Ask any woman about her skin and chances are she’ll complain about pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Now, while you have the time before heading back to those long busy days, it’s time to address these issues.

WHAT CAUSES DARK SPOTS
Discolouration is the result of hyperpigmentation (caused by the sun) or melasma (brought about by hormonal changes). If skin that’s prone to either condition is exposed to UV rays, melanocytes (pigment cells) in the epidermis signal melanosomes (located in the pigment cells) to churn out melanin. This pigment is what appears on your skin as an uneven, dark splotch.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Brown Patches
Tiny spots in random areas are most likely hyperpigmentation. If you see larger ones on your upper lip, cheekbones, forehead and nose, you probably have melasma.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels caused by pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause are common triggers of melasma.
Genetics
If melasma is in your family, you have a better than average chance of getting it.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Use A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily
Sunblock that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30 can help halt the overproduction of melanin.
Ask A Dermatologist About Bleaching Creams
Only a doctor can prescribe a hydroquinone product to help reduce the amount of pigment your cells produce and lighten spots.
Try A Glycolic Peel Or Microdermabrasion
Having either treatment once a month can help even out your skin tone by sloughing dead, discoloured cells and stimulating new cell generation, says Dr Natela Rekhviashvili from the Radiance4U Clinic in Dunkeld, Joburg.

Words: Dailyfix
Image: Website