Summer discoloration - where does it come from and how to avoid it?

Where does discoloration come from?

Discoloration is the result of abnormal melanin production – the pigment responsible for skin color – the production of which depends on a number of factors, although the most important of these is UV radiation. The sun's rays stimulate melanocytes (the cells responsible for melanin production) for increased pigment production. Effects? Dark spots or discoloration.

Under the influence of UV radiation, the so-called. melanocytic inflammation, that is, local inflammation within the skin. This process can result in uneven distribution of melanin in the epidermis, resulting in hyperpigmentation. In short, as a result of UV damage, the skin begins to react unevenly, and in areas where the intensity of melanogenesis is higher, hyperpigmentation appears.

In addition, excessive melanogenesis and the presence of oxidative stress in the skin (e.g., as a result of environmental pollution or smoking) can exacerbate this effect. It is oxidative stress that leads to poorer skin condition, making it more susceptible to all kinds of damage, including hyperpigmentation.

Photosensitizing ingredients in cosmetics (e.g., certain active ingredients, drugs, or even essential oils) can aggravate skin reactions and lead to intensification of hyperpigmentation, especially when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Discoloration can also result from previous skin damage, that have not been properly cared for. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur after wounds heal, acne, or after exfoliation treatments. What's more, hormonal changes – especially during pregnancy or when using contraception - can cause so-called melasma (chloasma).

Types of skin discoloration

Melasma (chloasma)

• Causes: Often occurs in women, especially during pregnancy, during hormonal therapies (such as contraceptive use) and as a result of stress.
• Symptoms: It is characterized by symmetrical spots, mainly on the forehead, cheeks, mustache area. These discolorations may be darker and exacerbated by UV radiation and hormones.
• Prevention: Daily SPF protection, avoid sun exposure especially during pregnancy, use gentle protective products.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Causes: They are formed after inflammatory processes in the skin, such as after acne, trauma, epidermal peeling. They often affect darker skin phototypes (phototype IV and higher), where melanin is produced more intensively.
• Symptoms: They usually take the form of darker patches in areas of previously damaged skin.
• Prevention: Proper care after inflammation, using ingredients to soothe and regenerate the skin.

Lentigo solaris (age spots)

• Causes: Effect of long-term exposure to sunlight for many years. Occur in the elderly.
• Symptoms: Stains that appear mainly on the hands, neckline and arms. They are usually darker spots with uneven edges.
• Prevention: Protect your skin from the sun for life.

How to prevent blemishes in the summer?

Take care of your sun protection every day

SPF is an absolute must in preventing hyperpigmentation! Protection should be applied all year round, but especially in summer. Remember that just using sunscreen in the morning on brightly sunny summer days, especially on the beach, is not enough if you do not take care to reapply it during the day.

Choose creams with a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, preferably with broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB). Also key is reapplication every 2-3 hours, especially in intense sunlight or after bathing.

Sunscreen BUT FIRST SUNSCREEN is your first line of defense. Broad-spectrum light cream protects skin from photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It provides comprehensive protection against UVB, UVA, HEV and IR rays, and with its satin finish, it also makes an excellent base for makeup. The formula does not whiten the skin and is quickly absorbed.

Brightening ingredients are your allies

In your daily care, you should reach for serums with vitamin C, which is one of the most effective antioxidants – not only brightens the skin, but also protects against free radicals!

FOR THE DAY

For mature, lackluster skin:

• Serum GOOD TO C YOU – Effectively neutralizes free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and photoaging, and fights and prevents the formation of existing hyperpigmentation.

For skin with erythema and redness:

• Serum C THE GLOW – Has a brightening effect, reduces redness and strengthens capillaries, while protecting the skin from free radicals.

For skin with imperfections:

• Serum GODDESS SKIN – lightens both fresh and established discolorations. Neutralizes free radicals, slowing down the skin aging process.

For mature and dry skin:

• Serum ELIXIR OF YOUTH – Has a soothing effect on sensitive skin, reducing redness. Provides effective brightening of discoloration and smoothing of fine lines.

FOR THE NIGHT

For combination skin with dilated pores:

• Serum FOCUS PIGMENTATION ESSENCE – Works simultaneously to brighten, smooth and strengthen the skin barrier. Promotes skin regeneration and protects it from oxidative stress.

Carefully exfoliate the epidermis

Exfoliation of the skin is the key to its regeneration, but in the case of hyperpigmentation – especially in summer – you need to act sensitively. Choose gentle acids, such as lactic and tranexamic – both can be found in the peeling GLASS SKIN POWER PEEL of gel consistency. The combination of lactic acid 10% together with tranexamic acid 2.5% and ectoin 1% restores, evens out and maintains the correct level of skin hydration.

• Lactic acid 10% – small-molecule acid from the AHA group. Gently exfoliates the top layers of dead skin, thus effectively smoothing the skin texture and increasing the effectiveness of other cosmetic preparations, making it easier for them to penetrate the epidermis. Stimulates the production of ceramides and glycosaminoglycans in the skin, promoting the restoration of the skin's natural protective barrier.
• Tranexamic acid 2.5% – innovative ingredient that reduces the activity of tyrosinase involved in the process of hyperpigmentation formation. The result is a healthy-looking, rested complexion.
• Ectoin 1% – multifunctional ingredient with moisturizing effect. Effectively increases skin hydration, reduces irritation and redness, supports anti-aging processes.
• Trehalose – Naturally occurring saccharide, shows moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
• Panthenol – Pro-vitamin B5, supports the regeneration of the epidermis, soothes irritation. Has a soothing and calming effect on the skin.

Regenerate the skin barrier

Strengthened skin copes better with UV radiation and is less irritated. Choose products with ceramides and Centella Asiatica – These ingredients help rebuild the skin's protective barrier, which is crucial in the prevention of hyperpigmentation. Regeneration of the skin barrier reduces inflammation, which can lead to the formation of new hyperpigmentation.

• Serum HYDRA RELIEF EXPERT was created for acne-prone, combination and oily skin. Has a regenerative, soothing effect and counteracts the formation of imperfections, taking care of the balance of the skin microbiota.
• Serum HYDRA RECOVERY EXPERT with a formula designed for dry skin that requires deep hydration and restoration of the natural protective barrier. Intensely moisturizes, nourishes and regenerates the skin, restoring the desired comfort.
• Cream SAY HI(DRATION) – An all-day lightweight moisturizer that cares for deep hydration without weighing down the skin, while the natural, simple formulation promotes the restoration of the hydrolipid barrier and allows free blending with other active ingredients.

See also: S.O.S for skin: How to deal with skin problems in emergency mode?

Summary: Bet on prevention and conscious care

Without daily sun protection, even the best and most expensive products to lighten hyperpigmentation may not be very effective, and may even worsen the problem. Summer is a time of intense exposure to the sun, but it is also the ideal time for prevention – a time when the skin needs special care. Your skin will surely thank you and will soon repay you with an even tone and a healthy glow!