Sunspots in summer: Prevention and first care

 

Detailed and rigorous report, written in Spanish, on the management of sunspots during the summer season.

 

Summer is the “zero zone” for hyperpigmentations. In Spain, with extreme UV indices, many people see spots that could be smudged in winter reappear on the beach every day. The key at this time is not so much “eliminate” (this is done in winter), but rather “prevent and contain”.

 

1. Meet your Enemigo: Types of Summer Stains

 

Not all stains are the same and they are not treated the same. It is vital to distinguish them:

 

 Solar Lentiges: These are brown, oval and flat spots that appear with age and the accumulated sun (face, brothers, escort). Son pure solar damage. In summer it gets dark, but it rarely grows in size suddenly.

 Melasma (El “Paño”): Diffuse, map-like spots on the front, cheekbones and upper lip (“barcode”). It's hormonal and treacherous. On the ground it activates the sun, as well as heat and visible light. In summer, melasma can break out simply because it is under a hot shade.

 Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (HPI): The dark mark that falls after a granite or a mosquito bite in the sun.

 

2. Prevention Strategy: The “Total Shield”

 

So that the stain does not salt (or worsen), protection must be obsessive.

 

1. Broad Spectrum Photoprotection

Keep an eye on SPF 30. If you have a tendency to break out, you need SPF 50+.

 El Matiz: Search for filters that protect against UVA (the main cause of pigmentation) and Blue Light (HEV). High-energy visible light is what darkens melasma the most.

 Color filters: For melasma, color protector is mandatory. The pigment (hydrogen oxide) acts as an extra physical barrier against visible light.

 

1. La Gorra y la Temperatura

Direct sun on your face is prohibited if you want to avoid blemishes.

 Physical shade: Long-winged sombrero or cap always.

 Thermal control: If you experience melasma, carry thermal water in your pocket or a fan. If the face heats up, the blood vessels dilate and release growth factors that stimulate the melanocyte (the cell that produces the stain). Keep your face fresh!

 

1. Oral Photoprotection (Capsules)

In Spain they are very popular and effective. Supplements with Polypodium leucotomos, Pycnogenol or Lutein.

 Function: Increases skin resistance to the sun from within and neutralizes free radicals before they activate the stain.

 

3. First Care: What happens if the stain is gone?

 

It's August, you look in the mirror and see the stain. Don't panic and don't attack the skin.

 

 What you should NOT do in summer:

 Prohibited: Using aggressive depigmentants such as Hydroquinone or Retinoids at high concentrations (unless you are used to them).

 Prohibited: Perform strong chemical peels or lasers.

 Why: These treatments irritate the skin. If you irritate the skin and give it to the sun, a “rebound effect” will occur and the stain will become darker and deeper.

 

 What you should do (Summer Depigmentants):

You need active ingredients that stop melanin production without irritating or exfoliating the skin.

 

1. Tranexámic Acid: This is the current star ingredient. It acts on the vascular component of the stain. It's safe in summer and very effective for melasma. It is found in serums.
2. Azelaic Acid: An all-rounder. It is anti-inflammatory, depigmenting and safe under the sun. Ideal if you have blemishes and acne at times.
3. Vitamin C: Use every morning. As it is an antioxidant, it prevents radiation from oxidizing melanin (making the stain turn blacker).
4. Niacinamide: Prevents the pigment from moving from the “factory” (melanocyte) to the surface of the skin. Calm solar inflammation.

 

4. Summer Anti-Blemish Routine (Practical Example)

 

This routine seeks to “contain” the stain until October arrives, time to attack hard.

 

 Tomorrow:

1. Gentle cleaning.
2. Vitamin C Serum with Tranexamic Acid.
3. Photoprotector SPF 50+ with Color (Reapply every 2 hours by misting the stick).

 

 Night:

1. Double cleaning (to remove solar filter well).
2. Azelaic Acid Serum is a gentle depigmenting complex (Kójic, Phytico) formulated for summer.
3. Soothing hydration.

 

5. Classic Errors that Cause Stains

 

1. The perfume in the cell: The alcohol and bergamot of perfumes react with the sun causing lateral brown spots (Poiquilodermia de Civatte). In summer, solo perfume on clothes.
2. Upper lip waxing: If you shave your “bigote” with wax and go to the beach the next day, you will have a guaranteed dark spot. Hazlo con hilo awaits you 48h.
3. Believe that the shadow protects the 100%: The arena reflects the sun. You need to include cream in the shade.

 

If you sell a stain in the summer, treat it with “treat”, not with “war”. Use lots of physical protection (hat), antioxidants and mild depigmentants like Tranexámico or Azelaico. Keep your lasers and peelings strong when you put away your bathtub.

 

Doctor G Medical Excellence: Health, Bienestar and Longevidad

4243 W Hillsboro blvd Coconut Creek, 33073, FL

Phone: +1 (954) 638-1515

Sunspots in summer: Prevention and first care