As the name suggests, sunspots are brown-colored spots that appear on the skin of people as a result of the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Although the most important factor in the emergence of sunspots is the sun, some changes in the hormones in the body and processes in the metabolism can also cause sunspots. Although the main reason varies from person to person, sunspots are caused by the accumulation of melanin pigment, which is not congenital but gives the skin its color, in a certain area more than normal and more than it should be. If we say why more melanin is produced in stained areas, the most important reason for this is the sun, namely ultraviolet (UV) rays. Because the task of melanin is to give the skin its color, as well as to protect the subcutaneous tissues from UV rays. For this reason, as a result of intense UV exposure or accumulation over years, genetically predisposed individuals may experience staining. On the other hand, pregnancy, drugs, some diseases and cosmetics can cause staining by increasing light sensitivity.
MELASMA
Pregnancy and the use of birth control pills in women are obvious factors that change the functioning of hormones. Unconscious and excessive exposure to the sun’s rays, especially during pregnancy or the use of birth control pills, can trigger the formation of sunspots.
freckles
Freckles are spots in the form of small brown spots that appear on the skin, in which genetic predisposition plays a major role. Freckles are more common in people with structural features such as light skin, red or blond hair, and colored eyes. Freckles become more prominent in the spring and summer months when the sun’s rays are more active, and they mostly appear on areas where sunlight is more in contact, such as the face, back and shoulders, and upper face of the hands.
BIRTH STAINS
Birthmarks, the cause of which are not yet fully known, are types of birthmarks, as the name suggests. It can be caused by pigments or veins that give the skin its color. The face, neck, nape and arm-leg areas are the areas where birthmarks are most common. Birthmarks can be in many different colors, such as white, pink, red, light brown, purple, depending on their type.
HOW DO SUNspots, freckles, and birthmarks go away?
Although sunspots, freckles and birthmarks are skin problems that do not pose a serious health problem to the person in general, the spots in the face area can disturb people aesthetically. These aesthetic concerns can negatively affect the psychological and social life of the person. Before starting the treatment of blemishes, the correct diagnosis of blemishes must be made by a dermatologist. Determining whether it is a sign of a serious disease is of great importance for the patient. After the examination, treatment should be planned according to the type of stains. The treatment plan is determined according to the structural characteristics of the person and the characteristics such as the location of the spot that creates the skin problem, its width, depth under the skin, and its prevalence.
TREATMENT METHODS USED IN SKIN STAINS
1. Chemical Peel
2. Enzymatic Peeling
3. Laser spot treatment (Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser)
4. Stain Mesotherapy
5. Medical treatment
1. CHEMICAL PEELING
Chemical “peeling” is the use of one or more chemical agents in varying concentrations on the skin; It is an application method that aims to create controlled damage to the skin at superficial, medium and deep depths and to reveal a healthy skin. The aim of chemical peeling is to cause damage to the desired depth in the skin layers and to provide the treatment of various lesions by taking advantage of wound healing during regeneration. It is done in the winter months and fine wrinkles are treated as well as the stain.
2. ENZYME PEELING (LIGHT PEELING)
Darkening of the skin color is caused by the overproduction of melanin pigment in the skin. Enzyme peeling reduces the formation of melanin in the skin by suppressing the tyrosinase enzyme, which causes the secreted melanin to turn into a dark color. An effective treatment is provided by lightening the color of the stained areas on the skin. The mask applied to the face by the specialist doctor in practice conditions remains on the face for 8-10 hours. At the end of this period, the person cleans the mask from the skin by washing it with soap without rubbing it at home, and continues the treatment with a personalized follow-up kit. Peeling, which starts from the 2nd day, lasts about 7-14 days and intense moisturizing and sunscreens are used until the peeling is over. After the peelings are over, the treatment is continued for 6 months with a follow-up cream. It is followed up with a follow-up call at intervals of 1.5-2 months. According to the condition of the spots, the use of cream is adjusted in consultation with the patient. As long as the follow-up cream is used, sunscreens are also continued. Because the most important step of the treatment is protection from the sun. Even after all applications are finished, a sunscreen with a high protective factor should be continued to be used continuously. People with stain problems should pay attention to the protection measures, otherwise it should be noted that the stains may recur.
What are the Advantages of Enzyme Peeling Application?
• It is very effective and safe in stain treatment,
• Results are obtained in a short time,
• The application is painless,
• It can be applied to every skin type,
• Since it contains mild peeling active substance, its side effects are minimal.
What are the Side Effects of Enzyme Peeling Application?
