What are Solar Lentigines?
Solar Lentigines (Sun Burn Pigmentation)
Commonly known as sunspots, solar lentigines are usually brown in colour and they do not cause a change in skin texture. They are darker and more irregular in appearance as compared to freckles. People with a lighter skin tone are said to be more prone to sunspots. Without treatment, exposure to UV rays for a prolonged period of time may cause more sunspots to develop and existing ones to become darker in colour.
Where do they appear?
Areas of the face with higher sun exposure are more likely to develop sunspots. These areas include but are not limited to the cheeks, cheekbones and the nose.
Cause
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Overexposure to sun: When our faces are exposed to the sun, melanin, a dark pigment found on the skin’s surface, clumps together. Thus, prolonged exposure may accelerate this process, causing the sunspots on our skin to darken or increase in number. Though it is known to be the most common type among various pigmentation problems, prevention of sunspots can be effortless. Especially in Singapore, where it is hot and sunny all year round, it is crucial to apply sunblock regularly and in adequate amount. As a general guide, one should apply the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunblock to the exposed areas of the face and body to achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) reflected on the packaging of the sunblock.
Other Pigmentation Types
