A doctor at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital is examining a patient with melasma - Photo: Provided by the hospital.
Skin is a crucial factor affecting a woman's appearance. However, age spots and freckles darken the skin, impacting aesthetics.
Ms. N.D. (35 years old, Thu Duc) said she was worried about freckles and age spots appearing early in middle age, so she regularly takes care of her facial skin, buying and using moisturizers and sunscreens continuously.
However, recently, she has been experiencing dark spots on her face again. Despite applying various creams, the dark spots persist, causing Ms. D. to lose confidence.
Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , Dr. Tran Nguyen Anh Tu, head of the cosmetic dermatology department at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, said that skincare, especially using sunscreen regularly to prevent freckles and age spots, is not enough.
This also depends on choosing a good sunscreen product that suits your skin type, meets broad-spectrum sun protection standards, and protects your skin from the harmful effects of both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.
In addition, the amount applied each time must be thick enough (on average 2mg/ cm² of skin) and the application method must be correct, such as repeating every 2 hours if remaining outdoors for an extended period.
In addition to using sunscreen, other mechanical measures should also be combined, such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, and limiting exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.
Most importantly, the causes of melasma are very complex, involving a combination of factors such as genes, hormones, inflammation, oxidative free radicals, etc., and not solely due to exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight.
Melasma is caused by oxidative free radicals, or ROS. Vitamins such as vitamins A, C, and E play a role in counteracting ROS, helping to limit and support the control and treatment of melasma.
However, the causes of melasma are complex and multifaceted, therefore vitamins A, C, and E cannot completely prevent melasma.
To prevent melasma or other skin pigmentation disorders, Dr. Tú recommends a proper skincare routine and limiting direct exposure to sunlight.
Regularly use moisturizers and broad-spectrum sunscreens to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays and environmental pollution.
In particular, avoid using active ingredients that irritate the skin, as this will cause an inflammatory reaction that damages pigment cells and leads to dark spots and blemishes.
Consult a dermatologist at reputable hospitals and medical facilities as soon as you notice new melasma appearing. Early and proper treatment will help you quickly regain healthy and beautiful skin.
Can taking birth control pills cause melasma and age spots?
Dr. Tú stated that there have been many reports of melasma appearing on the cheeks after using older generation progestin-based birth control pills because progestin stimulates the synthesis of levonorgestrel, which in turn stimulates pigment cells to produce melanin.
In most cases, melasma appears early, about 2-3 months after using the medication.
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