As the name suggests, sunspots are brown-colored spots that appear on the skin of individuals as a result of the damaging effects of the rays coming from the sun. While the most important factor in the emergence of sunspots is the sun, some hormonal changes in the body and processes in the metabolism can also cause sunspots. Although the main reason varies from person to person, sunspots occur as a result of the accumulation of melanin pigment, which is not congenital but gives its color to the skin, in an obvious area more than usual and more than it should be. If we say why more melanin is produced in stained areas, the most valuable reason for this is the sun, namely ultraviolet (UV) rays. Because the mission of melanin is to give the skin its color, as well as to protect the subcutaneous tissues from UV rays. For this reason, as a result of heavy UV exposure or accumulation over years, genetically predisposed individuals may experience staining. On the other hand, pregnancy, drugs, some diseases and cosmetics can cause staining by increasing light sensitivity.
MELASMA
Pregnancy and the use of birth control pills in women are obvious factors that change the functioning of hormones. Unconscious and excessive exposure to the sun’s rays, especially during pregnancy or the use of birth control pills, can trigger the formation of sunspots.
freckles
Freckles are spots in the form of small brown spots that appear on the skin, in which genetic predisposition plays a major role. Freckles are more common in individuals with structural features such as light skin, red or blond hair, and colored eyes. Freckles become more prominent in the spring and summer months, when the sun’s rays are more active, and they mostly appear on areas where sunlight is more in contact, such as the face, back and shoulders, and upper face of the hands.
BIRTH STAINS
Birthmarks, the origin of which is not yet fully known, are types of birthmarks, as the name suggests. It can be caused by pigments that give color to the skin or by veins. The face, neck, nape and arm-leg areas are the areas where birthmarks are most common. Depending on the types of birthmarks, they can be in many different colors such as white, pink, red, light brown and purple.
HOW DO SUNspots, freckles, and birthmarks go away?
Although sunspots, freckles and birthmarks are skin problems that do not pose a significant health problem to the individual in general, the spots in the face area can disturb people aesthetically. These aesthetic fears can negatively affect the spiritual and social life of the person. Before starting the treatment of blemishes, it is absolutely necessary to make an accurate diagnosis of blemishes by a dermatologist. Determining whether it is a sign of an important disease is of great importance for the patient. After the examination, treatment should be planned according to the type of stains. The treatment plan is determined according to the structural characteristics of the person and the characteristics such as the location, width, depth and prevalence of the spot that creates the skin problem.
TREATMENT METHODS USED IN SKIN STAINS
1. Chemical Peel
2. Enzymatic Peeling
3. Laser spot treatment (Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser)
4. Stain Mesotherapy
5. Medical treatment
1. CHEMICAL PEELING
Chemical “peeling” is the use of one or more chemical spies on the skin in varying concentrations; It is an application formula that aims to create controlled damage to the skin at superficial, medium and deep depths and to reveal a healthy skin with its application. The aim in chemical “peeling” is to cause damage to the desired depth in the skin layers and to treat various lesions by taking advantage of wound healing during regeneration. 4 sessions are performed on average at 4 week intervals. It is done during the winter months and fine wrinkles are treated as well as the stain.
2. ENZYME PEELING (LIGHT PEELING)
The intensification of skin color is due to the overproduction of melanin pigment in the skin. Enzyme peeling reduces the formation of melanin in the skin by suppressing the tyrosinase enzyme, which causes the secreted melanin to turn into a dark color. An active treatment is provided by lightening the color of the stained areas on the skin. The mask applied to the face by the specialist physician in practice conditions remains on the face for 8-10 hours. At the end of this period, the person cleans the mask from the skin by washing with soap without rubbing himself in the house and continues the treatment with the individual continuation kit. Peeling that starts from the 2nd day takes about 7-14 days and heavy moistening and sunscreens are used until the peeling is over. After the peeling is over, the treatment is continued for 6 months with a follow-up cream. Depending on the condition of the spots, the use of cream is adjusted in consultation with the patient. As long as the follow-up cream is used, sunscreens are also continued. Because the most valuable step of treatment is protection from the sun. Even after all applications are finished, a sunscreen with a high protective factor should always be used. Individuals with staining problems should definitely pay attention to protection measures, otherwise it should be noted that stains may recur.
What are the Advantages of Enzyme Peeling Application?
• It is very effective and reliable in stain treatment,
• Results are obtained in a short time,
• The application is painless,
• It can be applied to every skin type,
• Since it contains a mild peeling active element, its side effects are minimal.
