Freckles and age spots both involve brown skin spots, especially on the face. However, they are typically referred to, treated, and thought of differently. Age spots and freckles do have some similarities; however, they are two different types of hyperpigmentation that can be treated similarly.
What Makes the Skin Darken?
The skin darkens due to damage to the skin cells, especially the cells that produce melanin or pigment. Everyone has a regular pigment that his or her skin produces, whether fair or dark skin. When the skin cells' DNA becomes damaged, either due to the sun, trauma, or age, then melanin production can be damaged. This can lead to hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
What are Freckles?
Freckles typically are small and occur on those who have fair skin, especially red-headed people. They typically occur on children and fade as a person ages, although a person with hereditary freckles can have them for his or her whole life. Sun exposure typically causes them; therefore, the more time someone spends in the sun, the more freckles they will get. The freckles may also become darker after spending time in the sun without broad sunscreen protection. Freckles tend to be an inherited trait, especially as they go hand in hand with other hereditary traits, including red hair and fair skin. For those where it is inherited, the appearance of freckles is inevitable, however, consistent use of sunscreen can help to minimize just how many and how dark they will be.
What are Age Spots?
Age spots tend to be bigger than freckles and occur due to aging, as the name implies. They can also be slightly raised. Typically, age spots occur on the hands and face rather than the entire body - unless you've experienced a severe sunburn on your back or shoulders, then dark spots can appear in these areas as well. Although sun exposure plays a significant role in the development of age spots, they tend to occur due to the deterioration of the skin cells that is part of the natural aging process. The more time a person has spent in the sun, the more damage to their cells, which is why age spots are connected to sun damage. The years of sun damage can lead to more melanin production in a certain area, causing an age spot. This is why wearing sun protective clothing, as well as broad-spectrum sunscreen, is vitally important from an early age.
The Difference Between Freckles and Age Spots
The main difference between freckles and age spots is the age of the person and the size and location of the spots. Freckles are small, can appear anywhere, and are directly attributed to sun exposure in those susceptible; they are also inherited. Freckles can appear on anyone of any age, especially children. Age spots are not hereditary, can occur to anyone of any skin type, tend to develop on the hands and face, can also be larger in size, and begins to be noticed in middle age.
Treatment of Dark Spots and Freckles
Whether a dark spot due to sun damage or freckles from the same or genetics, there are only two ways to minimize their appearance. Prevention with the use of sunscreen year round and generously applied every two hours and using a dark spot treatment. Make sure the sunscreen you are using blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that the treatment for dark spots is one that is effective with skin lighteners such as Vitamin C and licorice root extract. Do you have a question about your scar or dark spot? Leave a comment, and we’ll be happy to answer.
As you age, certain changes to your skin are almost inevitable, such as wrinkles and age spots. Although you cannot completely avoid the natural aging process, there are certain actions you can take to prevent and mitigate the problem.
Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin with years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. The use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.
By recognizing what causes age spots, you can reduce your risk and find the right product to reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin.
Age spots are small to medium brown spots that appear on the skin, primarily the face and hands, as you age.
They are often referred to as liver spots. They are caused by UV damage to the melanin production of the skin cells, which causes certain skin cells to appear darker than others.
Age spots can range in size between miniscule to more than a 1/2 an inch, and will appear as tan, brown or black in color. They can also group together, which creates a more significant appearance.
They are typically harmless and benign, making them mostly a cosmetic problem. However, if an age spot grows or changes rapidly, then you should get it checked out by a dermatologist to ensure it is not cancerous.
Here are some examples of what age spots can look like: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-age-related-growths
The main difference between freckles and age spots is the age of the person and the size and location of the spots. Freckles are small, can appear anywhere, and are directly attributed to sun exposure in those susceptible; they are also inherited.
Freckles can appear on anyone of any age, especially children.
Age spots are not hereditary, can occur to anyone of any skin type, tend to develop on the hands and face, can also be larger in size, and begins to be noticed in middle age.
Freckles are small brown spots on your skin, often in areas that get sun exposure. In most cases, freckles are harmless. They form as a result of overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for skin and hair color (pigmentation). Overall, freckles come from ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulation.
There are two categories of freckles: ephelides and solar lentigines. Ephelides are the common type most people think of as freckles. Solar lentigines are dark patches of skin that develop during adulthood. This includes freckles, aging spots, and sunspots. The two types of freckles can look similar but differ in other ways such as their development.
Read: What's the Difference Between Freckles and Age Spots?
Age spots develop due to excess UV exposure, either from the sun or tanning beds. They appear in the areas that have been most exposed to the sun, including the face, hands, and shoulders.
Melanin is the pigment in skin cells that provides it with its color. UV light accelerates the production of melanin, which is what leads to tanning.
However, the UV rays also damage the skin cells. Over time, this damage alters the production of melanin in the skin cell, causing a high concentration of melanin in a particular area, which creates age spots.
