Our skin can struggle to react to the influx of UV rays during the summer period.
Sun protection not suited to our phototype (skin type), hours spent in direct sunlight without considering the day's UV intensity and the radiation hitting our skin, fragile or damaged skin regularly exposed, pollution, skin ageing...

There are many causes for the appearance of sunspots; however, this phenomenon should not be taken lightly: not only is it difficult to get rid of these pigment spots once they have appeared, but they can also «degenerate» and increase the risk of irreversible cell damage, even promoting the appearance of skin cancer…

That's why you should take the initiative to limit or stop the appearance of sunspots.
I'll give you my advice for protecting your skin well and, if the damage is already done, to minimise it and prevent further sunspots from appearing.

Hyperpigmentation of the skin related to sun exposure: a skin reaction

Sunspots are generally linked to too much UV being absorbed by the skin.

She reacts by protecting herself as usual through the natural process of melanin (a pigment responsible for tanning that provides initial protection against UV rays) but by overproducing this pigment.

Whether it's because a UV dose has been received too heavily all at once (as can be the case during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 11 am and 4 pm), or in terms of duration because the skin can no longer cope with the total excess of UV and the melanocytes go into overdrive, activating too much melanin.
to protect themselves from it.

The most exposed areas are obviously more affected by this phenomenon: hands and arms, face and neck, shoulders and décolletage…

Brown spots form small, localised clusters of varying size and without texture. They are harmless but are a visible sign of damage to the skin barrier, which should alert us to the skin's condition. (If in any doubt about the size, thickness, or if a spot is growing, we recommend consulting a specialist who can rule out the risk of melanoma).

Other causes for the appearance of «sun spots»

• Medication intake: this is why you should avoid exposure when taking treatment and carefully read the leaflet and contraindications!
• Hormonal troubles & changes: they can impact melanin by overstimulating its production (as is the case during pregnancy with the famous «pregnancy mask» which can appear in some expectant mothers, but which, unlike «classic» sun spots, generally fades a few months after childbirth). 
• Contraceptives & hormone treatments: these alter hormone secretion and can disrupt melanocytes (cells responsible for melanin production).
• Skin ageing: mature skin has a harder time reacting to UV rays, so brown spots can appear from the age of 40 onwards if the «sun capital» has been too heavily depleted.
• Inflammation and scars: although technically not sunspots, scars and inflammatory conditions such as eczema can also suffer from hyperpigmentation, as is the case, for example, with acne scars where the skin is weakened and browns if not properly protected from UV rays.
• Pollution: because it weakens the skin by degrading the skin barrier and promotes cellular ageing, which is one of the causes of sunspots.

How to protect your skin and prevent sunspots?

It is necessary to adopt preventive measures to prevent the appearance of sun spots and significantly reduce the harmful effects of UV exposure.

Whichever your age and your skin's condition, sun protection adapted to the intensity of UV radiation and to your phototype (skin type in terms of complexion and sensitivity) is a first step.

At the start of your exposure and also afterwards if your skin is more sensitive, we recommend avoiding the hottest parts of the day and using the highest possible sun protection factor (SPF) during peak sun hours. Even so, remember that even a highly protective filter never offers complete protection, and its application should be renewed regularly to optimise its effect. Conversely, using a lower SPF can help acclimatise the skin to UV radiation during certain exposure periods. 

At Oceau Marine, the preservation of marine resources is at the heart of our approach, which is why we invite you to select «Ocean Friendly» mineral sun creams that protect your skin just as well but do not pollute marine fauna and flora.

The rest of the time, wearing covering clothing, a hat and glasses provides an effective protective barrier.

Your daily skincare routine to combat sunspots

In daily use, isotonic seawater replenishes the skin with essential nutrients and trace elements, giving it the resources to better resist external aggressions such as UV rays. Relax Isotonic seawater skincare is recommended for use in the morning, evening, and again after sun exposure (it can be used by everyone, including to nourish the skin of children and pregnant women).

Its melting texture is fully absorbed by the skin which uses it directly to remineralise and deeply hydrate.

This is all the more important if sunspots are already present, as it is necessary to act without delay by hydrating the skin as much as possible to allow it to replenish its reserves, heal better and fade the spots.
Mature skin would also benefit greatly from using a richer night treatment such as Night Magic.

Night Magic is a highly nourishing night cream, enriched with borage, which acts directly against skin ageing and promotes better cellular healing, making it ideal for strengthening the hydrolipidic film and intensely nourishing the skin.

How do you protect your skin from sun spots?

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