Skin blemishes
The scientific names for these are ‘pigmented lesions’ or ‘hyper-pigmentation’ which include freckles, ‘age spots’, ‘liver spots’ and some birthmarks.
In fact, apart from those you may have been born with, the others generally result from over-exposure to the sun and not from ageing as is usually believed.
In order to protect itself from the sun’s effects, your skin produces an excess of melanin, the pigment which gives your skin its colour. Where this occurs, instead of your normal healthy skin colour, a deeper brown mark or patch occurs. This can be on the arms and hands – where they usually appear first because these parts of your body are most exposed to the sun – but also on your face and, less commonly, on your chest, back or legs.
In many cases, the blemishes are tolerable but if they are in the wrong place or you feel they make you look older, then you may want them treated.
You appearance can be improved by lightening the dark spot and, often, it is possible to eliminate it entirely.
Treatment can be done by IPL, with a beam of high intensity light being directed at the blemish. This breaks down the melanin without damaging your skin, reducing the concentration of it. Many patients describe the sensation as being like the snap of a rubber band as the beam strikes the blemish. Most people find this easily bearable.
Treatment takes 15-45 minutes and usually 1-3 sessions are required. There is usually no pain afterwards though it is important to screen the affected area from the sun’s rays for some weeks.
You may find the information on these pages useful Intense pulsed light (IPL), Microdermabrasion, Glycolic peels.
Keep young and healthy looking
Stay out of the sun
Say no to cigarettes
Eat those antioxidants
Vital vitamins - Vitamin C is particularly important for firm, supple skin because of its use by the body in the growth of collagen
Fats - All parts of your body need essential fatty acids (EFA) and your skin is no different. Oily fish, nuts and seeds help to keep your EFA levels up.
Sleep – try to get 8 hours a night on a regular basis