Large brown splotches usually on the face and hands are the result of sun damage. They can appear anywhere on the body as it ages. They are also called liver spots. They are harmless, but can be a sign of more serious problems. They are the result of a buildup of wastes known as lipofuscin accumulation, a by product of free radical damage in skin cells, brain and liver cells. They are indicative of free radical intoxication of the body and may affect many internal structures as well .
Melanin, Age-Related Skin Discoloration, And Pigment-Fading Compounds
- Melanin is the skin’s color-providing pigment that offers protection against damaging UV rays.
- As we age, melanin-producing melanocytes become victim to chronic sun exposure, inflammation, free radicals, and hormonal changes.
- These factors increase activation of a key enzyme called tyrosinase. This leads to the overproduction of melanin, which causes its uneven distribution in the epidermis.
- The outward appearance of hyperpigmentation soon follows, typically as age spots, freckles, and melasma.
- As safety concerns mount for the traditional therapy hydroquinone, scientists have zeroed in on three safer alternatives.
- Alpha-arbutin increased skin lightness 60% over hydroquinone and 25% over kojic acid in human volunteers in one month.
- Phyllanthus emblica extract deactivates tyrosinase to enhance skin lightness and reduce the appearance of freckles.
- Niacinamide blocks melanin transfer to the outer layers of the skin, which has been shown to decrease facial hyperpigmentation and improve melasma.
- Marked changes in the skin’s primary pigment melanin results in undesirable hyperpigmentation that can add years to your perceived age. Fortunately, a topical cream has been formulated with the three natural compounds that show comparable skin lightening effects to hydroquinone without the serious side effects. Three ingredients, alpha-arbutin, Phyllanthus emblica extract, and niacinamide, beneficially modulate melanin synthesis and transfer to reduce the visual appearance of age spots, freckles, and melasma. This translates into more even-toned, radiant, younger-looking skin.
Other Causes
Poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor liver function, lack of exercise, oxidized seed oil consumption and excess sun exposure all contribute to their formation.
External treatment
Aloe-break off one of the leaves and apply the juicy gel to the age spots twice a day. Also apply vitamin E oil after sun bathing. Bulbinella can be used in the same way.
Buttermilk. Coat a cotton ball with buttermilk and dab it on the age spots morning and night daily .
Yogurt and honey. Together they make a natural bleach. Blend one part yogurt and one part honey. Apply with fingertips. Let it dry thoroughly and remove .
The formation of lipofuscin is associated with a deficiency of a number of important nutrients, including, including vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, chromium, and dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE).
Internal treatment
- Zinc-80 mg daily
- Anti oxidant formula
- B complex .
- Vitamin C complex with bioflavanoids
- Probiotics
- Vitamin E
- Calcium and Magnesium
- Vitamin D3
- Pantethine
- Grape seed extract
- L-carnitine
- Carnosine
- Burdock, milk thistle and red clover all clean the bloodstream
- Ginseng, licorice, and green tea
- Ginkgo-antioxidant
- Emu oil-external .
Food: eat lots of raw food, nuts and seeds. No animal protein for one month, no caffeine, fried foods, saturated fats, red meat, processed foods, sugar and tobacco,
Do a liver detox :use lemon juice, black radish, carrot and beetroot juice, dandelion root and distilled water.
Limit sun exposure.