Freckles, Age Spots, Moles, Etc


Perfect Skin is Uncommon

Only a very few people in our world have perfect skin; and they usually abuse it by overexposing it to sunlight in pursuit of that "perfect tan."


Most of us were born with imperfect skin, and have freckles, moles, precursors to age spots, etc (an age spot should be called a sun spot since age spots are caused by the sun). You had nothing to do with the perfect or imperfect skin you were born with (just like you had nothing to do with your height, eye color, hair color, etc). Your individual physical characteristics are unique to you; no one on Earth has the same skin condition/pigmentation as yours. You were made by God, and God doesn't make junk!


Freckles, moles, age spots, etc are usually seen on people with Skin Types I and II, infrequently on Skin Types III, and almost never on Skin Types IV, V, and VI. Visit: Determine Your Skin Type. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds make these skin conditions more noticeable; and if you have had enough sun to make these skin conditions more noticeable, you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. There is an easy answer to these skin conditions: Don't suntan!




Freckles

Freckles are clusters of concentrated melanin (skin pigment that gives skin its color) which are most often visible on people with a fair complexion. A freckle is also called an "ephelis." Individuals with Skin Types I and II are particularly likely to have freckles. UV–light accentuates freckles, which are light brown patches, usually less than one–quarter inch in diameter. They are found on the skin of individuals mostly with red or blonde hair, and blue or gray eyes.


Individuals with freckles have no choice in tanning; they must use a sunless tanning lotion or self tanner. These individuals' skin is so sensitive to UV–light that ANY exposure during mid–day hours will result in instant burning.


TanSome Sunless Tanning Lotion - Freckles

There is a direct relationship to appearance of freckles with exposure to sunlight. In fact, an increase in size, number, and darkness of pigmentation occurs significantly during the summer months. During the winter months, freckles tend to disappear. Freckling occurs because the body produces the dark pigment melanin as protection against sunlight.


Genetics plays a large role, and individuals of Celtic descent are most likely to have freckles. Age can also play a role, with freckles first appearing about the age of five, and eventually disappearing as a person becomes older. The best way to manage freckles is to avoid direct exposure to the UV–light (sun and tanning bed). Wearing protective clothing is also recommended.




Age Spots

Age spots are also known as brown spots, liver spots, lentigos, lentigines, and sun spots. They are all the same, but for some unknown reason, have different names.


What causes age spots? The sun does! Age spots are flat, brown to dark brown, and vary in size from a small pea to a dime. They usually are somewhat round and have irregular borders. They are found on chronically sun–exposed areas such as the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms, and the back of hands.


Age spots have nothing to do with how old you are, they are directly associated with the cumulative effect of sun exposure you have been exposed to in your life. The pigment producing cells in the skin (called melanocytes) are activated to produce more pigment (melanin) by ultraviolet rays. While these spots are not themselves cancerous, you may be at risk for skin cancer if you have them.


TanSome Sunless Tanning Lotion - Age Spots



As you age, your skin is subjected to more and more sun damage. Your skin has what is called "melanin pigment" which absorbs sunlight and helps naturally protect your skin from UV–rays. As you age, your skin's natural ability to fend off UV–rays from the sun begins to deteriorate, and as a result, you see the development of age spots.


Age spots increase with age (since you have more accumulated UV–light exposure) and with increased sun exposure. It is important to know that if you've had enough sun to develop age spots, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.


If you see any pigmented lesion on your skin, the most important thing is to not assume it is benign. If you notice a lesion on your skin, especially if it has any changes in color or shape, you should see a dermatologist to determine if it is cancerous or something to be concerned about (read more about this at Skin Cancer Early Detection).



Melasma

Melasma, or (chloasma,) or the (mask of pregnancy) as it is also called, is another skin condition that discolors the skin with tan or brown spots. Melasma is worsened by UV–light exposure. It is most commonly found among women, especially pregnant women or those taking hormone replacement therapy medications.


Generally, the symptoms include dark patches and spots on the cheeks, nose, forehead or upper lip. They may develop and worsen over time. Melasma is a purely cosmetic concern, though any unusual spotting should be diagnosed by a dermatologist to determine if it is skin cancer.


Genetics, hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) and extrinsic factors (such as sun exposure) are thought to be the cause of melasma. Hormones stimulate the production of melanocytes, the pigment–producing cells in our skin, as they become exposed by the sun. The increased melanin production causes the spotting we see with melasma.


As with most skin conditions, the sun doesn't help melasma; it worsens it. Wearing sun–block with both UV–A and UV–B protection will help protect your skin and diminish the factors contributing to a worsening of your condition.




Cancer

Skin cancer is the result of heavily–overexposed UV–light. It results from too much sun or too much time in a tanning bed. Tan skin from UV–light is not healthy skin. For a better understanding of how UV–light can cause cancer, read Skin Cancer from Sun.