AGE SHIELD Multi-protective Anti-Aging Cream SPF 50 from Agenity.
In addition, to reduce the visibility of existing discolouration and prevent further changes, it is worth including dermocosmetics rich in selected active ingredients in your skincare routine, such as:
- Vitamin C – brightens the skin and evens out its tone thanks to its ability to break down melanin precursors. Vitamin C can be found in the Soothing Moisturizing Toner from the BALANCE line, among other products. Ideal for everyday use!
- AHA, BHA and polyhydroxy acids – they stimulate the exfoliation of dead skin cells. Fruit acids can be found in our Smoothing Enzyme Peeling from the BALANCE line, and lactobionic acid in the above-mentioned Soothing Moisturizing Toner.
- Niacinamide – inhibits the transport of melanosomes to keratinocytes, limiting the formation of discolouration. You will find it in creams from the NEUROGLOW line by Agenity – Modeling Rejuvenating Day Cream SPF 20 and Repair Rejuvenating Night Cream.
- Retinoids – regulate the transfer of melanosomes and the process of their keratinisation, preventing the formation of pigmentation changes. In our cosmetics, among the products from the RETIVINE line, you will find a safe and effective Retin-E complex with two forms of retinol.
1 D’Mello, S.A.N.; Finlay, G.J.; Baguley, B.C.; Askarian-Amiri, M.E. Signaling Pathways in Melanogenesis. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2016, 17, 1144. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms17071144.
2 Olbryt M., 2013: Rola mikrośrodowiska nowotworowego w powstaniu i progresji czerniaka skóry. Postępy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej, nr 67
3 Adamski Z., Kaszuba A., 2019: Dermatologia dla kosmetologów. Esteri Edra Urban & Partner.
4 Malara B., Malara P. Charakterystyka przebarwień skóry i metod ich redukcji Zeszyty Naukowe Akademii Górnośląskiej Nr 8/2023, s. 46 - 55 DOI: 10.53259/2023.8.06
5 Kim, J.C.; Park, T.J.; Kang, H.Y. Skin-Aging Pigmentation: Who Is the Real Enemy? Cells 2022, 11, 2541. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11162541
