Sun-Kissed No More: Conquer Solar Lentigo

What is Solar Lentigo?

Solar lentigo, often referred to as "sun spots," "senile spots," or "age spots," is a common dermatological condition that can affect people of all ages and skin types. These benign pigmented skin lesions are primarily attributed to chronic sun exposure and can be a source of cosmetic concern for many individuals. The severity of solar lentigo can be influenced by factors such as skin type, genetics, exposure to UV rays, and protective measures. It's worth noting that older individuals are more susceptible to these spots due to prolonged exposure to UV rays compared to children or young adults. Additionally, individuals with fair skin tend to have a higher sensitivity to UV rays (Ortonne, J.-P. et al, 2006). These pigments appear as flat spots with colors ranging from yellow-brown to dark brown-black and are typically found in sun-exposed areas such as the face, back of hands, and occasionally the legs. The size of these pigments may increase over time.

How does it develop?

Despite being commonly called "senile spots," the primary factor behind the development of solar lentigo is UV radiation. UV radiation increases the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. With repeated UV exposure over time, localized areas of melanin overproduction can occur, leading to the formation of solar lentigo.

Understanding the Brothers and Sisters

Sometimes, we observe a mix of lesions on the face that can evolve from solar lentigo. Solar lentigo is recognized as the precursor to seborrheic keratosis, a benign tumor that thickens and undergoes changes in texture. Additionally, there's a variant of solar lentigo known as lichenoid keratosis, which may become inflamed but tends to gradually fade away.

Are Solar Lentigos Harmful?

Solar lentigos themselves are benign lesions and typically do not transform into malignant or cancerous growths. Nevertheless, the presence of solar lentigo serves as an indicator of photodamage and signifies an increased risk for the development of skin cancers like melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. These pigmented spots appear as flat areas with colors ranging from yellow-brown to dark brown-black and are commonly found in sun-exposed areas such as the face, back of hands, and sometimes the legs. Over time, these pigmented areas may increase in size. It is vital to remain vigilant for the development of new, irregularly shaped, or rapidly changing pigmented lesions. Consistent self-examinations of your skin and professional skin checks are paramount for early detection and prevention.

How Can We Assist You in Your Journey?

At dream clinic, our mission is to provide you with a range of treatments designed to complement your daily skincare routine, which you can easily carry out at home, as well as in collaboration with our dedicated team at dream clinic.

• Depigmentation Cream

We often prescribe depigmentation creams as part of your home care regimen to support the depigmentation process. These creams are applied both in the morning and at night to achieve the best results.

• Fotona SP Dynamis Nx Line and Fotona Starwalker PQX

Our cutting-edge laser treatments offer various settings tailored by our experienced doctors to meet your specific needs (Aktaş Karabay, E., 2018; Nam, J.-H. et al, 2017; Bui Manh, H. et al, 2020).

• Oral Sunblock

We understand that applying sunscreen daily can be cumbersome for many individuals. Our oral sunblock supplements not only enhance your skin's protective barrier but also help preserve your immune function. This makes them an excellent addition to your regular sunscreen routine.

• Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel

These procedures are designed to remove the outermost layer of skin, stimulating collagen production, and thereby reducing the severity of solar lentigo while enhancing overall skin texture.

Additional reads

In addition to causing unwanted pigmentation and lesions, it's important to note that UV rays are also responsible for a process known as photoaging. Surprisingly, there are still many who remain unaware that the idea of "healthy tanning" actually contributes to photoaging and premature aging. Photoaging manifests as rough, dry skin, uneven pigmentation, and the development of wrinkles. It's crucial to recognize the importance of avoiding excessive sun exposure and adopting sun-protective habits.

If you find yourself uncertain about the next steps to enhance your skin's condition, consider joining us at dream clinic. We are wholeheartedly committed to exploring and embarking on this journey towards achieving skin confidence alongside you, as always!

References

Aktaş Karabay, E. (2018) ‘A retrospective analysis of ER: YAG laser treatment in solar lentigines: Our clinical observations’, SiSli Etfal Hastanesi Tip Bulteni / The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Hospital [Preprint]. doi:10.14744/semb.2018.46548.

Bui Manh, H., & Le Thai Van, T. (2020). Laser 532-nm nd:YAG picosecond in treatment of solar lentigo and ephelides. Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, 72–77. https://doi.org/10.34071/jmp.2020.5.10

Nam, J.-H., Kim, H.-S., Lee, G.-Y., & Kim, W.-S. (2017). Beneficial effect of low fluence 1,064 nm Q-switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser in the treatment of senile lentigo. Annals of Dermatology, 29(4), 427. https://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2017.29.4.427

Ortonne, J.-P., Pandya, A. G., Lui, H., & Hexsel, D. (2006). Treatment of solar lentigines. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 54(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2005.12.043