Skin is the most sensitive human organ, more than others in contact with the environment. Due to constant exposure to negative external factors, the outer layer of the skin hardens and dies.
Skin cells are constantly renewed, but over the years the aging process becomes more intense. To slow down aging and accelerate skin renewal, whitening peeling is used. It is carried out using different methods both in a beauty salon and at home.
Causes of pigmentation
The shade of the skin depends on 3 pigments, the main one of which is melanin. It protects the body from overheating and burns by absorbing ultraviolet rays and reducing their harm. Therefore, if the concentration of melanin is normal, the skin acquires an even tan.
Excess pigment (its accumulation in certain places of the skin) leads to the appearance of individual pigment spots, which are also called melasma. Most often they occur in open areas: face, décolleté, hands.
A decrease in melanin in the skin is called hypopigmentation. Not dark, but light areas appear on the skin. A striking example is vitiligo.
Doctors believe that hyperpigmentation is caused by the following factors:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, liver;
- diseases of the thyroid gland and nervous system;
- gynecological problems;
- hormonal changes, including those associated with menopause, pregnancy, and the use of certain contraceptives;
- metabolic disorders associated with a lack or excess of vitamins and microelements;
- prolonged exposure to sunlight;
- taking certain medications;
- age-related skin changes;
- genetic predisposition, etc.
Attention! Most often, age spots occur in pregnant women and women who sunbathe a lot.
Hyperpigmentation, not associated with diseases of the internal organs, is not dangerous to health. But many women are embarrassed by spots on their faces and seek to remove them in a cosmetologist's office. Before starting to eliminate a cosmetic defect, a specialist will order an examination, find out the cause of pigmentation, and also determine the type of melasma:
- lentigo is a benign dark brown spot that has a clear round or oval shape. There are 3 types, of which only one - juvenile (simple) lentigo - is not associated with sun activity;
- chloasma - yellow, brown and dark brown spots with jagged edges. They arise due to pregnancy, diseases of internal organs, and tanning. It is chloasma that is most often called pigment spots;
- ephelides are nothing more than freckles that most often appear on fair-skinned, red-haired people. Associated with pigment metabolism disorders;
- Nevi are raised growths on the skin, better known as moles. They are related to pigmentation because they are a collection of pigment cells. Under unfavorable conditions (including due to sunburn), melanoma (skin cancer) can develop from harmless moles;
- age spots. Appear on the face and hands after 35–45 years. To prevent this from happening, you need to protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation from your youth. Our compatriots call age-related changes “buckwheat,” and in France they came up with a synonym for this phenomenon: “death daisy.”
Sometimes dark spots (so-called stagnant spots) appear on the site of squeezed pimples. This is due to increased melanin production.
Some peelings help to cope with the problem.
Methods for removing age spots
Independent attempts to get rid of a defect are justified only if the external causes of the defects are precisely known and not dangerous. In other cases, only a dermatologist should decide how to remove age spots on the face. First, the factors that provoke the accumulation of melanin in the skin are determined. Their elimination, correct therapy of internal diseases, will ensure normalization and uniformity of the color of the epidermis.
To speed up skin restoration, various external methods are used. They stimulate cell renewal and lighten age spots on the face; a specialist should also advise how to get rid of them using modern cosmetology.
Recommended methods:
- special creams and serums;
- whitening pharmacological preparations;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- natural compositions (folk recipes);
- salon procedures.
Indications for use and effectiveness
One of the purposes of peeling is whitening and evening out skin tone. It is indicated for pigmentation, uneven complexion, and is suitable for lightening freckles and post-acne, marks from squeezed pimples. It is very difficult to remove age-related melasma with peeling.
As a result of the procedure, the keratinized cells of the epidermis, in which pigmentation disorders most often occur, are exfoliated. This layer gives way to a new one. Some medications slow down the production of melanin, which provides the skin with an even tone.
To regenerate the skin, cosmetologists most often recommend doing a medium peel. This depth of exposure is usually sufficient to eliminate the defect. Superficial cleaning is considered less effective, and deep peeling is fraught with the appearance of scars and is rarely used against pigmentation.
