A Sun Damage-Free Summer

Dark spots result from faulty production of melanin, the tanning pigment. They often appear on the face, chest and hands.  Dermatologists are unanimous on the matter: in the summer, dark spots reappear for 80% of us. Dark spots tend to appear after the age of 20; after this time, 20% of us are affected. This phenomenon is even more common when we reach 50. After this age, 90% of women are affected by dark spots.  So, what is to blame? The sun and UV rays of course, but also blue light from the solar spectrum. This attacks the skin even when the sun is hidden behind the clouds. We must add that some dark spots are caused by hormones: the famous pregnancy mask. So, when you are pregnant, do not expose your skin to the sun. 

The main weapon against dark spots and sun damage is obviously sun protection products. Choose sun protection with a good UVA/UVB rating. SPF-wise, go for at least 30. Another anti dark spots tip: try and go for sun cream that contains antioxidants. If your cream doesn't contain them, before applying sun protection, put on an antioxidant serum. 

Yes to sun, no to dark spots. The fight continues after your holidays too, especially if little marks have appeared here and there on your cheeks and forehead. For the first 2 weeks after your holiday, your priority is to moisturise and comfort the epidermis. Then, tackle your dark spots. To do this, use a gel lotion in the evening to reduce the appearance and size of dark spots. The following morning, apply a day cream with SPF.