Age spots are more common in those with pale skin, but those with a darker skin pigment can also develop age spots, as well.
Once you do begin to develop some unsightly age spots, you can start treatment to reduce their appearance.
The best way to treat age spots is prevention, which includes wearing sunscreen whenever you are in the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and other excess exposure to UV rays. If you already have developed age spots, then you can treat them with a skin-lightening cream.
Avoid dangerous and potentially toxic ingredients such as kojic acid and hydroquinone when choosing skin-lightening creams. Instead, choose all-natural ingredients, such as licorice root extract and vitamin C, which will lighten the skin and keep it healthy.
These creams lighten the skin gradually and take time.
If the age spots do not respond to treatment, then you can discuss more invasive procedures, such as laser therapy or dermabrasion, with your doctor.
The dermatologist may suggest one of the following procedures:
These procedures all carry risks and can scar the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a specially trained dermatologist should perform them.
These removal techniques can also make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Anyone who has undergone one of these procedures should take extra precautions in the sun and follow their doctor’s advice.
Topical creams can also reduce the appearance of age spots. Research suggests that creams containing one or more of the following ingredients may help:
Just remember, that it takes time for the skin to heal and return to normal once you have begun treatment.
Age spots don't require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
It's best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if a spot:
You can take precautions when you are young to avoid getting age spots as you age.
1. Avoid direct sunlight. Depending on where you live, the sun is at its worst at certain times.
2. Use sunscreen while in the sun, which has broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30 or higher. If out in the sun for longer periods, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours according to
3. Cover, cover, cover - wear hats and clothes protecting your skin from the sun, and baseball caps and sun visors don't count. They don't cover enough of your skin.
Consider wearing clothing designed to provide sun protection. Look for clothes labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 to get the best protection.
Age spots are not cancerous. They can sometimes resemble skin cancer types, so it is important to be aware of the differences.
Age spots can look like actinic keratosis (AK) growths, which are precancerous. However, age spots are flat, while AK growths usually feel rough.
If a person suspects they have AK growths, they should visit a doctor for an examination.
Have a question about your scar or dark spot? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!
Try InviCible Primer & Corrector today!
Ref.: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sun-protection
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323287#home-remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-freckles#freckles-vs-moles
Getting your daily recommended 30 minutes of activity every day is no simple task. For many, workouts are scheduled before morning commutes, during lunch breaks, or later in the evening.
Balancing a jam-packed professional and personal life with a quest for health and fitness is no easy feat, and sometimes, it requires cutting corners.
Here are some great tips for making the most of your time.
It is not necessary to remove your makeup before you work out. Most facial skincare products contain more natural ingredients which are lighter by nature.
If you wear a heavy moisturizer or makeup, that is a barrier on the skin that prevents the evaporation of water (sweat).
If you don’t have time to remove your makeup before your workout, or you’re uncomfortable going bare-faced, try to wear a tinted moisturizer and waterproof mascara rather than your full makeup routine.
If you like using dry shampoo, apply it before your workout so it will absorb oils and grease. Dry shampoo cannot soak up all the dampness caused by sweat. And many shampoos have a very high alcohol content which will dry out your hair.
Spray a generous amount of dry shampoo onto the areas that get wet the fastest, such as the hairline and the base of your neck.
Dry shampoo will add volume and texture to your hair, so you won’t have to worry about styling it after an intense workout.
Make sure you pick a dry shampoo that works well with your hair type and will last all day.
Do not touch your face during your workout because your hands are dirty, and you might get a bacterial infection. So deliberately keep your hands off your face while working out.
Don’t wipe or rub your face against your clothes, as it can lead to rashes and itchiness. Instead, use a soft towel and pat it on the skin to get the sweat off.
It seems obvious to drink water during a workout. This hydrates your body and helps you have beautiful skin to hydrate. As the saying goes: "Beauty is from within" and is never truer.
One of the major skin concerns people have when it comes to working out is breakouts.
Have you ever forgotten to wash your face after a run and allowed the sweat to dry? Notice how hours later, if you go to wipe your cheek, you’ll see how perspiration cakes onto your skin. This can cause breakouts and irritation.
As you exercise, sweat, oil, and dirt can build up and eventually clog your pores. This can lead to acne, unwanted skin irritation, and, in severe cases, facial scarring. To prevent this from happening, wash your face gently after workouts.
Washing your face can help stop breakouts before they happen.
Don't rinse your face with hot water. Hot water will open your pores and make your face redder. Think cool, so cold water will cool you off as well as get rid of the redness of your face after exercising.
During a workout, your face might turn red from the exertion. Spray a hydrating and cooling toner on your skin to calm it down. The benefit of a skin toner is it acts as a moisturizer for your skin.
Or, wash your face with cold water. Very refreshing.
If you don’t have time to shower immediately and need to be somewhere in about a short time.
