Brown spots on the skin can be a cosmetic nuisance, especially when they are located in highly visible areas like the face and hands.
They are the most common type of spots, ahead of white and red spots, and are caused by skin hyperpigmentation. That is, an increase in melanin production that causes an area of skin to vary in color, shape, and texture.
Although in the vast majority of cases they don’t pose a health problem, it’s important to understand the different types of brown spots. Only then will you be able to recognize the warning signs and see a dermatologist for an evaluation.
Why do brown spots appear on the skin?
Brown spots on the skin often appear due to sun exposure, aging, hormonal disorders, and skin damage or injury. They can also occur due to exposure to other sources of ultraviolet rays, such as those from tanning beds.
In the case of skin cancer, it could be the result of a combination of factors. Beyond the sun, other environmental and genetic factors are also thought to contribute.
Types of brown spots on the skin
There are different types of dark or brown spots on the skin. Although the vast majority cause only cosmetic discomfort, others can pose a significant health risk.
Hence, the importance of checking your skin frequently and consulting a doctor as soon as possible if you find a suspicious spot.
- Sun and age spots
Lentigines are the most common brown spots on the skin and are divided into two types: solar lentigines and simple lentigines.
Solar lentigines are small areas of hyperpigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure, which is why they are also popularly known as sun spots.
Simple lentigines, or age spots, on the other hand, are related to changes in the skin resulting from aging that cause melanin to accumulate. They are also larger and flatter.
Both types of lentigines appear over time, increasing their presence in mature skin.
- Freckles
Freckles are the medical name for freckles. These brown spots are usually small and circular and are found mainly on the face and arms.
The main cause of freckles is exposure to UV rays, and they usually appear in people with fair skin.
It is important to ensure that they do not change color or shape.
- Moles
Nevi , commonly known as moles , are raised brown spots on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body. They can also occasionally be black.
Moles, in and of themselves, are benign. However, they can become malignant, so it’s essential to monitor any possible changes in their appearance.
- Melasma
Melasma is a brown spot that appears as a result of hormonal changes, for example, due to the use of contraceptives, pregnancy, or hormone therapy during menopause, and which worsens with sun exposure.
Melasma appears on the face, mainly on the cheekbones, above the lip (the ‘mustache’ area), and the forehead.
Sometimes these brown spots can disappear on their own when the hormonal factor that causes them is eliminated.
- Post-inflammatory spots
After a skin injury or inflammation, a dark spot often appears as part of the skin’s healing process.
These spots or marks are very common after the appearance of lesions in juvenile acne or adult female acne , as well as in rosacea .
However, they can also appear after a burn, folliculitis caused by hair removal, an insect bite, blisters, chafing, or any other skin injury.
These brown marks or spots usually fade and disappear over time, but sometimes they may not.
A common example of a post-inflammatory stain is the ‘mustache’ stain in women, which appears due to upper lip waxing.
The heat of the wax and the pulling are harsh on this already delicate area of skin. It’s also more likely to break out if proper post-waxing care is not followed and the skin is exposed to the sun.
It is therefore important to emphasize the importance of being careful when removing hair from this area, as these stains tend to be stubborn.
Sun exposure, aging, and hormonal changes are the main causes of the appearance of brown spots on the skin.
- Birthmarks
Brown spots on the skin that are present from birth can have very different appearances. However, they are usually irregular and can be found anywhere on the body.
Birthmarks are harmless, but should be checked for any changes.
- Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are spots that can range from light brown to black.
They have a waxy, scaly, and slightly raised appearance, so they may look like drops of candle wax spilled on the skin.
They may appear alone or several times and may be small or large.
On the back, brown patches of skin tend to be seborrheic keratoses. These can also appear on the face, neck, and chest.
- Actinic keratosis
An actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch of skin that typically appears in older people after years of sun exposure.
It can appear in a wide variety of colors, and can be brown, pink, or reddish spots.
They usually appear on the face (lips, nose, and temples), ears, scalp, neck, forearms, or the back of the hands.
They must be monitored because they can develop into carcinoma, which is why they are considered skin precancer.
- Carcinoma
Carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer. They usually appear as a brown or dark spot or a non-healing ulcer.
It is important to treat carcinomas early to prevent them from spreading to surrounding tissues or bones.
- Melanoma
Melanoma is a very aggressive type of skin cancer. Therefore, it’s vital to see a dermatologist immediately if a mole changes or if a new, unusual-looking pigmented spot or bump appears.
Brown spots on the skin: how to remove them?
There are different types of treatments for dark spots depending on the type of hyperpigmentation and its specific characteristics.
Many of these skin blemish treatments can be performed at home, while others are medical treatments that must be performed in specialized centers by expert professionals.
The most important thing is to check your skin frequently, know how to detect suspicious spots, and see a dermatologist immediately if you notice any warning signs.
- Depigmenting creams
Depigmenting creams or serums act on brown spots and irregularities on the skin, evening out the tone.
Kojic and azelaic acids are some of the most commonly used active ingredients because they help lighten the skin by treating hyperpigmentation.
It may be beneficial to combine these depigmenting products with others that include ingredients that promote cell renewal. For example, retinoids , hydroxylic acids ( glycolic acid and salicylic acid ), or active ingredients based on natural extracts such as prickly pear flower .
It’s also a good idea to include products with antioxidant properties and free radical suppressants in your skincare routine. For example, products with vitamin C and curcumin help even out skin tone and protect against future sun damage.
- Depigmenting medications
Hydroquinone cream is a medication that works by gradually decreasing the production of excess melanin that causes brown spots on the skin .
It should only be used under medical prescription and following the indicated guidelines.
- Chemical peeling
Chemical peels are treatments that combine different types of active ingredients (hydroxy acids and depigmenting substances) in high concentrations to achieve deep skin renewal.
This smooths out dark spots and creates a more even skin tone.
This type of treatment should only be performed by experienced dermatologists, as poor practice can aggravate existing spots and encourage the appearance of new ones.
- Laser
Fractional CO2 lasers and Q-switched lasers are the most effective for brown spots on the skin.
The CO2 laser works by creating tiny microscopic wounds so that the skin can react and renew itself. The Q-switched laser, on the other hand, targets pigmentation, causing the dark pigment to heat up and “break down.”
- Intense Pulsed Light
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment that also acts on the pigment in the different layers of the skin.
- Other treatments
For moles, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and carcinomas, treatments may include cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), scraping or curettage, laser therapy, or photodynamic therapy.
For moles and carcinomas, surgical removal may also be indicated, and for skin cancer, other types of surgery and treatments may also be recommended.
How to prevent skin blemishes?
The most important thing to prevent the appearance of brown spots on the skin is the use of sunscreen and protective measures (caps, hats, sunglasses, protective clothing, etc.).
Also, ensure adequate sun exposure, avoiding the hours when ultraviolet radiation is most intense.
Another fundamental measure is to have a good cosmetic routine. This is key for both those beginning to show the first signs of photoaging and the skin of older adults.
It’s also important to know how to treat common wounds and how to care for scars to promote the skin’s healing process and prevent permanent stains or marks.
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