Introduction

Spots and freckles are one of the skin problems that appear on everyone due to age and the effects of UV rays. Especially for women, preventing and caring for age spots and freckles is essential to maintaining clear skin. In this article, we will introduce whitening care methods and effective products to help prevent age spots and freckles. We will give you tips on how to obtain bright and clear skin through daily care.

1. What causes age spots and freckles?

1.1 Ultraviolet light

One of the main causes of age spots and freckles is UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases melanin production in the skin, which accumulates and causes age spots and freckles to appear. In particular, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can damage the skin and promote melanin production.

1.2 Aging

As we age, skin turnover slows down and melanin becomes less excreted. As a result, stains are more likely to form, and existing stains may become darker. Additionally, as you age, your skin’s barrier function declines, making it more susceptible to external stimuli, which can lead to more spots and freckles.

1.3 Hormone imbalance

Hormone imbalances, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to increased production of melanin, which can lead to the formation of age spots. In particular, dark spots that increase during pregnancy are called “melasma” and are known to become darker due to the influence of hormones as well as UV rays.

1.4 Excessive stress and disordered lifestyle habits

Lack of sleep, irregular eating habits, and stress can also affect your skin, causing an increase in age spots and freckles. Your skin reflects your inner state, so practicing a healthy lifestyle is the key to maintaining beautiful skin.

2. Basics of whitening care to start right away

2.1 Take UV protection all year round

To prevent age spots and freckles, UV protection is most important. Using sunscreen all year round and protecting your skin from the effects of UV rays is the first step to whitening your skin. Especially when going out during the day, choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA +++ or higher, and get in the habit of reapplying it every 2 to 3 hours.

Recommended UV protection products

• Anessa Perfect UV Skin Care Milk: This product has a high UV protection effect and can also be expected to have skin care effects.
• La Roche Posay UV Idea XL Protection Tone Up: Sunscreen with tone-up effect that can be used even on sensitive skin.

2.2 Adopt skin care that includes whitening ingredients

In order to take care of age spots and freckles, it is effective to use skin care products that contain whitening ingredients. Whitening ingredients such as vitamin C derivatives, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and kojic acid suppress melanin production and help prevent and improve age spots and freckles.

Recommended skin care products containing whitening ingredients

• Shiseido White Lucent Luminizing Surge: A serum that suppresses melanin production and gives skin clarity.
• Obagi C25 Serum Neo: Beauty serum containing high concentration of vitamin C to improve age spots and freckles.

2.3 Clear your skin with regular exfoliation

When skin turnover slows down, dead skin cells remain, making age spots and dullness more noticeable. It is important to regularly perform exfoliation care such as peeling and scrubbing to keep your skin clear. However, excessive care can have the opposite effect, so do it once or twice a week.

Recommended peeling products

• Kiehl’s Daily Refining Milk Peel Toner: An item that uses lactic acid and enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin.
• POLA B.A Grand Luxe II: High-performance serum that softens dead skin cells and keeps skin bright.

2.4 Don’t forget to take care of yourself from the inside out

In order to improve age spots and freckles, it is important not only to take care of your skin, but also to approach your skin from the inside out. By taking antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin E, you can suppress melanin production and prevent age spots. Eat a balanced diet that focuses on fruits and vegetables, and use supplements as needed.

Recommended supplements that support whitening

• DHC Vitamin C Hard Capsule: A supplement that allows you to easily take vitamin C and supports skin whitening care.
• Fancl vitamin E: Vitamin E with high antioxidant effect maintains skin health.

3. Introduction of effective skin whitening products

3.1 Whitening beauty serum

Whitening serum is an item that can be used to precisely care for age spots and freckles. In particular, serums containing vitamin C derivatives and tranexamic acid suppress melanin production and target the cause of age spots.

Recommended whitening serum

• lancome génifique advanced essence: Increases skin regeneration power and achieves clear skin.
• HAKU Melanofocus V: Directly approaches melanin, the cause of age spots, and effectively prevents age spots.

3.2 Whitening cream

Whitening creams can be used at the end of your skin care routine to moisturize your skin while suppressing melanin production. We recommend using a moisturizing cream that contains UV protection ingredients during the day, and a moisturizing cream with a rich texture at night.

Recommended whitening cream

• Dr. Ci:Labo Aqua Collagen Gel Whitening EX: All-in-one gel product that whitens and moisturizes at the same time.
• Melano CC medicated anti-blemish cream: Whitening cream containing vitamin C that targets age spots and freckles.

3.3 Whitening mask

A whitening mask is an intensive care item that can be used especially when you are concerned about age spots and freckles. By using a sheet mask that contains plenty of beauty ingredients, you can bring out the clarity of your skin in a short period of time.

Recommended whitening mask

• SK-II facial treatment mask: A mask that intensively moisturizes the skin and brings out transparency.
• Minon Amino Moist Plump Moist Skin Mask: A mask containing amino acids that is gentle on sensitive skin, providing moisturizing and whitening at the same time.

4. Prevent age spots and freckles with lifestyle habits

4.1 Balanced diet

In order to prevent age spots and freckles, it is important to actively consume foods with antioxidant properties. Foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E suppress melanin production and keep skin healthy. For example, fruits and vegetables such as oranges, kiwi, broccoli, and avocado are effective for skin whitening care.

4.2 Adequate sleep

Growth hormone secreted during sleep helps repair and regenerate the skin. To prevent age spots and freckles, it is important to get good quality sleep and maintain normal skin turnover. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day and sleep in a relaxed state to improve the condition of your skin.

4.3 Stress management

Stress can affect hormonal balance and increase melanin production. Keeping your mind and body healthy by exercising, hobbies, and relaxation techniques will help prevent age spots and freckles.

Summary

Daily UV protection and whitening care are essential to prevent spots and freckles. By using UV protection products and performing daily skin care that incorporates whitening ingredients, you can prevent age spots and freckles while maintaining your skin’s clarity. Furthermore, take care of yourself from the inside out and improve your lifestyle habits to achieve healthy, beautiful skin.

References

• Research on UV rays and skin aging: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671032/
• Research on the relationship between whitening ingredients and melanin production: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073509/