Pigment spots, age spots and freckles: Causes and tips
How pigmentation spots develop and what you can do about them
Many people dream of flawless skin, but pigmentation spots, especially on the face, are normal for most people and not a health problem. Are you bothered by them and want to get rid of them? Find out which active ingredients can help to minimise pigmentation spots.
What are pigment spots?
Pigment spots are areas of skin discolouration that can appear anywhere on the body. They vary in shape, size, and intensity – sometimes round or oval, sometimes darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. When pigment spots are darker, they are referred to as hyperpigmentation; when lighter, they are known as hypopigmentation.
Common types of pigment spots include:
- Freckles
- Moles
- Birthmarks
- Age spots
- Melasma
What causes pigment spots?
Pigment spots that are darker than the surrounding skin result from an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour.
Ageing is a common cause of pigment spots. From around the age of 40, many people, particularly those with lighter skin, develop age spots often linked to prolonged sun exposure. Over time, repeated UV exposure can disrupt normal skin cell function, causing melanin-producing cells, or melanocytes, to cluster together and form visible spots.
Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, can trigger pigment spots known as melasma. These often appear on the cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth. The interaction of oestrogens and progesterone can increase melanin production, a process that UV exposure may intensify. Thankfully, melasma often fades as hormonal balance is restored.
Another common cause of pigment spots is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which occurs as a response to skin inflammation or injury. While this type of pigmentation typically fades over time, it can take several months or even years to diminish fully.
Freckles: A common form of pigment spots
Freckles are a common form of sun-induced pigmentation. They often appear in people with lighter skin and hair, especially in areas frequently exposed to the sun. The size and colour intensity of freckles depend on the strength and duration of UV exposure. Over time, freckles may naturally fade with age.
Applying sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) can help reduce the risk of developing sun-induced pigment spots and prevent existing ones from darkening.
When to see a doctor about pigment spots
Most pigment spots are completely harmless. However, it’s important to consult a doctor if you notice changes in their size or shape, if they begin to itch, or if raised areas develop. Distinguishing between pigment spots, birthmarks, and potentially malignant skin changes can be challenging, so regular dermatological check-ups are recommended.
A helpful guideline for assessing skin discolouration is the ABCDE rule.
- A = Asymmetry: Spots that are uneven in shape, such as being irregularly round, oval, or elongated, could indicate a malignant change.
- B = Border. Irregular edges, including feathered, blurred, jagged, or uneven borders, should be examined.
- C = Colour. Uneven colouring, with areas that are lighter or darker, may need closer attention.
- D = Diameter. Spots larger than 2 millimetres should be monitored, especially those that grow quickly or exceed 5 millimetres in size.
- E = Evolving. Any noticeable change in size, thickness, or appearance should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Home remedies for pigment spots
If you’re exploring home remedies for skin discolouration, such as pigment or age spots, patience is key. Consistent and prolonged use is necessary to see results. Even with seemingly gentle, natural ingredients, skin intolerances may occur, so always test a remedy on a small, sensitive area, such as the neck or behind the ear, before applying it more broadly.
- Potatoes contain an enzyme (catecholoase) that may help lighten skin and reduce pigment spots. Cut a slice of potato and gently rub it onto the affected area. Leave it on for a few minutes to before rinsing to allow the remedy to take effect. Repeat several times a day.
- The enzyme papain in papaya juice may help to reduce brown spots. Puree a small amount of papaya pulp and apply it to the spot once daily. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing to allow it to take effect.
- Dab a small amount of apple cider vinegar (ACV), diluted with an equal part of water, onto discoloured spots several times daily. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow it to take effect before rinsing. The acetic acid in ACV may help lighten pigmentation.
- Apply freshly grated horseradish to the discoloured area, cover with a damp cloth, and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing to allow it to take effect.
Melanin production is the skin’s natural defence against UV rays. Reducing pigmentation can lower this protection, increasing the skin’s sensitivity to sun damage. To protect your skin, avoid direct sun exposure and/or apply sunscreen after using remedies that lighten specific areas. Home remedies should only be used on small, targeted spots, not over large sections of skin.
Weleda Blue Gentian Facial Care for Pigment Spots
Weleda Swiss Natural Science has succeeded in increasing the skin's collagen content by 60%1 and even reducing deep wrinkles with its new firming facial care product.
At its core is the patent-pending Collagen+ Active Complex, a powerful blend of blue gentian, edelweiss, and centella asiatica. Harnessing the resilience of blue gentian and edelweiss – plants that thrive under the intense mountain sun of the Swiss Alps – the Collagen+ Active Complex was developed in Weleda’s laboratories in Switzerland. Organic edelweiss extract strengthens the skin barrier and helps slow visible signs of ageing, while organic blue gentian enhances skin firmness. This innovative formula visibly reduces pigment spots and promotes a more even complexion. Skin compatibility has been dermatologically confirmed.
1In-vitro-Test
