Facial skin pigmentation: we explore the causes and how to protect yourself during the summer season.

Ultraviolet rays. What are they?

Having a cosmic origin, where the decisive role belongs, without a doubt, to the star called the Sun, only a small amount of UV rays reaches our body, while having a significant impact on the health of the skin. The UV radiation spectrum is divided into subgroups depending on the wavelength of the emitted wave:

• UVA rays (315-400 nm, long-wave, about 80% of the total) penetrate the deep layers of the skin (dermis), thereby contributing to photoaging: the appearance of age spots, loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles.
• UVB rays (UVB, 280-315 nm, medium-wave, less than 10% of the total) penetrate the epidermis and cause immediate reactions such as sunburn.
• UVC rays (UVC, 100-280 nm, short-wave, 10% of the total) are the most active and aggressive type, but are almost completely absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer.

It is worth noting that both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for the formation of skin hyperpigmentation (age spots, tanning), and for the occurrence of malignant manifestations. 

What is hyperpigmentation?

First of all, it is an adaptive response of the body to prolonged exposure to UV radiation of medium and high intensity, which is accompanied by increased activity of melanocytes (skin cells that produce the pigment melanin). Unlike a normal sun tan, age spots are unevenly located persistent lesions that tend to grow and further darken if exposure to ultraviolet radiation is not interrupted.

It is important to remember that skin hyperpigmentation is only part of the physiological changes that form the phenomenon of photoaging. Under the influence of UVA, a large number of free radicals are formed in the human body, which, in turn, damage the structure of DNA molecules, thereby causing a failure in the normal functioning of skin cells. Signs of photoaging of the skin also include: enlarged pores, spider veins, dryness, loss of tone, and wrinkles.

Skin phototypes.

So how do we protect ourselves from the negative effects of UV radiation? All the same, by producing melanin in the skin. The body's ability to determine how much protective pigment to synthesize is the basis of the Fitzpatrick skin phototype scale.

I phototype is Celtic, the lightest skin tone, there is practically no ability to tan, exposure to the sun almost always leads to burns.

II phototype is Nordic, a light skin tone, also highly sensitive to UV radiation, but capable of forming an adaptive sun tan.

Phototype III is dark European, slightly swarthy skin, intense insolation is necessary for the formation of a sunburn.

Phototype IV is Mediterranean, the skin is swarthy with an olive tint, almost does not burn in the sun, with an exemplary tan.  

Phototype V is Indonesian, very dark, brown skin tone that does not burn in the sun.

Phototype VI is African, the darkest skin tone, slightly darkening when tanned.

How to protect your skin from age spots

It may be mistaken to think that tanned skin is universal and reliable protection from the sun. Often, in the middle or at the end of a vacation, the frequency of applying sunscreen decreases, or its use is stopped altogether, but a natural tan provides protection of only SPF 8!

It is well known that the darker the skin, the more prone a person is to age spots. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, can also contribute to this. So how can you protect your skin from the development of persistent hyperpigmentation? Experts recommend using Bronzeada Librederm SPF 50+ sunscreen against age spots. It contains filters that block both UV rays and vitamin E, which has an antioxidant effect and protects skin cells from premature aging. Oat extract, which is included in the cream, has a soothing effect, while argan and jojoba oils moisturize and nourish the skin, improving its photostability. This cream has been clinically tested and has proven effectiveness.