What can I do to lighten the wrinkles that increase with age? In this article, we will introduce the causes of spots, the types of spots, and how to choose and use a whitening cream. In addition, we also check how to prevent spots from UV rays and lifestyle habits.
Table of contents
- Supervisor Profile: Takamitsu Nakano, Director of Yoshi Clinic
- which one is your shim? 6 types of stains
- Can whitening cream lighten some types of spots?
- Tips for choosing a whitening cream
- Points to enhance the effect of whitening cream
- How to prevent spots with UV protection
- How to prevent and erase blemishes through lifestyle habits
- For blemish-free skin with UV protection, lifestyle habits, and whitening cream!
- Editorial department recommendation! Introduction to whitening cream
- [Check in the video] How to make your hands and face beautiful in an instant
Supervisor Profile: Takamitsu Nakano, Director of Yoshi Clinic
In 1997, graduated from the University of Tsukuba School of Medicine. She entered the Department of Plastic Surgery at Tokyo Women’s Medical University. After working at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the University of Tokyo, and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, she spent two years researching burns at the University of Texas in the United States. After returning to Japan, she obtained a doctorate in medicine. In June 2019, he opened “ Yoshi Clinic ” in Nerima.
She is a plastic surgery specialist of the Japan Society of Plastic Surgery, a burn specialist of the Japan Society for Burns, a laser specialist of the Japan Society of Laser Medicine, a hand surgery specialist of the Japanese Society of Hand Surgery, a specialist in pediatric plastic surgery of the Japan Society of Plastic Surgery, and a Doctor of Medicine.
Why do stains form? Let’s explain why.
[Cause 1] UV rays
One of the causes of spots is “ultraviolet rays”. Ultraviolet rays are the cause of not only spots, but also skin problems such as wrinkles and sagging.
When exposed to ultraviolet light, pigment cells called melanocytes in the basal layer of the skin produce a pigment called melanin. The melanin is the source of stains. Prolonged exposure to UV rays causes melanin to be produced and accumulated in excess, resulting in dark spots.
[Cause of dark spots 2] Changes in female hormones
When the balance of female hormones is lost, it is thought that black melanin is temporarily produced excessively. Therefore, stains may increase.
Women’s hormonal balance is likely to be disrupted during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during menopause and menopause.
[Cause of spots 3] Active oxygen
Reactive oxygen is part of the oxygen that enters the body and has changed into a state that easily reacts with other substances, and is said to be the cause of aging. This active oxygen stimulates melanocytes and promotes the production of black melanin, resulting in spots.
which one is your shim? 6 types of stains
There are several types of stains. Please check which type of stain you have.
[Type 1 of blemishes] Senile pigment spots
Senile blemishes are spots that tend to appear with age and are caused by the accumulation of UV exposure. The color is brown to dark brown, and it is characterized by a clear border.
[Type 2 of blemish] Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
After inflammation caused by insect bites, rashes, pimples, wounds, etc., the pigmentation of those scars turns into spots, which is called “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” In particular, the marks of crushed acne are prone to stains, and when exposed to ultraviolet rays, pigmentation is likely to occur.
In addition, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may disappear naturally over time, but it is said that it may take six months to several years before it disappears.
[Type 3 of blemishes] Melasma
Melasma is a blemish caused by an imbalance of female hormones . A hazy brown blemish occurs symmetrically on the high cheekbones. It is said that women in their late 30s to 50s, who tend to lose their hormonal balance due to childbirth and menopause, tend to develop it, and it becomes less noticeable after menopause. The color tends to be darker in spring and early summer, and lighter in autumn and winter.
Excessive facial massage and improper skin care are also said to exacerbate melasma.
[Type of stain 4] Freckles
The small speckled spots are ” freckles “. This can be seen on the face, back, chest, shoulders, arms, and other areas that are most likely to be exposed to UV rays. Genetic factors are thought to be the cause. The color tends to be darker in spring and early summer, and lighter in autumn and winter. Unlike senile pigment spots and chloasma, it can be distinguished by the fact that it often appears from infancy to adolescence.
[Type of stain 5] Petal pigment spots
Petal-shaped or confetti-shaped spots that appear from the shoulders to the back are called “petal pigment spots”. This happens after a strong sunburn and is more common in people with fair skin who turn red when they get sunburned.