The process of getting rid of age spots from the skin is planned for autumn and winter. In the spring-summer season, peeling can provoke the appearance of an additional “scattering” of dark spots that appear under the influence of active sun. The number of sessions depends on the complexity of the problem. Usually 4–10 procedures are required if the peeling is superficial. The interval between them is from 1.5 to 2 weeks. For mid-cleaning, the interval increases to 1–2 months, and the number of sessions is reduced to 1–3.
Attention! Peeling for hyperpigmentation is effective if the cause of the problem is not related to diseases of the internal organs. Otherwise, melasma may appear again.
Professional whitening
Professional whitening is divided into two types: with and without activation of the bleaching solution by light. The active substance is always the same: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The only difference is in concentration: with light activation it is 25%, and without activation - 40%. The most expensive and effective whitening method - ZOOM - is performed with lamp activation.
Until recently, it was considered quite painful and was performed under anesthesia (ZOOM 2 and 3 generations), but with the advent of ZOOM 4 it has become practically painless, since it uses a gel with a high ph, and it is activated by a cold light lamp (there is no painful heating ). Chemical bleaching without light activation (for example, Opalescence), despite the highest concentration, is cheaper, but may not be effective enough.
Preparatory stage
Skin lightening by an experienced cosmetologist is preceded by a preparatory stage. It includes taking tests and undergoing a medical examination.
The specialist needs to make sure that you have no contraindications to peeling for age spots. The cosmetologist will explain in detail how to behave while waiting for the procedure:
- use special creams (moisturizing creams containing fruit acids - depends on the type of peeling chosen);
- apply sunscreen cosmetics;
- use home peelings;
- do not sunbathe, do not visit the solarium;
- a couple of days before the session, refrain from scrubbing and cleansing the skin with other means, especially aggressive ones.
Some medications and alcohol reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and have a bad effect on the skin restoration process. This is especially true when performing medium peeling. Therefore, strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations if he advises you to stop drinking alcohol and taking medications for several days before and after the session.
Peeling at home
Using whitening peels on your own is a budget-friendly alternative to removing age spots in a salon. For this, some girls buy professional chemical preparations with acids. Such experiments can ruin the skin.
For each type of peeling there is a special protocol, and cosmetologists undergo special training, giving them the right to work with certain solutions. Therefore, the best options for your own safety are purchasing cosmetics designed for home use, or preparing whitening mixtures for pigmentation with your own hands.
Ready-made drugs
The assortment of this category is varied. Here are just a few remedies:
- Whitening peeling Natura Siberica White Face Peeling with raspberries. In addition to the main component included in the name, the drug contains extracts of camel and meadowsweet. Active components have a versatile effect on the skin: renew, moisturize, tone and soften, and also nourish. Acids gently exfoliate dead epidermal cells. Peeling not only whitens the skin, but also increases its elasticity and reduces the severity of wrinkles. Has an antibacterial effect. The drug is applied to the face, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. After 5–7 minutes, rinse the skin with warm water. To avoid an unexpected reaction, the peeling is first tested on a small area of the epidermis. For several days after using a whitening product, you need to protect your face with SPF 30 or higher cosmetics. Raspberry remedy from Natura Siberika is sold in 150 ml tubes and costs from 300 to 500 rubles.
- Whitening peeling tonic of the Ideal whitening series from Belita Vitex . Contains lactic, citric acid, bearberry extract and other substances. “Smart” lightening technology promotes the penetration of active components into the skin and their effect on problematic pigmented areas. The tonic evens out the skin tone, gently exfoliates the epidermis and whitens freckles and age spots. Application: moisten the cosmetic disc with the product and cleanse the face. Cost: about 160–170 rubles per 150 ml tube. The Ideal Whitening series also includes serum, mask and creams. All this is recommended to be used in combination.
