What are sunspots and how to prevent them

With the arrival of summer, many people feel the desire to spend entire days at the beach enjoying vacations to disconnect from daily worries. Many of them have already planned vacations to relax and recharge. 

However, the desire for sea and sun often leads to underestimating the damage of ultraviolet rays on the skin, risking not protecting oneself adequately. This can cause the appearance of sunspots.

What are they, how do they form, and how can you prevent them? Let's explore this topic in this article!

Sunspots: What are they?

First of all, it is appropriate to start by clarifying the exact definition of sunspots: specifically, these are areas of the skin that become darker due to prolonged exposure to the sun, not adequately protected from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sunspots occur mainly on the face, hands, shoulders, chest and arms, as well as on the areas most exposed to sunlight.

These spots are nothing more than skin hyperpigmentation, the result of the increased production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the skin color, which acts as a natural defense in response to UV damage.

When they occur, sunspots appear as diffuse patches of varying size depending on their extent and shape: they can arise in irregular, roundish, more or less extensive shapes and, in general, brown or grayish in color.

When they appear, sunspots can reduce the complexion, radiance, firmness and hydration of the skin, compromising its structure and integrity.

This can generate insecurity and discomfort in the affected individual. Not surprisingly, sunspots are perceived as skin blemishes similar to wrinkles, as both contribute to a less even and youthful appearance of the skin.

But what about the physiological creation of sunspots?

Sunspots: How do they form and why?

As mentioned earlier, behind the appearance of sunspots lies a process of skin hyperpigmentation, due, in particular, to a malfunction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin synthesis.

In the case of such a malfunction, when UVA and UVB rays strike the skin, they interfere with the natural process of melanogenesis, that is, the mechanism that is automatically triggered to protect the skin from the damaging action of solar radiation.

Based on the multiple cases studied, it is quite evident that sunspots are a skin blemish that affects mostly:

• people with lighter skin: this group is particularly susceptible to sunspots because of the lower amount of melanin in the skin, which acts as a natural defense against UV radiation,

• people who adopt improper sun exposure habits: as anticipated, prolonged and unprotected exposure to UV rays is a key factor in the development of sunspots. People who spend a lot of time in the sun without adequate precautions are more prone to develop long-term skin damage, accelerating the formation of sunspots and other signs of premature skin aging.

• over 40 years people: skin aging is a direct contributing factor to the formation of sunspots because, as time passes, the skin becomes more vulnerable to UV rays, consequently the skin's regeneration process slows down and the natural elimination of melanin decreases, allowing the pigment to accumulate and form the visible spots on the skin.

Sun spots: how to effectively prevent them?

In cosmetics and dermatology, sunspots can be prevented by following a rather simple and practical approach.

Since, as explained, the main cause of their formation is the sun, the very first and fundamental weapon of prevention against their occurrence is certainly adequate sunscreen, in order to maintain an even and healthy skin over time.

If you fall into the categories of people most at risk of developing sunspots, based on the factors mentioned above, and you want to avoid this skin blemish at all costs, sun protection factor should become your best friend throughout the summer, when the sun's rays are strong and direct onyour skin. To guarantee you the best protection and a complete treatment even after sun exposure, ESTĒREL has developed a special "HIGH PROTECTION" KIT from the Collezione Sole.

The KIT includes the ALTA PROTEZIONE SPF50 (SENSITIVE SUN PROTECTION SPF50) milk to enrich you with a high protection factor against the sun's rays, in combination with the DOPO SOLE (AFTER SUN SOOTHING CREAM) for intense post-exposure hydration and the RINFRESCANTE ALL OVER (REFRESHING ALL OVER LOTION) designed to soothe and refresh stressed and sun-irritated skin.

It is recommended apply SPF at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming in the sea or sweating excessively.

Furthermore, to effectively prevent the appearance of sun spots and counteract their intensification in the case of persistent spots and already existing hyper-pigmentation, we suggest the intensive facial treatment GOLDEN WHITE PEONIA SERUM ESTĒREL, a lightening serum that acts quickly and effectively, favoring the progressive attenuation of stains. It has an intense hydrating and nourishing action, protects from UV rays and

restores a wonderful luminosity to the skin.

A special recommendation: use for at least two months, especially in the evening, applying it directly to skin blemishes (even on the hands or other areas of the body).

Other useful tips include wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats to protect your face from sunspots, and sunglasses with UV protection to limit the action of direct sun rays on your eyes.

Investing in skincare not only helps maintain a youthful, radiant appearance, but also helps preserve long-term skin health. Choosing quality products ensures effective protection and comprehensive care for beautiful and healthy skin, allowing you to enjoy the summer with peace of mind and confidence.