What are the Side Effects of Enzyme Peeling Application?
After the application, peeling, tension and dryness may occur on the skin, these effects usually disappear after 2 days. Moisturizing and sun-protective creams should be used on the skin in order to improve the redness and peeling quickly.
Who is Enzyme Peeling Not Applied?
• Allergic to a random element in the content of the works,
• Those with chronic skin disorders,
• Active herpes or infection in the application area,
• During pregnancy and lactation,
• Having an open wound in the application area,
• This treatment is not applied in patients with rosacea (rose disease).
3. HOW IS LASER STAIN TREATMENT APPLIED?
Different lasers can be used in spot treatment. Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser, which are frequently used in these laser systems. With fractional system lasers (Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, etc.), the skin is peeled and the stain is treated.
Q-switched lasers (Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser, etc.) are successfully used in the treatment of spots by destroying the melanin element that causes the spot. These lasers are used for regional spots, freckle treatment and tattoo removal. There may be brown crusts lasting 3-5 days in the application area.
All laser spot treatments should be applied once a month during the winter months. At the end of the laser sessions, mesotherapy works or PRP can also be applied as a supportive treatment. During and after the treatment, the skin should be protected from the sun and sunscreens with a high protection factor should be used.
Co2 Fractional Laser
Co2 fractional laser beams are an effective treatment technique that can affect both the top and bottom of the skin. It triggers collagen production by opening micro channels in the skin. It helps the skin to be tightened and regain its lively and bright appearance. It is also very effective in the treatment of skin blemishes.
Thulium Laser
Thulium smart laser is one of the most current laser technologies. It is a fractional laser with a wavelength of 1927nm. It has been used for the first time in the treatment of melasma since 2011. While a visible opening can be felt in the spots, the skin can shine, renew, decrease in fine wrinkles and narrowing of the pores may occur. Thulium laser treatment can also be applied for conditions such as acne scars, scars and skin tightening, which are more common in young people. In the process performed with Thulium laser, unlike the applications made with other laser systems, it is aimed to eliminate the skin problem by pulling the beautifying cells called ‘macrophage’ in the person’s body to the problematic area with controlled minor injuries created on the skin, instead of breaking the spots on the skin.
Carbon Peeling
It is a process done by applying carbon solution to the face with Q-switched lasers. Carbon peeling is a treatment method that is used in the treatment of removing skin blemishes, shrinks the pores on the skin, brightens the skin and rejuvenates it with its tightening power.
Are there any side effects of laser spot treatment?
Pain: There can be a similar feeling to the pain felt when a tire hits the skin during laser applications. Therefore, before the process, the skin is anesthetized with local anesthetic elements. In addition, the feeling of pain is tried to be reduced by the cold air supplement.
Color change: Different color changes in red, brown and white tones can be seen in the treatment area after the process. These medical problems usually resolve in a week. It can be covered with makeup.
Swelling: There are discontinuous swellings in the treatment area. In individual problems, improvement is usually seen in 2-3 hours. In common problems, bloating can be seen for up to 24 hours.
Discontinuous tone differences: This problem can be corrected ex officio, and in some cases it may require additional treatments.
4. HOW IS STAIN MESOTHERAPY APPLIED?
According to the type of the stain, the mesotherapy aspects suitable for the stain are mixed and injected under the skin of the stained area by means of a fine-tipped injector. It is done with local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain. The process takes an average of 15 minutes. The most commonly used elements are vitamin C, multivitamin cocktails, retinoic acid, arbutin, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and tranexamic acid. Depending on the condition of the stain, 4-6 sessions are applied at intervals of 2 weeks. A slight redness may occur after the procedure, which usually disappears within a few hours. On the day of the process, training, hot shower, not to do; Care should be taken not to use alcohol and blood thinners.
When does the stain open after mesotherapy application?
After each session, a gradual opening is observed. Stain is not something that can occur easily, and it does not go away easily. Consistency in treatment is invaluable.
5. MEDICAL THERAPY
Creams used in the treatment of stains have a valuable place in the treatment. The use of appropriate creams is sometimes sufficient alone or they can be used in addition to other treatment techniques. Creams containing vitamin A and glycolic acid, which have exfoliating properties, have an effect by peeling the top layer of the skin, while creams containing kojic acid, phytic acid, vitamin C and hydroquinone reduce the production of melanin, which causes stains, and treat the stain. The most valuable point in the treatment of blemishes is the use of sunscreen with a high defense factor during and after the treatment.