- Whitening peeling series White Linen from Floresan . Small particles of silicon exfoliate the skin and even out its texture. Renewal and brightening of the dermis is provided by acids (citric, lactic), plant extracts (calendula, green tea, string, flax seeds, parsley, etc.), as well as oils and other ingredients. The peeling is distributed over pre-moistened skin with gentle circular movements and gently rubbed for 1-2 minutes. Wash off with warm water. Frequency of use: 1–2 times every 7 days. The product is suitable for any type. Costs about 100 rubles. 100 ml tube.
Folk recipes
The following home peels are suitable for lightening pigmentation:
- Oatmeal . Grind 1/4 cup of flakes, mix with 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice. Distribute over the skin with massaging movements. After drying, rinse with warm water.
- Kefir . Combine 50 g of slightly warm fermented milk product with crushed aspirin and vitamin C tablets (10 pieces each). Leave on your face for a few minutes, then wash off. Each time, slightly increase the peeling time. If desired, apply only to pigmented areas of skin.
- Almond-lemon . Pour boiling water over half a glass of almonds. Let cool slightly. Drain the water and grind the nuts in a meat grinder. Add 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and kefir. Massage over the skin, paying attention to pigment spots. After 5 minutes, rinse off.
Advice. Also popular are products based on vinegar, bodyagi, and parsley juice. After peeling, use a nourishing mask or moisturizer. The frequency of procedures is 2–3 sessions per week.
We solve the problem with the help of traditional medicine
“Grandma’s” methods are no less effective than salon procedures, but not as expensive.
If you need to whiten certain areas of your skin, I suggest you pay attention to the following products and plants:
- parsley;
- onion;
- lemon;
- potato;
- fresh cucumber;
- dairy products;
- red and black currants;
- dandelion.
Based on them, you can prepare effective masks, creams and tinctures that will destroy pigmentation of the skin on the face.
Parsley toner and mask
The tincture, beneficial for the skin, is prepared quickly and stored in a closed glass container for 5 days.
Wash, dry and finely chop a bunch of parsley (70-100 g). Pour 500 g of boiling water. After 3 hours, strain the broth.
Strain, cool, pour into a convenient container. Using a cotton pad, wipe your clean face with this toner three times a day.
Prepare a mask: wash 30 g of fresh parsley, chop finely, and grind with a mortar until the juice appears. Add 20 g of cottage cheese, preferably homemade, and 20 g of starch. Apply to areas with pigmentation for half an hour. Rinse off with warm water.
Lemon juice is an excellent whitening agent
The easiest way to get rid of dark spots on your face is with lemon water. Mix 10 ml lemon juice and 100 ml warm boiled water. Using a cotton pad, wipe the dark areas of your face with this water several times a day.
As an option, make a whitening mask. You will need one tablespoon each of corn flakes and water, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Combine all ingredients and stir until a thick paste forms. Apply for half an hour. Rinse off with warm water.
Cucumber is an excellent tonic and whitening agent.
A decoction of cucumber peel cleanses well and removes age spots. Pour 50 g of thinly sliced peel with a glass of boiling water. After 12 hours, strain. Wipe your face every morning.
Masks made from fermented milk products
Curdled milk, homemade milk, cottage cheese and kefir perfectly lighten the skin. I offer 3 recipes that can be used not only if you have age spots, but also to moisturize and nourish the skin. Masks should be applied after a steam bath. 15 minutes - and wash off.
- Combine a tablespoon of kefir with 30 g of small oatmeal and one yolk.
- Mix 30 g of cottage cheese with 20 ml of lemon juice.
- 20 ml of curdled milk and the same amount of finely grated potatoes. If the mixture is too runny, add a tablespoon of flour.
Onion decoction
Peel one large onion and cut in half. Boil 50 ml of water. Throw the onion into boiling water and cook for 5-10 minutes. Cool the broth. Wipe your face as often as possible throughout the day.
Red and black currant mask
Berries will help whiten age spots on the face. Take a teaspoon of black and the same amount of red currants and chop. Combine with a tablespoon of thick honey. Apply the mask to your face. You can wash your face after 15 minutes.
