IPL is the go-to treatment for solar lentigos. These dark spots that often appear on areas of the skin that are exposed to UV may not be a cause for skin cancer concern. But, let’s face it, they look very unsightly.
Solar
lentigos commonly appear on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. They often are
mistaken for freckles. However, they usually have a darker shade than other
freckled spots on the face.
Who is prone to solar
lentigos?
Men and women with both fair and dark skins can develop these spots. And usually these spots appear in greater sizes and numbers among older people. Yes, you’ve guessed it! The primary cause of sunspots or solar lentigos is not only excessive sun exposure, but also tanning beds.
How it happens
Let’s explain the process. Sunlight strikes your skin. Consequently, your skin responds by releasing melanin in an attempt to block off the harmful UV and protect your skin. Then the melanin produced by your skin ends up concentrated over one area. Spots that are tan, black, or brown appear, which can spread out or become darker over time.
Alas,
age spots may also be genetic. Other causes include radiation exposure and certain
forms of phototherapy.
Types of solar
lentigo
While most solar lentigos are benign, do get those dark spots checked out by a dermatologist. Reason being, solar lentigos may be an early form of melanoma.
Solar
lentigos usually appear on the epidermis – where malignant cells lie. These are
often found on frequently damaged parts of the face, particularly the high
points of the nose and cheeks.
Treatment
Generally, IPL is the go-to treatment for solar lentigos. This minimally invasive treatment allows for the specific targeting of damaged skin cells. It uses different wavelengths of light to deliberately damage and eliminate these spots.
But
the best advice yet is: be sun smart.
