What are Brown Spots on Face?
These brown spots seen on the face are known as freckles. The word freckle is originated from the Middle English word freken, which came from freknur of the Old Norse that means freckled. These are multiple spots of concentrated melanin which emerge in clusters and mostly seen on individuals with lighter skin tone on their upper-body skin areas including the cheeks, nose, arms and upper shoulders. These brown skin discolorations appear as flat, tanned rounded spots which develop randomly on the skin. Also called as ephelis, these brown spots, in contrast to Lentigines and moles, do not involve an increased number in melanocytes, the melanin producing cells.
There are two common and basic types of freckles, namely, the Ephelides and Lentingines. The former, which is a genetic trait, is used to describe a freckle which has a flat, light brown to slightly reddish characteristic and usually disappears during winter seasons. This kind of freckle is more common in people with reddish hair, green eyes and lighter complexions, although they can be seen on other people with variations in skin tones. Using sunblock regularly and avoiding sun exposure can suppress the development of Ephelides. The latter type which is also known as liver spot is a sort of freckle which does not fade away in winter; instead, it forms after many years of cumulative exposure to the sun and is more common in older people.
Predominantly, freckles are visible on the face, but may also appear anywhere especially on sun-exposed areas including the shoulders. Infants rarely have freckles; it is more commonly found in children. Freckles may disappear after some alterations brought by laser therapies and topical creams but may recur upon exposure to the sun. but in some instances, it fades away with age.
Brown Spots on Face Causes
Genetic Predisposition
Anybody can have freckles no matter what their genetic background is; nevertheless, the development of these brown spots is hereditary and is correlated to the presence of the dominant melanocortin-1 receptor MC1R gene variant.
Sun exposure
The development of freckles is initiated by cumulative sun exposure. The melanocytes are activated once the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B radiation, increasing the production of melanin, thus causing darkening of the spots.
Other causes and Predisposing factors
- Aging
- Acne
- Disease affecting the liver
- Artificial sun tanning
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy
- Stress
- Harsh chemicals
- Inappropriate skincare
- Menopause
- Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation
- Birth control pills
Brown Spots on Face Prevention
Since the individual’s genetic component of freckling is non-modifiable, preventive measures are focused on sun avoidance and protection. Absolutely, prevention of freckling is much more effective than later attempting to remove them as it becomes more difficult and may sometimes be unsatisfactory.
- Use of sunscreens with SPF 30
- Use of wide-brimmed hats
- Use of sun-protective clothing
- Avoidance of the peak sun hours of 10 AM to 4 PM
- Seeking shade and staying indoors.
Brown Spots on Face Treatment
There are a number of available methods which are both safe and effective in lightening and reducing the appearance of brown spots. Commonly, the following treatment modalities are combined to achieve best results. Still, not everyone’s skin will improve with similar treatments and these spots may easily recur when environmental factors participate in the process.
Bleaching or fading creams
Retinoids
Occasionally used in combination with other bleaching creams, tretinoin helps lighten the skin when applied unfailingly over a recommended period of several months.
Cryosurgery
In treating some types of freckles, a light freeze with liquid nitrogen can be used but not all spots respond well to freezing and burning.
Laser treatment
Multiple types of lasers can lighten the appearance of brown spots safely and satisfactorily with low risk of scarring and skin discoloration. These may include suitable green and red light devices.
Photofacials or Intense Pulsed Light treatments
Intense light therapy can vaporize the skin surface, therefore eliminating the pigmented lesion.
Chemical peels
This can aid in lightening the freckles and improve irregular pigmentation.
Brown Spots on Face Home Remedies
Onions
Chop up an onion, squeeze the juice out of and dip a cotton ball into the juice and apply on the brown spots
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has healing properties which can even out skin color.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil is applied directly on the spots. In addition, Vitamin E supplement can be taken. It is helpful in rejuvenating the skin and also an effective anti-oxidant.
Lemon Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar
Applying lemon juice on the brown spots is a good way to bleach the discolorations, and result is noticeable after a couple of months of application. Drinking apple cider vinegar can also result to the reduction of the brown spots, and result should be in plain sight in about 5 to 6 months.
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