4 steps to treat moles, freckles and blemishes –

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Spots, freckles, stains. A good part of the pigmentation alterations that are present in your skin today are linked to the amount of sun you took in the first 20 years of your life. Before you blame your parents for taking you to the beach every vacation, how about tackling the problem the right way, with products that lighten, even out and protect your face? “But remember that any blemish should be seen by a dermatologist to rule out the risk of skin cancer”, warns dermatologist Flávia Novis, from Rio de Janeiro.

Vitamin C

In the morning, bet on creams or serums that contain vitamin C. “In addition to antioxidants (they fight free radicals), they have photoprotective and whitening functions,” says Flávia. Even those who suffer from melasma – a type of stain that is difficult to treat, usually linked to hormonal factors – benefit.

Colored sunscreen

Choose a filter with high SPF (protection for UVB rays) and PPD (protection for UVA) and that comes with color, as the pigments shield the skin against visible light, which is also responsible for dark spots.

Depigmenting

“The combination of retinoic acid, hydroquinone and corticoid is still the gold standard for treating dark spots, but requires a medical prescription”, says Flávia. At the pharmacy, look for serums that contain kojic acid, phytic acid, arbutin, hydroquinone and vitamin C, good adjuvants for whitening.

nutraceuticals

“Some pills are useful in preventing and controlling spots, as they provide antioxidant and photoprotective actives, such as Polypodium leucotomos, pycnogenol, betacarotene, lutein and lycopene”, says Flávia. Use daily or before and during the exposure period, as indicated.