These typically appear on the face, neck, backs of hands, arms, chest, and limbs. They are generally light brown, ranging in size from pinhead to rice grain or mung bean. Round or oval in shape, they often appear symmetrically or scattered and are influenced by temperature.They darken and increase in number during summer, while lightening and decreasing in winter. This condition is genetically linked.
2. Melasma
Characterized by symmetrical distribution, often forming a butterfly-shaped pattern on the cheeks. It may also spread to the forehead, cheekbones, nose, and around the mouth. These light brown or brown patches typically have distinct borders,with adjacent patches tending to merge. They cause no subjective discomfort. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are termed "lì hēi bān" (lì black spots), "huáng bù zhā" (yellow-brown spots), "gān bān" (liver spots), "qìn yù zhā" (pregnancy spots), or "hú dí zhā" (butterfly spots).
3. Melasma
Melasma commonly appears on cheeks, forehead, neck, backs of hands, forearms, and navel. These pinpoint or rice-grain sized spots manifest as dotted, reticulated, or patchy dark patches, darker and more intense than freckles. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is termed "facial dust."
4. Senile Spots
These yellowish-brown spots are slightly larger than freckles and commonly appear on sun-exposed areas, particularly the backs of hands, arms, cheeks, and forehead.
II. Causes and Analysis
Pigmentation remains a significant challenge in aesthetic treatment due to its prolonged course and complex etiology. Professional care regimens should therefore incorporate internal regulation.
External factors: Trauma, sun exposure, aging, improper skincare products, or post-peeling complications.
Internal factors: Genetics, disease, malnutrition, endocrine disorders, or pigmentation caused by certain medications.
1. Melasma
Melasma manifests as an external symptom of internal organ dysfunction.It may be triggered by emotional distress causing liver qi stagnation, physical and mental exhaustion, or menstrual irregularities in women.
2. Freckles Freckles are a hereditary, autosomal dominant skin condition. However, their development is linked to sun exposure and certain radioactive substances, necessitating diligent sun protection.
3. Senile Spots (Age Spots)
Senile spots, also known as seborrheic keratoses, are associated with declining skin physiological functions (reduced metabolism of oxygen, moisture, and hormones), lifestyle patterns, nutritional status, emotional well-being, physical activity, and overall health.
III. Care Principles
Promote facial blood circulation, inhibit tyrosinase activity, suppress melanocyte proliferation, reduce melanocyte metabolism, lighten pigmentation, prevent UV exposure, and brighten skin tone. Actively treat underlying health conditions, maintain positive mental well-being, follow a balanced diet rich in Vitamin C and B complex, and use skincare products appropriately.
Home Care Routine
1. Avoid sun exposure; discontinue birth control pills or sedatives.
2. Avoid excessive use of cosmetics, especially low-quality products.
3. Treat facial dermatitis promptly to prevent inflammatory hyperpigmentation; avoid steroid creams for facial conditions to prevent darkening.
4. Maintain emotional well-being and avoid fatigue or anxiety.
5. Consume foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, lemons, persimmons, and carrots.
4. Maintain emotional well-being; avoid fatigue and anxiety.
5. Consume foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, lemons, persimmons, carrots, pumpkin, and other fruits and vegetables.