You can use another recipe: pour 50 g of grated berries with a glass of boiling water. Leave covered for 4 hours. Use water to wash your face morning and evening.
Lotions and treasures from dandelion leaves
Dandelion is an amazing plant that contains many microelements beneficial for the skin. Its leaves can whiten age spots in just 15-20 procedures.
Prepare a toner to use after morning and nightly cleansing.
Grind 50 g of dandelion leaves, combine with a tablespoon of lemon juice and 100 ml of water. Leave for a day in a glass container with a closed lid. Strain and use.
A mask made from dandelion leaves and fresh finely grated potatoes is good at eliminating age spots on the face. Mix an equal amount of ingredients, say 30 g each, and apply to clean skin. 20 minutes - and wash off.
Potato peeling
Grate one large potato on a coarse grater. Add the yolk and 50 g of corn flour. Apply the mixture to well cleansed skin. After half an hour, wash your face and use a rich nourishing cream.
IMPORTANT!!!
These folk recipes should be used daily, for at least a month. Only in this case will the age spots “go away”. After one or two procedures there will be no result. Recipes can be alternated with each other.
Salon treatments
There are several options for removing age spots. The methods are not universal and have contraindications. Rehabilitation periods differ. An experienced cosmetologist will suggest a suitable option, taking into account the type and condition of the skin.
Chemical peels
They are considered the most popular for eliminating age spots. They are carried out using acids of different concentrations. Most often, experts offer patients a median cleansing. Depending on the active chemical, the following types of peeling are distinguished:
- Retinoic . another name for yellow. Exfoliates and brightens with retinoic acid. A positive result lasts up to six months. Disadvantage: allergenicity.
- Dairy . It has a gentle effect even on dry, sensitive skin, whitening age spots. It also tightens pores and fights increased oiliness of the epidermis.
- Pyruvic . Penetrating into the dermis, it normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and lightens pigmentation.
- Almond . Gently affects problem areas. It belongs to the category of gentle procedures.
- TCA peeling. Trichloroacetic acid does not whiten age spots, but starts an active skin renewal process.
There are other types of peels in this category: glycolic, salicylic, etc.
Mechanical peelings
This type of cleansing is not suitable for those with dry, sensitive skin. In addition to lightening age spots, mechanical peeling fights wrinkles, scars, and tightens the epidermis.
For whitening, cosmetologists offer coral peeling . Cleanses and refreshes the skin thanks to abrasive particles - crushed corals. Contains oils, seaweed. Suitable for allergy sufferers.
Hardware peelings
They are carried out using special equipment. It has the following varieties:
- laser - laser beams remove pigment spots at the cellular level, preventing their reappearance;
- carbon - combines laser and chemical exfoliation. During peeling, a special composition is applied to the skin, then the face is treated with a laser. The procedure has a short recovery period;
- ultrasonic - whitening components penetrate the skin under the influence of ultrasonic radiation.
Attention! Such procedures are carried out strictly according to protocols. The average price for professional skin cleaning in Moscow is from 2–4 thousand rubles.
Becoming more beautiful is easy
Chemical exfoliation, used to slough off the keratinized epithelium, somehow has an effect that evens out skin tone. The following types of acid peeling are successfully used to lighten pigmentation:
- glycolic;
- salicylic;
- phytic;
- almond;
- lactic.
It should be remembered that this cosmetic technique will be effective in eliminating problems with age spots only under the following circumstances:
- You will not take risks and will have the procedure performed by a professional in a medical facility;
- You will not hide important facts: for example, pregnancy or an incomplete lactation cycle, chronic diseases.
- Set yourself up for thorough home skin care after the procedure using recommended products;
- You will be able to provide yourself with protection from ultraviolet radiation (one of the reactions during cell regeneration may be increased release of melanin);
- Please be patient, because the result is not visible immediately, and if the problem spreads deeply, you may need to repeat the session or add other cosmetic procedures.
