Dark spots and sun exposure

Dark spots are caused by an excessive production of localized melanin, called hyperpigmentation. Prolonged exposure to the sun throughout one’s life, and especially sunburns, tend to favor their appearance.

The appearance of pigmentation spots is triggered by the skin’s defense mechanisms against sunburn. Indeed, to protect itself from UV radiations, the skin tans by producing melanin. After years in the sunshine or following prolonged exposure, melanocytes can produce a local surplus of melanin, which creates dark spots. So as you can see, the appearance of sunspots, dark spots, lentigo or pigment spots on the face, neck and décolleté as well as on the hands, is directly linked to the duration and frequency of sun exposure without adequate protection.

Furthermore, some skin phototypes are more prone to hyperpigmentation than others. Dark spots are obviously more visible on very light skins, and they tend to appear more frequently on Asian skins and affect specific areas on darker skins.

A little known – but very important – fact is that sunburns during childhood are known to favor the appearance of pigmentation spots later on!

That’s why it’s essential to protect children from the sun at a very early age, and it is recommended to use a special sunscreen that acts on the mechanisms that lead to dark spots.

An adapted sun protection is key to prevent the appearance of dark spots.

Use a very high protection sunscreen to prevent dark spots, to avoid accentuating existing ones and even brighten them.

Institut Esthederm researchers have developed two sun protection products that prevent the appearance of dark spots on the face and body, and help reduce those already visible.

Photo Reverse is now available in two versions, regular and tinted light beige, to suit your preference. It immediately gives a healthy glow, smoothes and evens out the complexion and protects the skin from blue light, a factor contributing to hyperpigmentation.

*Test carried out in South Africa on 30 women - aged between 25 and 65 - with pigmentation spots. Application of Photo Reverse cream under normal conditions on the face, neck and décolleté at least once a day (until day 12), then at least twice a day and every 2 hours in case of sun exposure for 8 weeks (May 2019, Institut d’expertise clinique (IEC) – Lyon, France).