[Type 6 of blemish] Seborrheic keratosis
“Seborrheic keratosis” is one of the benign tumors. It is often seen that the stratum corneum of the original stain increases in thickness and becomes brown. There are various types, such as dark black spots like moles, skin-colored bumps without color, and spots that are indistinguishable from senile pigment spots. These spots are thought to be caused by genetic factors and long-term UV damage.
Can whitening cream lighten some types of spots?
Dark spots can be divided into those that can be lightened with whitening cream and those that cannot. Let me explain why some types of blemishes can be lightened with whitening cream.
Dark spots that can be lightened with whitening cream
Spots that can be expected to be effective with whitening cream include senile pigmentation, inflammatory pigmentation, and liver spots. These spots are caused by ultraviolet rays, disturbance of turnover, pigmentation, and disturbance of female hormones. It is possible.
Dark spots that cannot be lightened with whitening cream
On the other hand, spots that cannot be lightened with whitening cream are freckles, seborrheic keratosis, and petal-like pigment spots. Cosmetic medicine such as laser treatment is effective in thinning these spots.
Tips for choosing a whitening cream
What kind of whitening cream should I choose? I will tell you the point.
[How to choose a whitening cream 1] Choose one that contains “active whitening ingredients”
Active whitening ingredients are ingredients that have been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare to “suppress the production of melanin and prevent dark spots and freckles,” or have similar effects.
Active whitening ingredients can be divided into two categories: blemish-lightening ingredients and blemish-preventing ingredients.
■ Whitening active ingredients that lighten blemishes
- Vitamin C derivative
- Linoleic acid S
- kojic acid
- Energy Signal AMP
- Placenta extract
■ Active whitening ingredients
that prevent blemishes
- Vitamin C derivative
- Arbutin
- Tranexamic acid
Such
It is a good idea to choose a cream that contains these whitening active ingredients.
Hydroquinone is a stronger whitening ingredient. However, it is highly irritating to the skin, so please do a patch test before using.
[How to choose a whitening cream 2] Choose a price that you can continue to use
It may be difficult to realize the effect of whitening cream just by applying it once. By continuing to use it for at least 1 to 3 months, you will finally see an effect on your dark spots. Therefore, it is important to choose a product with a price that you can continue to use.
[How to choose a whitening cream 3] Choose a cream that suits you
It’s easy to continue with a whitening cream that suits you and that you like. For example, you should choose based on comfort, favorite scent, timing and frequency of use such as “once a day” or “before bed”.
Points to enhance the effect of whitening cream
Here are some tips on how to use the cream to get the most out of it.
[Point 1 to enhance the effect of whitening cream] Follow the skin care procedure
It is also important to follow the order in which cosmetics are used for skin care to prevent spots. By following the correct order, you can adjust the turnover of the skin, so the effect on stains will also increase.
The correct skin care procedure is usually in the order of “toner” → “beauty essence” → “emulsion” → “whitening cream”.
However, the order of use may differ depending on the whitening cream, so be sure to carefully read the product instructions and precautions before use.
[Point 2 to enhance the effect of whitening cream] Whitening care from the inside with supplements
By taking care from the inside with supplements, you can enhance the effect on spots. Try taking supplements containing “L-cysteine”, “tranexamic acid”, “vitamin C”, etc., which have a whitening effect.
[Point 3 to enhance the effect of whitening cream] Remove dead skin cells with peeling
The process of removing dead skin cells is called “peeling”. Peeling is said to have the effect of adjusting skin turnover and removing melanin along with old skin.
Peeling is also done at cosmetic dermatologists, but if you want to try it at home, we recommend using a facial cleanser or pack containing AHA (fruit acid).
[Point 4 to enhance the effect of whitening cream] Actively take vitamins with seasonal foods
Seasonal vegetables and fruits contain vitamins and minerals that are effective against dark spots and nutrients that act to soften active oxygen. Let’s think about nutritional balance and take it positively.
How to prevent spots with UV protection
UV rays are one of the major causes of dark spots. Let’s prevent spots from forming with proper UV care.
