Sunlight can cause sun spots and hyperpigmentation. This is in a way that extended exposure to the sun can aggravate the effects of age spots and pigmentation of the skin. This happens when the skin absorbs too much ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays are needed by the body in stimulating vitamin D. Too much ultraviolet rays causes skin injury and aging.
An effective answer against the sun’s harmful rays is using sunscreen. Sunscreens work by reflecting or absorbing the extra UV rays that the body doesn’t need. There are two types of ultraviolet rays that sunscreens inhibit,
UVA and UVB. UVA causes melanoma while UVB is responsible for sunburn. The problem with some sunscreens is the fact that most does not absorb UVA which is more harmful than UVB, and UVB is blocked by some sunscreens. In choosing the best sunscreen, especially for people who already have age spots and hyperpigmentation, what should be put in mind?
The first thing to do is to identify what your skin type is. There are 6 skin types according to Fitzpatrick (1975).
Type I (1-5 von Luschan scale) very light (celtic/Nordic)
Type II (6-10 von Luschan scale) light
Type III (11-15 von Luschan scale) light intermediate, dark skinned European
Type IV (16-21 von Luschan scale) dark intermediate, Mediterranean
Type V (22-28 von Luschan scale) dark/ brown type
Type IV (29-36 von Luschan scale) very dark/black
Then, take note of the activities you’ll be doing while wearing sunscreen, be it walking, jogging, swimming or sun bathing. After that, you can decide on what brand or type of sunscreen you will buy or use. But you also have to look at its Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF, the better the protection it gives to the user. SPF levels can go up to SPF 50. The effectiveness of sunscreens also depend on its components so look for avobenzone, ecamsule and zinc oxide on the ingredients list of your sunscreen.
Sunscreens come in a variety of lotions or creams. Most whitening lotions have SPF, so they qualify in the sunscreen category. But it is best to use plain sunscreen for optimal protection. It is up to you to find what would be the best sunscreen suited for you, your skin and your lifestyle.
Also remember, sunscreens are not the cure for age spots and pigmentation. The only thing that sunscreens can offer to people with age spots or hyperpigmentation is preventing it from getting worse. It is suggested to see a dermatologist when it comes to age spot removal.