There can be a huge variety of reasons for the appearance of pigmentation, we talked about this in the article “Pigment spots on the body: causes and treatment.” The approach to combating this phenomenon begins with studying many individual characteristics. Therefore, it is better to decide the fate of this inconvenience under the supervision of a specialist. Application in In this regard, chemical peeling is an affordable and simple technique that copes with many aesthetic imperfections and is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Dear readers, depending on your requests, the goals you set when working to improve your appearance, and in accordance with your financial capabilities, a professional cosmetologist selects a therapeutic program to eliminate pigmentation individually.
Further care
The main rule of skin care after any peeling is: touch the treated area as little as possible. On the first day, do not wash your face; forget about decorative cosmetics for a few days. Moisturize the skin, but not excessively, so that this does not interfere with the process of exfoliation of the dermis. Do not remove loose flakes of dead skin. The process of skin regeneration should occur naturally.
Protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation, frost and strong wind. Do not go outside without sunscreen cosmetics, do not sunbathe or visit a solarium. It is also worth temporarily avoiding swimming in the pool and physical activity.
Cosmetics for skin lightening
An effective modern procedure is to use a laser to whiten facial skin. Many aesthetic medicine clinics or online beauty salons have special devices for resurfacing the skin or carefully removing its rough top layer. Getting rid of dead cells allows you to even out your skin tone and achieve noticeable lightening.
You should be careful with tablets and creams imported from China and Thailand. Local girls have had a cult of white skin for centuries, and nowadays manufacturers of cosmetic products actively take advantage of this.
Many creams contain mercury, which is poisonous to humans. Its permissible limit is exceeded thousands of times compared to its European and American counterparts. Of course, mercury gives a quick lightening effect, but when it accumulates in the skin, it poisons the body. The composition of the tablets with instructions written in hieroglyphs is a complete mystery that it is better not to try on yourself.
In beauty salons you can make a peeling or mask based on patented foreign cosmetics, but a whole course is needed to achieve the goal. Salon treatments are not cheap, so it is better to take care of your skin at home by choosing a suitable cream or mask made from natural ingredients.
Precautionary measures
After peeling, patients most often see a red face in the mirror, which may itch and ache. Often there is a feeling of tightness of the skin. After a few days, the epidermis begins to peel off. It can be active or not very active (depending on the characteristics of the dermis and the depth of the peeling effect).
The unpleasant symptoms of the first few days must be endured, using remedies approved by the doctor to alleviate the condition. If you see that the skin renewal process is taking longer, the itching, redness and pain do not go away, contact the doctor who performed the procedure.
Attention! Each type of peeling has its own rehabilitation period. Be sure to check this point with your cosmetologist.
Lightening age spots is not suitable for every woman. Most often, a ban on whitening peeling is associated with the patient’s health condition. The procedure is contraindicated in the following cases:
- oncology (malignant tumors);
- viral diseases;
- diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
- disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, liver;
- diagnoses affecting the cardiovascular system;
- viral diseases;
- helminths;
- various damage to the skin (cuts, inflammation, etc.);
- exacerbation of herpes;
- pregnancy;
- lactation;
- intolerance to certain ingredients;
- menstruation period (mild contraindication), etc.
The ban applies to salon peelings, and in some cases, to professional whitening cosmetics used at home. The use of traditional recipes, as a rule, is limited only by allergies to any components.
Peeling for whitening facial skin at home: reviews, before and after results
Results after a whitening peel usually appear immediately:
- Spots, scars, scars and freckles become lighter;
- Wrinkles are tightened;
- The elasticity of the dermis increases.
After carrying out a whole course of procedures over 2-3 months, it is possible to achieve complete lightening of all the above-mentioned shortcomings.
Opinion of cosmetologists
Skin whitening is one of the most common reasons why women turn to a cosmetologist. The specialist will recommend the type of peeling to solve the problem.
Many cosmetologists adhere to the traditional opinion that pigment spots should not be lightened in spring and autumn.
At the same time, there are many supporters of another point of view, which claims that peelings are not contraindicated all year round.
The key to success in this case, according to professionals, is compliance with all rehabilitation rules.
