How to prevent brown spots on the skin?

Pigment spots are caused by a disruption in the pigmentation process (melanogenesis). The melanin, pigment responsible for the natural colouration of the skin, is overproduced in certain areas, leading to the appearance of brown spots. These spots most often appear on the face. However, they can manifest all over the body, particularly on the forearms, décolletage, upper back, backs of the hands, and shoulders. They can affect all skin tones and all skin types. Nevertheless, they appear more frequently in individuals over the age of 40 and in darker phototypes (IV to VI). Sometimes they fade over time, but occasionally they persist for many years.

There are three types of brown spots:

• Melasma:

  Also referred to as pregnancy mask, brown spots primarily appear on the face due to hormonal fluctuations. They often form during pregnancy, hence their nickname, or also when taking a medicinal treatment that influences the hormonal system.

• Lentigo:

  Also referred to as age spots or sun spots, lentigo occurs due to the photo-ageing of the skin. These brown spots appear on the areas most exposed to the sun's UV rays, namely the back of the hands, the face, the décolletage and the back.

• Thepost-inflammatory hyperpigmentation :

  It is the result of an overproduction of melanin following inflammation (injuries, burns, blemishes, acne flare-ups). Even though this phenomenon is generally associated with the appearance of red or even rosy spots, on darker skin, it can cause brown spots.

The emergence of certain brown spots is sometimes inevitable (especially melasma) but others can be avoided by adopting these simple measures:

• Use a sun protection suitable for your skin tone.

  Indeed, the UV rays from the sun promote the appearance of brown spots. The choice of sun protection depends on each individual's phototype. According to the FITZPATRICK classification, skin types are categorised into 6 phototypes defined by hair colour, complexion, frequency of sunburn, and type of tanning. Thus, individuals with red hair, freckles, and a pale complexion (phototype I), and those with blonde hair and fair skin (phototype II), should opt for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. People with light brown hair and fair skin (phototype III), or brown hair and slightly tanned skin (phototype IV), should lean towards a sun protection factor of 30 or even 50. Finally, for mixed-race skin of phototype V or black skin of phototype VI, a sun protection with a minimum SPF of 20 is sufficient for protection.

• Applying antioxidant treatments.

  Brown spots are a result of a phenomenon known as "oxidative stress". This refers to the degradation of the skin's healthy molecules and compounds by oxygen radical species (free radicals) excessively generated by the sun's UV radiation. These radicals are particularly unstable and reactive due to their unpaired electrons. Certain compounds have the ability to stabilise these free radicals, thus making them much less harmful to the skin and preventing the onset of various deteriorations such as brown spots, but also wrinkles, sagging, etc... Among these preventive molecules on hyperpigmentation, we find the vitamin C or theferulic acid which neutralise the free radicals.

Thus, during your morning beauty routine, you can apply several treatments enriched with vitamin C. On clean, dry skin, apply the brightening lotion enriched with vitamin C, which also contains lemon verbena water (INCI: "Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water") for a light fruity scent. Concentrated with active ingredients to regulate the skin's pH, brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots, this toning lotion is applied with a cotton pad over the entire face, avoiding the eye contour, and does not need to be rinsed off. Then apply the face brightening serum highly concentrated in vitamin C derivative (INCI: "Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate"). This treatment also contains 3% of Albizia Julibrissin extract (INCI: " Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract"). This Asian-origin plant revitalises the skin. Together, these ingredients help slow down photo-ageing and prevent the appearance of brown spots. If you wish to even out your complexion, our tinted serum is also enriched with vitamin C and provides light coverage and a natural finish to the skin. Finally, don't forget to finish your routine with a sun protection suitable for your phototype.

• DESHMUKH. R. & al. The effect of vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (2020).