[Measures against UV spots 1] How to choose a sunscreen
Focus more on the PA (Protection Grade of UVA) value than the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) value when choosing an effective sunscreen to prevent blemishes. PA is a value that indicates the extent to which UV-A rays (ultraviolet A rays), which cause wrinkles and sagging, are effectively prevented.
The PA value is indicated by 4 levels of “+ (plus)” marks, and the more “+” marks, the higher the UV-A protection effect. Make sure to choose something above “+++” to prevent stains.
[Measures against UV spots 2] How to apply sunscreen correctly
When applying sunscreen, be sure to use a generous amount according to the usage instructions. If the amount is too small, the coating will be uneven, and there will be areas that cannot protect against UV rays. It is also important to reapply frequently every 2-3 hours during the day.
In addition, UV rays are present even on rainy days, in winter, and indoors through windows. Let’s do UV care as much as possible all year round. It is also a good way to use sunscreen with high antioxidant power.
How to prevent and erase blemishes through lifestyle habits
Improving lifestyle habits may also prevent or lighten dark spots. It’s easy to incorporate into your life, so please give it a try.
[Lifestyle stain countermeasures 1] Don’t accumulate stress
I mentioned earlier that spots can be caused by active oxygen, but the causative agent of active oxygen is stress. Therefore, it is said that you can prevent spots by eliminating stress.
Exercise moderately, take a relaxing bath, or do something you like to avoid accumulating stress.
[Lifestyle stain countermeasures 2] Pay attention to your diet
Nutrients that are effective against dark spots include vitamins A, C, and E. Let’s actively take ingredients that contain a lot of them.
Recommended foods by nutrients
- Vitamin A: carrots, Japanese mustard spinach, broccoli, etc.
- Vitamin C: lemon, acerola, paprika, tomato, etc.
- Vitamin E: almonds, peanuts, pumpkin, etc.
[Lifestyle stain countermeasures 3] Get a good quality sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep promotes skin turnover and prevents dark spots. To get a good night’s sleep, pay attention to the following points:
- Do not watch smartphones or TV 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed
- be in bed by midnight
- Get at least 6 hours of sleep a day
For blemish-free skin with UV protection, lifestyle habits, and whitening cream!
You can take measures against stains from now on. Let’s prevent spots from forming with the triple effect of UV protection, lifestyle habits, and whitening cream, and improve the spots.
Editorial department recommendation! Introduction to whitening cream
Here, we will introduce three whitening creams selected by the editorial department.
[Recommended whitening cream 1] “Serijie medicinal white pack EX” 3780 yen (tax included)
A whitening cream developed for serious dark spots. Formulated with blemish care ingredient, tranexamic acid. Because the moisturizing ingredients are nanoized, even though it is a cream, it penetrates quickly and approaches the roots of blemishes! Ingredients that increase transparency support the brightness of the skin, and you can aim for skin that does not easily stand out.[Recommended whitening cream 2] “Cernis medicated white serum” 2380 yen (tax included) Levante
“Celnis Medicated White Serum”, which contains abundant moisturizing ingredients, is a medicated whitening cream that works pinpointly on blemishes and freckles. Suppresses the production of melanin and prevents spots and freckles. It is also recommended as a countermeasure against spots and dullness after sunbur.[Recommended whitening cream 3] “VELUS HQ White Cream” 7980 yen (tax included) VELUS
A cream containing 23 kinds of beauty ingredients such as highly concentrated “pure hydroquinone”, “human stem cell culture extract”, “placenta extract”, “vitamin C derivative” and “hyaluronic acid”. These ingredients lead to clear skin. The easy care that you just apply before going to bed is also a nice point.
[Recommended Whitening Cream 4] “QuSome White Cream 1.9” 6600 yen (tax included) b.glen
A night cream containing hydroquinone, which has a whitening effect. It also contains beauty ingredients such as “β White” that keeps the skin bright and “TGP2” that enhances transparency, so it repels UV damage and makes the skin glowing.
[Check in the video] How to make your hands and face beautiful in an instant
Using her nearly 30 years of experience as a beauty journalist, Natsumi Nishikori, a beauty journalist who disseminates beauty information that is “friendly to the skin, the wallet, and the earth”, will show you how to make your hands and face beautiful in an instant. I will explain.