Bringing a pack of deodorant wipes or cleansing wipes with you when you're on the go for workouts can help you feel refreshed after sweating. A quick wipe-down will help you quickly remove the odor from your body and leave you feeling fresh. You can swap your gym towel for a cleansing wipe and pat down your face, chest, and neck.
Avoid breakage and creases in your hair by pulling your hair back in a loose ponytail or low braid, especially when wet. Try to avoid tight elastic hair ties. These can cause hair to break, hair to fall out, and cause headaches. Use hair ties that are gentle, such as spiral hair ties or scrunchies.
Exfoliate your skin gently, apply serum, and at the end, apply moisturizer on your skin with a cooling gel can also be effective.
Or if you use InviCible Primer, all you need to do is spray a cooling toner, add some facial oils (if that is your routine) and then apply InviCible Primer as your Vitamin C and moisturizer.
We also recommend immediately following up with a medical facial primer such as InviCible, which helps smooth imperfections and dark spots.
Again, this might be overkill. But once we get busy with our day, we could forget to drink more water to keep hydrating our skin and our body. So keep that water flowing past your lips.
Vitamin C has long been known for its health benefits when taken orally as part of a balanced diet. It is essential for making collagen, an important protein that keeps our skin youthful and vibrant.
Every woman who tries to keep up on the latest beauty tips and tricks knows the positive effects of vitamin C on the skin.
Most women find that topical vitamin C brightens their complexion and takes off years of aging from their face. Women clearly want that type of anti-aging effect.
Without vitamin C, collagen isn’t as healthy as it could be. The skin doesn’t look as plump as it used to and fine lines can turn into deeper wrinkles.
There are two ways vitamin C gets into the skin:
In recent years, Vitamin C has taken the skincare industry by storm, becoming a staple ingredient in many skincare products. Let's look closer at how Vitamin C originated in the skincare industry and why it has become such a popular skincare ingredient.
The use of Vitamin C in skincare dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations utilizing citrus fruits and other Vitamin C-rich sources for their skin-enhancing properties. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that Vitamin C started gaining attention in the skincare industry.
In the 1970s, dermatologist Dr. Sheldon Pinnell conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of Vitamin C on the skin. His studies showed that Vitamin C protects the skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to premature aging. This discovery opened up new possibilities for incorporating Vitamin C into skin care products to promote healthy skin.
One of the challenges of using Vitamin C in skincare is its stability.
Vitamin C is highly unstable and can degrade when exposed to light, air, and water, making it difficult to formulate into skincare products. Unfortunately, many forms of C are unstable and become oxidized when exposed to moisture in air.
You can tell when this happens because the product turns brown. Oxidized vitamin C is not effective and provides no benefit to the skin.
When using Vitamin C in skincare, it's important to consider factors such as concentration, formulation, and stability.
Vitamin C is most effective when used in concentrations of 10% or higher, but higher concentrations may not be suitable for all skin types. Additionally, it's crucial to store Vitamin C products in opaque or airtight containers to protect them from light and air exposure, which can degrade the ingredient.
It's also recommended to start with a lower concentration if you are new to using Vitamin C in your skincare routine and gradually increase as your skin becomes accustomed to it. Patch testing is also recommended to check for any potential skin sensitivity or reactions.
However, advances in technology and formulation techniques have made it possible to create stable Vitamin C derivatives that are suitable for topical application.
These derivatives, such as L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, are commonly used in skincare products due to their ability to deliver the benefits of Vitamin C to the skin effectively.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells, leading to premature aging and dark spots. Vitamin C can neutralize these free radicals, helping to protect the skin and prevent further damage.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also inhibits melanin production, the pigment that gives color to our skin. By inhibiting the production of melanin, vitamin C can help to lighten dark spots and even out the overall complexion. This is why it is often found in products that are marketed as "brightening" or "lightening."
When it comes to natural skincare, there are a number of ingredients that can help to brighten and even out the complexion. Some of the most popular natural ingredients for addressing dark spots include:
When combined with vitamin C, these natural ingredients can work together to brighten and even out the complexion for a more youthful, radiant look.
Another benefit of topical vitamin C is that it can help to reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of acne and other skin conditions. It can also improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Vitamin C has become a star ingredient in various skincare products, including serums, moisturizers, toners, and even cleansers.
Skincare brands often highlight the use of Vitamin C in their products, and consumers are increasingly seeking out skincare products that contain this powerhouse ingredient. With its proven skincare benefits and versatility, Vitamin C has become a must-have ingredient in many skincare routines.
In conclusion, Vitamin C has become a game-changer in the skincare industry. Its origin can be traced back to the groundbreaking research of Dr. Sheldon Pinnell and has since become a staple ingredient in many skincare products. With its antioxidant properties, brightening effects, and collagen-boosting benefits, Vitamin C has gained popularity among skincare enthusiasts worldwide.
