Pigmentation & Sun Damage
About Pigmentation & Sun Damage
How does the skin become damaged by UVA exposure?
Sunbathing without SPF protection for longer periods of time means overexposure to UVA rays from the sun. UVA rays stimulate pigment cells called melanocytes to produce more melanin. Melanin is what gives sun lovers a tan, but overexposure to the sun can also cause melanin overproduction, resulting in unwanted dark patches (age spots).
Skin which is unprotected from UVA rays also ages much faster, with both drooping and wrinkles becoming more prevalent. This dry, flaky look is due to skin losing the essential oils and moisture that keeps it looking supple. Long-term and unprotected overexposure to the sun can also reduce the skin's ability to produce collagen - the main structural protein found in skin.
The best way to protect skin from sun damage, including age spots and early wrinkling, is to apply a moisturiser containing SPF protection daily. Nova Clinic has an excellent range of skin products with UVA protection which have been specially recommended by our expert dermatologists.
Other causes of Pigmentation changes
Melasma and patchy pigmentation can also be caused by hormonal activity, especially during pregnancy, and for those with hormonal imbalances. Often excess oil in the skin promotes pigmentation changes and this also needs to be managed in successful treatment.
Another common pigmentation complaint is post inflammatory pigmentation. When the skin is damaged through pimples, or skin breakages, the melanocytes through out excess pigmentation to protect the skin. The result, more common in darker skin types, is often dark spots or patches where prior trauma has occurred.