But regarding freckles, as one of the types of skin pigmentation, experts are almost unanimous. Cosmetologists advise not to fight ephelides, since the result will be short-lived and a lot of effort and money will be spent.
Whitening pastes
Many people think that they can simply whiten their teeth using a special whitening paste. Here again, the so-called “smoker’s effect” is at work: if you smoke a lot and drink liters of black coffee every day, then perhaps you will see an immediate effect and it will suit you.
But you need to keep in mind that most often whitening toothpastes have a very high RDA index (abrasiveness index). They consist of small granules that literally “scrape off” the surface of the enamel. If you use this paste constantly, you can “acquire” increased sensitivity, erosion or wedge-shaped defects in the enamel. Whitening toothbrushes work on the same principle—mechanical abrasion.
What if you are still not satisfied with your natural teeth color and after professional hygiene you decide to have it whitened at the dentist’s office?
Patient reviews
Many girls note the effectiveness of salon procedures in the fight against hyperpigmentation. The author of this review, on the advice of her cosmetologist, decided on a medium retinoic peel in combination with a Jessner peel. Among the disadvantages, the girl notes a painful rehabilitation period. One of the advantages is a noticeable result: renewed, soft and smooth skin.
For this girl, effective skin exfoliation was the only benefit of retinoic peeling. She also recalls unpleasant, painful sensations during the recovery period, and also does not recommend the procedure for other reasons.
The author of this review also praises the medium chemical peel, which relieved her of pigmentation that appeared during pregnancy. Additionally, the problem was aggravated by exposure to sunlight (the woman was actively sunbathing).
In some cases, the use of cosmetics also turns out to be effective. This girl praises the Whitening Peeling Tonic produced by Belita Vitex, which dealt not only with pigmentation on her oily skin.
The same remedy turned out to be practically useless for a woman with mature, dry skin who was planning to lighten her freckles.
Whitening peeling with raspberries from Natura Siberica is also receiving good reviews. Users note that the drug is more like a face mask, and requires long-term regular use (from 1 month) for noticeable results. Peeling does not have a cumulative effect, but is quite suitable as an express treatment at home.
Many girls note that the product tingles the skin, so you need to use it as the manufacturer advises.
The White Linen Whitening Peeling (Floresan) collects very conflicting reviews. Some users find this inexpensive product effective, so they only use it with pleasure.
At the same time, there are many negative opinions about this product. There are complaints about both the composition and the effect of peeling on the skin.
Cosmetics for home use and traditional methods of lightening age spots have their advantages over salon whitening procedures: low cost, minimum contraindications, safety. However, these products are considered less effective than professional peelings, especially those performed by an experienced cosmetologist.
It is difficult to completely remove pigmentation. But in order to increase the chances of a positive result, you should take a responsible approach to choosing cosmetic products, and in serious cases, trust the solution to the problem to professionals.
Korean remedies
Asian cosmetics have recently appeared on the market. In Japan and Korea, it is fashionable to whiten your face and look like a European woman. This trend is supported by cosmetics manufacturers, offering whitening products with a powerful effect designed for dark skin exposed to sunlight.
When choosing unfamiliar cosmetics, it is easy to make a mistake. A number of components in the composition will indicate that the product has a brightening effect:
- arbutin - whitens pigmentation, softens, does not inhibit vital processes;
- niacinamide, B3, evens out tone, erases acne marks, soothes redness;
- A, beta-Carotene reduces pigment production;
- glycolic acid accelerates renewal and whitens, necessary for sunburn;
- lemon extracts quickly lighten;
- Tomato extracts brighten and improve texture.
In addition to them, goat's milk, pearl extract, parsley and others affect the tone.
Hydroquinone in the composition is a reason to throw away your purchase, it is toxic!
Popular Korean remedies
- Lemon Whitening Sleeping Pack from Baviphat - contains lemon extract and arbutin.
- Panda's Dreams series - day and night masks, face and hand creams, help cope with freckles, sunburn, and uneven tone.
- Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack is a popular whitening mask. The effect is short-term, but very noticeable. Ideal before an important event.