By MARK ALVARADO

Whether you’re a beach bum or you’re somebody who prefers sunny days over any other weather, you may well be aware of the dangers of extreme sun exposure. Aside from skin burns, you may suffer from other types of dermal conditions such as sun spots and melasma. The affectations of sun exposure can vary from person to person, but there are several risk factors that people should be aware of.

According to dermatologists, here are some of the risk factors for skin spots and melasma:

• Old age – as people age, the skin becomes less elastic and may even lose its pigment components such as melanin. As a result, skin pigmentation problems can happen such as sun spots and melasma.
• Fair skin – people with fair skin are more prone to having sunspots. Fair-skinned individuals have lesser melanin compared to their dark-skinned counterparts, leaving them with less protection from sun exposure.
• Outdoor preferences – people who work or enjoy outdoors are also at high-risk for skin damage. Continuous exposure to the sun brings damage to the epidermis layer and causes the skin to have breakage and spot pigmentation.

What are some treatments that can help individuals with sun spots and melasma? Read further to find out the best treatment for you.

How To Safely Treat Sun Spots And Melasma

1. Spot treatment in small areas of the body – Some individuals may feel self-conscious especially if melasma is present in highly visible areas such as the face. There is something called cryotherapy offered in some dermatological clinics nationwide. Cryotherapy is done by freezing the skin using liquid nitrogen. The skin’s exposure to liquid nitrogen causes it to harden, freeze and break off, bringing in the new cells for regeneration.
2. Application of creams and topical products – An easier procedure that can be done is through the topical application of creams. Upon your consultation with the dermatologist, they may give you prescriptions to medications such as Triluma. Triluma is a topical treatment that reduces the appearance of brown spots or melasma in your face or body. An additional tip that would help you purchase prescription drugs for a better price is going to websites such as SingleCare. SingleCare offers a Triluma discount card to help you save if you will be using the medication regularly. You can make use of the Triluma discount card in participating pharmacies near you.
3. Laser treatment for melasma and sun spots – Laser treatment is a breakthrough technology in healing skin ailments such as sun spots and melasma. The laser works by placing the skin under an intense amount of light with a different wavelength to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation. Additionally, the laser helps in stimulating the skin beneath which helps in the rejuvenation of the skin cells. Laser treatment has many benefits as well such as precise treatment and lesser healing times.

Ways to Prevent Further Sun Damage

Now that you are aware of the different treatment options for melasma and sun spots, further avoidance of these factors can help you avoid the reappearance of these pigmentations.

1. Always use your sunblock – When going outdoors, it is best to use the highest amount of SPF especially during summer days. Also, check the labels and see if there are UVA and UVB protection which helps your skin stay protected against the harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are outdoors for a leisurely time, do not forget to reapply your sunblock every 3-4 hours or depending on package instructions.
2. Use appropriate protective clothing – If constant exposure from the sun cannot be avoided during your work hours, it is best to make use of protective clothing such as long-sleeved breathable shirts, pants, and a hat. Although it may seem uncomfortable when the weather is especially hot, it is definitely worth it to protect your skin.
3. Consume a lot of skin-enriching foods – Eating a large amount of skin-enriching foods can keep it healthy and glowing. Food items such as carrots, eggs, green tea, walnut, avocado, and papaya contain vitamins and minerals that help in keeping the skin soft and supple.
4. Have a regimen for your skin – If you have successfully gotten rid of sun spots, it may be easiest to keep a regimen to maintain healthy skin. For example, you may start by having a gentle foaming cleanser, a toner, and a moisturizer to keep your skin smooth and youthful.

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About Mark Alvarado

Mark Alvarado created this post to help people who may be suffering from sun spots and melasma. As a passionate writer, he has visited many countries and helped people save money by bringing in actionable tips for travelers.