Brown spots - those tell-tale signs of age

Virginia Funk

North County Times

What's the bane of women's existence, especially for those of us over 60? Brown spots -- blotches of varying shades and sizes on the face, neck, backs of hands and arms -- unattractive discolorations we formerly had to endure. Now

it's not necessary to accept this unwanted adornment. There are scientifically approved methods for preventing and alleviating these tell-tale signs.

First, understand the cause; then learn how to prevent, as well as treat, those blotchy smudges that can occur on any skin type, be it dry, normal, or oily. Some spots are birthmarks. There's not much we can do about them without surgery, and though some discoloration is age-related, photosensitivity is the principle culprit.

What is photosensitivity and why does it form brown spots? It's the sun's rays combining with chemicals on the skin or in the body -- antibiotics, tranquilizers, diuretics, fragrance or colognes on skin that has then been exposed to the sun, body chemistry changes, skin that has been chemically peeled or had plastic surgery, and in younger women, the Pill -- all these factors can cause what are commonly known Mylasma or darkening of face.

Brown spots, or solar lentigines, are often an accumulation of 55 or more years of sun exposure. You don't have to sit in the sun to get them; by just walking in the sun on a sunny day you expose yourself to solar radiation.

To understand the overall effects of the sun on our skin, Dr. John B. Tipton, M.D., Palm Springs, revealed the following in his paper written some years ago in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, titled, The Selection of Sun-Blocking Topical Agents to Protect the Skin.

"The total amount of damaging rays reaching the skin depends on many factors such as the season, the time of day, the latitude, the altitude, and the conditions in the atmosphere. Latitude is most important, with the greatest risk being at lower latitudes. For example, the 33 latitude of Palm Springs carries a greater risk than the 40 latitude of Philadelphia. At any latitude, the greatest risk is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. At high altitudes, there is also a greater risk because of less atmospheric absorption of ultraviolet rays. Clothing generally absorbs or reflects ultraviolet light; however, some white fabrics will allow transmission of large amounts of ultraviolet light, especially when the fabric is wet …"

"Dust and water, instead of absorbing ultraviolet rays, scatter the radiation. For this reason, severe sunburns may be sustained on dull, hazy days because the person underestimates the exposure and because the scattered rays are capable of bending into shaded areas."

Dr. Tipton further stated that excessive exposure will ultimately cause the skin to become prematurely aged in that the skin will thicken, wrinkle, and lose elasticity. It has been estimated that at age 30 years, the habitually suntanned person has the skin of a 40-year-old, and at 40 years, the skin of a 60-year-old.

The best way to avoid developing new spots is to use sun blocking agents sold with SPF (Sun Protective Factor)

More about SPF, brown spots, and skin cancer next column.

Virginia Funk is a Fallbrook free-lance writer.



