Sun freckles

An unwanted memento of summer. Why do some people have them and some do not? In time, they assume their own shape and colour. They usually remain small and fade in winter, but sun freckles never disappear on their own. You are relaxed, your batteries are recharged, your skin is tanned, but general appearance is marred by new freckles as a memento and long memory of the last summer? Nothing unusual. Stimulated by sun rays melanocytes - epidermis cells position themselves as sunshades around skin cells, trying to protect its nucleus. It provokes the synthesis of pigment melanine – a layer of dark pigment partially neutralises the effect of UV rays, protecting the skin. But, that protection is inadequate and in time small, dark, flat spots of increased pigmentation or sun freckles appear on unprotected skin. They are also called liver or old-age spots. In spite of the latter name, newly formed freckles are not exclusively a result of ageing.They will not disappear on their own. Sun freckles partly appear due to exposure to the sun over many years. But, genetics is the most responsible factor for their appearance. This is why some people do not have sun freckles even after many years of exposure to the sun, and some get them after a short period of sunbathing. At the beginning, sun freckles resemble ordinary spots or moles. In time, they assume their own shape and colour. Freckles usually remain small and brighten in winter, but they never disappear without treatment. The longer you are exposed to the sun, the bigger and darker they become. Such skin damage can be prevented by use of sun protection preparations. Sun-protection factor in summer and winter. Sun protection factor should be at least 15 in winter and higher in summer. It should protect the skin from two types of radiation - UVA and UVB (ultraviolet A and B). UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and direct skin damage. UVA rays penetrate below skin surface causing long-term damage. Roasting in the sun is naturally undesirable, because even with best protection, UV rays penetrate the skin, causing at least slight damage. Some foods, like celeriac, carrot stem and leaves, figs and fresh dill contain psoralenes – phytochemicals which cause reactions akin to sunburn under the influence of UV rays. They turn into small blisters and finally heal, leaving hyper pigmentation marks. In case of contact with them, before and after exposure to the sun, obligatorily wash your hands. HOW TO GET RID OF SUN FRECKLES Creams, exfoliation or aesthetic medicine. There are several ways to get rid of sun freckles – sometimes brightening creams and herbal preparations are sufficient, but sometimes help should be sought at the doctor's office. It is important to be persistent. FROM THE PHARMACY Cream or exfoliation Brightening cream. It helps if used patiently and for long periods of time. The cream based on 2% hydroquinone will after patient application for three to four months brighten sun spots. But, after renewed sun exposure, freckles will return, even if UV protection is used. Therefore, sun exposure should be avoided. Chemical exfoliation. Creams based on alpha hydroxy acids (AHK) will brighten the spots and cause peeling of dead cells, which will be replaced by new, young cells. The best results are achieved with creams containing glycol acid. Creams of even higher quality are those that in addition to AKH contain the protection factor for day use. In case they do not contain it, during the day, even when you are not exposed to the sub, apply UV protection factor over this cream. The best will be a combination of hydroquinone, glycol acid and protective factor. Hydroquinone will brighten the freckle, alpha glycol acid will peal it and UV factor will provide protection. Such care will not only brighten the freckles but will make skin wrinkles less visible. Vitamin C. Vitamin C based creams are good since being an antioxidant it reflects free radicals and instable molecules which are produced when the skin is exposed to sun rays and UV radiation, preventing the appearance of damage. Some preparations containing arbutine and kojic acid are also good, since they prevent production of pigment.FROM THE GARDEN Plants DaisyExtract of daisy flowers contains bioactive molecules: saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaharides and inulin. Extract of daisy is widely used in phytomedicine due to the presence of these active components, since it has antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidizing and neuroprotective effect. Daisy strongly inhibits melanogenesis (process of production of pigment melanine), and results of research are protected by patent rights. Inhibits the activity of tyrosinasis (enzyme responsible for production of melanine). In pigmentation disorders evens skin colour (hyper pigmentation, sun freckles, old age spots). Regenerates skin cells, lightens melanine in the epidermis and enhances deep hydration Watercress or nasturtium The plant contains a lot of vitamin C and folk medicine recommends crushing the fresh plant and apply it as a compress on sun freckles. Such already prepared freckle brightening preparations are available on the market. Wine grape Juice released by the wine during pruning is the best. Wash your face and hands with the juice and you will avoid brown spots. Green grapes Dark spots on the face and hands can be brightened with green grape berries. Squash them in a small container, strain and apply cotton pad soaked in juice to the problem parts of the face and hands. Parsley Being rich in C and A vitamins, as well as numerous minerals, parsley is very good for skin care, especially against freckles. Finely chop a handful of parsley leaves in the evening and soak them in one litre of cold water. Strain in the morning and wash your face with it in the morning and evening. Very good is a tonic, which is obtained by pouring half litre of boiling water over one bunch of green parsley. Leave covered for 12 hours, strain and add some lemon juice. Apply the tea to sun freckles several times a day, obligatorily in the morning and evening. Freckles will gradually brighten, skin complexion will become lighter, skin will be nourished and rejuvenated. You can prepare a mask by chopping a bunch of parsley, mix it with two spoonfuls of honey and add 20 drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to freckles. After 20 minutes wash the face by tepid lime tree tea. Apply cream (best based on vitamin C). This mask should be used at least two to three times a week. Beans Prepare a mask to even skin colour by boiling and crushing four spoonfuls of beans, mix them with juice of one lemon and spoonful of almond oil. This mask will not only even the skin colour, but will soften and nourish the skin. FROM THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE Aesthetic medicine In dermatology, corrective and aesthetic medicine hyper pigmentation on any part of the body can be removed by IPL treatment. IPL is not a laser, but a system of twice filtered light from a broad spectrum of visible light. In difference to laser, it is not a continuous, but dispersed light wave, which removes hyper pigmentation by highly efficient non-invasive method. Important! After application of any spot treatment, skin sun protection is required during the day, in summer and in winter!Caution! Every pigmented spot that changes the , colour and shape should be inspected by doctor!