After the application, peeling, tightness and dryness may occur on the skin, these effects usually disappear after 2 days. Moisturizing and sunscreen creams should be used on the skin for rapid healing of redness and peeling.
Who Is Enzyme Peeling Not Applied?
• Allergic to any ingredient in the products,
• Those with chronic skin disorders,
• Active herpes or infection in the application area,
• During pregnancy and lactation,
• Having an open wound in the application area,
• This treatment is not applied in patients with rosacea (rose disease).
3. HOW IS LASER STAIN TREATMENT APPLIED?
Different lasers can be used in spot treatment. Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser, which are frequently used in these laser systems. The spot is treated by peeling the skin with fractional system lasers (Co2 Fractional Laser, Thulium Smart Laser, etc.).
Q-switched lasers (Fotona Starwalker Q-SW laser, etc.) are successfully used in the treatment of spots by destroying the melanin substance that causes the spot. These lasers are used for regional spots, freckle treatment and tattoo removal. There may be brown crusts lasting 3-5 days in the application area.
All laser spot treatments should be applied once a month during the winter months. At the end of the laser sessions, mesotherapy products or PRP can also be applied as a supportive treatment. During and after the treatment, the skin should be protected from the sun and sunscreens with a high protection factor should be used.
Co2 Fractional Laser
Co2 fractional laser beams are an effective treatment method that can affect both the top and bottom of the skin. It triggers collagen production by opening micro channels in the skin. It helps the skin to be tightened and regain its lively and bright appearance. It is also very effective in the treatment of skin blemishes.
Thulium Laser
Thulium smart laser is one of the most up-to-date laser technologies. It is a fractional laser with a wavelength of 1927nm. It has been used for the first time in the treatment of melasma since 2011. While a visible opening can be felt in the spots, the skin can shine, renew, decrease in fine wrinkles and narrowing of the pores may occur. Thulium laser treatment can be applied for conditions such as acne scars, scars and skin tightening, which are more common in young people. In the process performed with Thulium laser, unlike the applications made with other laser systems, it is aimed to eliminate the skin problem by pulling the healing cells called ‘macrophage’ in the person’s body to the problematic area with controlled minor injuries created on the skin, instead of breaking the spots on the skin.
Carbon Peeling
It is a procedure performed by applying carbon solution to the face with Q-switched lasers. Carbon peeling is a treatment method used especially in the treatment of removing skin blemishes, shrinking the pores on the skin, brightening the skin and rejuvenating it with its tightening power.
Are there any side effects of laser spot treatment?
Pain: There may be a feeling similar to the pain felt when a tire hits the skin during laser applications. Therefore, before the procedure, the skin is anesthetized with local anesthetic agents. In addition, the feeling of pain is tried to be reduced by cold air support.
Color change: Different color changes in red, brown and white tones can be seen in the treatment area after the procedure. Such problems usually resolve in a week. It can be covered with makeup.
Swelling: Temporary swelling occurs in the treatment area. In individual problems, improvement is usually seen in 2-3 hours. Bloating for up to 24 hours can be seen in common problems.
Temporary tone differences: This problem may resolve spontaneously or may require additional treatments in some cases.
4. HOW IS STAIN MESOTHERAPY APPLIED?
According to the type of stain, mesotherapy substances suitable for the stain are mixed and injected under the skin of the stained area by means of a fine-tipped injector. It is done with local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain. The process takes an average of 15 minutes. The most commonly used substances are vitamin C, multivitamin cocktails, retinoic acid, arbutin, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and tranexamic acid. Depending on the condition of the stain, 4-6 sessions are applied at intervals of 2 weeks. A slight redness may occur after the procedure, which usually disappears within a few hours. Do not exercise, take a hot shower on the day of the procedure; Care should be taken not to use alcohol and blood thinners.
When does the stain open after mesotherapy application?
After each session, a gradual opening is observed. Stain is not something that can occur easily, and it does not go away easily. Consistency in treatment is very important.
5. MEDICAL THERAPY
Creams used in the treatment of blemishes also have an important place in the treatment. The use of appropriate creams may sometimes be sufficient alone or they can be used in addition to other treatment methods. Creams containing vitamin A and glycolic acid, which have exfoliating properties, have an effect by peeling the top layer of the skin, while creams containing kojic acid, phytic acid, vitamin C, and hydroquinone reduce the production of melanin, which causes stains. The most important point in the treatment of blemishes is the use of sunscreen cream with a high protection factor during and after the treatment.
