Question:
What's the difference between melasma, freckles and age spots? And what causes them?
All forms of skin hyperpigmentation essentially involve the same mechanism: Darkening of the skin due to the over-production of melanin (skin's pigment substance) by overactive pigment cells called melanocytes. However, various factors can provoke melanocytes to go into overdrive, and these different root causes are what distinguish the different types of brown spots. Melasma, freckles and age spots are just different names for the different characteristics of skin hyperpigmentation.
Melasma
Melasma or chloasma is a brownish discoloration of the face (commonly across the cheeks) that occurs most often in women. It affects all races, but is more common in people with darker complexions. Melasma generally arises in females after puberty and is associated with hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy. It is also aggravated by sun exposure and may become permanent if not treated early.
Freckles
Freckles are small peppery brown spots arising on the face and other sun-exposed areas. They are usually seen in children and in fair-skinned people. As a person ages, they generally fade away. "Sunburn freckles" are another variety often seen in some people, and these appear larger and darker than standard freckles, with a medium-brown color. The edges are irregular, but the pigment is even throughout the area.
Age Spots
Age or liver spots are small, flat pigmentated spots which look similar to freckles. These are most often seen on sun-exposed skin after age 40, usually on the face, shoulders, neck, ear or back of the hands. Like freckles, age spots are primarily caused by sun exposure, but poor nutrition and abnormal liver function are said to worsen the problem. However, unlike freckles, age spots generally don't fade without treatment.
Acne
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it's common, accurate information about acne can be scarce. This can make it difficult to get clearer skin. This information can help you understand acne and how to successfully treat it.
Why treat acne?
Myths about acne are as common as the skin problem.
One common myth is that you have to let acne run its course.
Letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice. Here's why:
• Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin as acne clears.
• Treating acne often boosts a person’s self-esteem.
• Many effective treatments are available.
More women getting acne
Not just teens have acne. A growing number of women have acne in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Dermatologists are not sure why this is happening. But dermatologists understand that adult acne can be particularly frustrating.
Tips for managing acne:
Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
• Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
• Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
• Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
• Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
• Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages you skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.
• Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent.
Chemical Peels
Also called chemexfoliation, derma peeling
Do you wish that you could simply peel signs of aging from your skin? Chemical peels can do just that. A chemical peel can diminish many signs of aging on the face, neck and chest.
Chemical peels also help skin conditions such as some types of acne and conditions that discolor the skin.
Whether you receive a chemical peel to diminish signs of aging or treat a skin condition, you can see:
• Fewer lines and wrinkles.
• More even skin color.
• Brighter complexion.
• Smoother skin.
Some chemical peels require downtime.
Uses: Chemical peels are used to treat:
• Acne (some types).
• Age spots.
• Discoloration (blotchy complexion, uneven skin tone).
• Dull complexion.
• Fine lines (especially under the eyes and around the mouth).
• Freckles.
• Melasma.
• Rough-feeling skin.
• Sun-damage skin.