Learn more about brown spots

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Brown spots, also called hyperpigmentation, are caused by the excess production of melanin, the brown pigment naturally present in skin. Sun rays, and other factors such as hormonal changes, aging and skin inflammation, disturb melanin production in the areas of our body most exposed, for example the face, neck, décolleté and backs of the hands. This causes brown spots to develop. They are generally harmless and can be improved by following a few simple rules. But it’s important to check them regularly for any changes, to detect any suspicious lesions as rapidly as possible.

4 simple daily rituals

  • Protect your skin

    from sunshine all year round

    Why?

    • To prevent the formation or worsening of brown spots, because they’re caused mainly by the sun
    • Skin is sensitive to the UV rays and blue light emitted by the sun, even on cloudy days

    How?

    • Use sun protection daily on exposed areas of the skin
    • Don’t forget the lips!
    • Wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat too in case of intense sun exposure
    • Don’t expose your skin when the sun is at its peak (between 12 pm and 4 pm)
       
  • Check

    for any changes in brown spots

    Why?

    To detect any suspicious spots as soon as possible by monitoring your skin regularly, because the sun is the single most common risk factor for skin cancer

    How?

    • See a dermatologist regularly (once a year)
    • Check your skin yourself and seek medical attention rapidly if a brown spot looks suspicious
      The Gustave Roussy Institute offers a free iSkin app to make self-examination simpler
  • Correct brown spots

    with appropriate dermo-cosmetics

    Why?

    As a follow-up to topical treatments prescribed by dermatologists (Kligman trio, hydroquinone, etc.) or depigmenting procedures (laser, peel treatment, etc.)

    How?

    Apply targeted “depigmenting” skin care products to brown spots in the evening, on clean, dry skin

  • Use

    appropriate make-up

    Why?

    To conceal any embarrassing brown spots

    How?

    • Use make-up labeled non-comedogenic
    • Coral-colored correctors neutralize dark brown skin

What causes brown spots? 

Taches Brunes - 01

Normal skin

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Hyperpigmentation: excess melanin production 

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Skin with localized brown spots 

The ABCDE rule of self-examination

You can use this simple rule to check your skin and quickly spot any suspicious brown spots  

  • Asymmetry
    one half of the spot is not shaped like the other
  • Border
    the edges are irregular or are not well-defined
  • Color
    the color of the spot varies from one area to another
  • Diameter
    it is larger than 6 mm in diameter (size of a pen)
  • Evolution
    its appearance changes, for example its size, shape or color

What are the different types of brown spot?

Hormones + Sun: Melasma, or “pregnancy mask”

Melasma is characterized by the appearance of large brown spots on the face, in particular the forehead, cheeks, nostrils, upper lip and chin. This type of hyperpigmentation affects mainly women between the ages of 20 and 45 exposed to hormone fluctuations, during pregnancy or due to their contraception or other hormonal therapy. 

Age + Sun: Lentigo

Lentigo is characterized by small brown spots that appear with age on all areas exposed to the sun, not only the face but also the neck, décolleté, backs of the hands, forearms, shoulders and back. This type of hyperpigmentation affects men and women from the age of 45. Lentigo is associated with wrinkles and loss of skin firmness. 

Inflammation + Sun: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation develops as a result of an inflammatory skin condition (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.), skin inflammation caused by irritation (hair removal, exfoliation, laser, peel treatment, etc.) or an injury. People with darker and black skin tones are more at risk of developing this type of hyperpigmentation.

Related products

1.

Care & treat

du_melascreen_anti-spots-concentrate_front_30ml_3282770389197
MELASCREEN
Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate

2.

Protect

du_melascreen_protective-anti-spots-fluid-spf50_front_50ml_3282770389272
MELASCREEN
Anti-spots Protective Fluid SPF50+

3.

Complete your routine

du_melascreen_anti-spots-radiance-serum_front_40ml_3282770389593
MELASCREEN
Anti-spots radiance serum

4.

Protect

du_melascreen_protective-anti-spots-fluid-spf50_front_50ml_3282770389272
MELASCREEN
Anti-spots Protective Fluid SPF50+
A-DERMA
Avène

Discover our medical tip sheets to help you provide precise recommendations to your patients. These comprehensive resources provide clear, concise information on a variety of dermatological conditions to help your patients in their daily lives.