Creams and treatments to get rid of spots on the face –

Spots are among the biggest concerns of women who go to the dermatologist – they are second only to acne and ringworm. No wonder: they can appear long before you turn 30! At the age of 20, small and irregular brown spots (solar melanoses) appear in those who abused the sun.

Young girls who take the contraceptive pill may notice the appearance of spots that usually mark the cheekbones, forehead or upper lip due to the action of hormones (melasma). And those who were born with dark skin can suddenly notice a new dark mark after taking a mosquito bite or the healing of a very inflamed pimple.

“Up to the age of 25, there is greater homogeneity in the distribution of pigment in the skin. After that, the color of the face starts to become irregular”, explains Sandra Hugenneyer, specialist by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology. Lucky for us, there are good solutions to make the skin more uniform. Know what your weapons are and consult a dermatologist to choose the ideal treatment for you.

Why do they appear?

Stains are the result of overproduction of melanin, a type of pigment that gives color to the skin. The sun is one of the main responsible for this lack of control. Even in melasmas, in which the major trigger is the hormone, ultraviolet rays aggravate the situation. Therefore, SOLAR FILTER is a keyword in the prevention and also in the treatment of this problem. Think about it: since you’re going to spend the tubes (literally) with creams and consultations, it’s worth taking care of the protection to maintain the result.

The manipulated creams

They are one of the first choices of dermatologists. After assessing your skin, the doctor prescribes a formula specifically for you. Most depigmenting substances interfere with the mechanism that regulates melanin synthesis. Other actives are capable of absorbing and controlling the distribution of this pigment in the skin. In manipulated ones, the concentration of active substances is higher than in traditional cosmetics. That of hydroquinone (a classic to treat stains), for example, is between 2 and 5%. In products sold in pharmacies, it is no more than 1%. This translates to faster and more noticeable results. See the most used assets.

1. Hydroquinone it is still the most prescribed. It inhibits the action of tyrosinase, an enzyme related to the production of melanin. It should be used for a maximum of nine months, as it can cause irritation in those with sensitive skin.

2. Idebenone, new darling of experts, has a lightening effect as powerful as hydroquinone. Better: it is safer, without so many adverse reactions.

3. Kojic acida depigmenting agent derived from rice, promotes a lighter result.

4. Clarinskin II It is extracted from wheat germ and also controls melanin synthesis. Highlight: it is released for use in pregnant women, a very rare advantage in the world of whitening creams.

5. Cosmocair C250 it balances melanin production and regulates its transfer to keratinocytes – cells of the epidermis. 6. Nano White, an active that associates arbutin (depigmentant of plant origin) with other ingredients with an antioxidant effect, such as glutathione and vitamins C and E.

Benefits: in addition to the depigmenting substances, the manipulated ones can contain solar filter and ingredients that fight aging, dryness or excess oiliness, all in the same pot. Disadvantage: they are more unstable and therefore last less time. Keep an eye on the expiration date.

Serial superficial peels

Of the treatments carried out in clinics, they are the most suitable for blemishes, as they only remove the superficial layer of the skin – the deeper ones can worsen the problem. Some actives of serial superficial peelings (done with intervals of 15 days between one application and another) are the same as those of cosmetics. What changes is the concentration: a cream manipulated with retinoic acid has 0.01% to 0.1% of this active, while a peeling, for example, has 1 to 5%. They do not cause pain or take the patient out of circulation. After the first session, the skin becomes slightly red and, after three or four days, it may flake, but discreetly. Meet three new anti-stain peelings.

ICP (Innovation Concept Peel)

It is a mixture of several acids, such as salicylic (removes the superficial layer of the skin), retinoic (activates cell renewal) and kojic (has whitening action), in high concentrations. The doctor runs a thin brush over his face as if it were a mask. The patient goes home and removes the PCI after four hours.

Number of sessions: from one to three.

Price per session: on average 300 reais.

Belides

It is the commercial name of the peeling made with daisy flower extract (Bellis perennis). In addition to containing polyphenols and flavonoids, substances with an antioxidant effect, this active ingredient interferes with the production and distribution of melanin.

Number of sessions: from four to six.

Price per session: on average 200 reais.

amelan

First, in the office, the dermatologist applies a cream with kojic acid, azelaic acid and hydroquinone, associated with alpha-chymotrypsin, a substance that enhances the effect of these depigmentants. Then the product, in a weaker version, is used at home for a year.

Number of sessions: four.

Price per session: between 400 and 600 reais. The maintenance cream costs around 500 reais and lasts between 40 and 60 days.

Benefits: results appear faster than with the use of creams. Because they are gentle peelings, you don’t need to stay at home, soaking, until the skin recovers. Disadvantages: as the applications are done in several sessions, they require a lot of trips to the office. Attention: this requires a certain discipline from you for the treatment to give a good result.