The sun, despite being a source of energy and vitamin D, can cause skin problems when exposure is excessive or without protection. One of the most common problems is white spots on the skin caused by the sun, which can appear in various exposed areas and affect people of any age. If you have found these white spots after sunbathing and you are wondering what they are due to and how to eliminate them, here we explain everything you need to know
White spots from the sun usually occur on the most sensitive skin, the most photo-aged or with some type of allergy. In all these cases, white spots caused by the sun on the skin are seen more during the spring or summer months, when sun exposure increases, although they are usually present throughout the year. year.
Do you have white spots from the sun and are you worried about their evolution? Don’t worry. Generally they do not cause symptoms or more discomfort than purely aesthetic ones, although you should know that they have a cumulative nature starting with maturity and that they usually occur in the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the legs or shoulders. arms.
Don’t you think your spots are caused by the sun? Visit our post about other possible causes of white spots on the skin
Best creams for white spots on the skin from the sun
Advanced cosmetics offer various creams and treatments that help reduce white spots on the skin from the sun and prevent their reappearance. Below, we present the best options you can find:
- Creams with antioxidants: They help repair cellular damage caused by the sun, in addition to improving skin texture.
- Moisturizing creams with hyaluronic acid: They keep the skin hydrated and improve its elasticity, preventing the appearance of spots.
- Products with vitamin C and E: Powerful antioxidants that help minimize the effects of sun damage.
- Broad spectrum sunscreen: Essential to prevent the appearance of new white spots, especially if you have skin sensitive to the sun.
These creams can be part of your daily care routine and, combined with sun protection, they become a powerful barrier to sun spots.
Causes of white spots on the skin
We often associate white spots with vitiligo, however, both the causes and the treatment of both are very different. White spots caused by the sun are between 1 and 3 millimeters, round in shape and appear in areas exposed to the sun.
White spots on the skin from the sun are directly related to external factors such as prolonged sun exposure, allergies or fungi. We differentiate then:
White spots from the sun
One of the causes of the appearance of white spots on the face and the rest of the body is the lack of response of the skin to sun exposure accumulated throughout life. Melanocytes, the cells responsible for manufacturing melanin, degenerate over time and lose the ability to manufacture melaninand, therefore, to pigment uniformly.These spots white with an oval shape and presence on the neckline, arms or legs, they usually appear with age and are dominated idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis.
White spots due to allergies
In many cases white spots are caused by an allergic reaction. They tend to produce redness and itching that lead to consequent white spots as a reminder on the skin. In these cases it will be convenient to hydrate the skin with soothing and regenerating products that hide the marks
White fungal spots
Another possible cause of white spots on the skin can be fungal infection. It is a very common cause of spots, especially in the summer months, since heat and humidity are essential factors in their appearance. The affected area becomes lighter in this case (although there are also those that become hyperpigmented). They are white spots that grow rapidly if they are not treated and are usually favored, in addition to heat, by pregnancy, oily skin or sweat.
Other causes that can cause white spots on the skin are pigmentation (the person does not produce enough pigment), dermatitis, psoriasis, acne or vitiligo in the most extreme cases.
White spots due to dermatitis
Another cause that favors the appearance of white spots on the skin of the body is atopic dermatitis or eczema, which is more common at an early age. Sometimes, spots appear in the area where the reddish and itchy rash originates, causing dryness. In this sense we talk about pityriasis alba, a type of atopic eczema of unknown origin caused by abundant skin dryness. It produces peeling and a bacterial superinfection whose main symptom is the appearance of white spots.
Other causes
As we have seen, white spots on the skin are not always caused by the sun. There are several dermatological conditions that can also cause its appearance. In summary, we highlight the most common:
- Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition that causes loss of skin pigment in localized areas.
- Pityriasis alba: Commonly occurs in children and adolescents, causing pale spots that do not respond to tanning.
- Skin Fungus: Infections such as tinea versicolor, caused by fungi, lighten the skin tone in specific areas.
Knowing the exact cause of white spots is essential to choosing the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for white spots
It is best to go to a dermatologist to determine the cause of the white spots so that he or she can recommend the appropriate treatment in each case. However, at home there are products that can help improve white spots on the skin:
- Caused by allergies: it will be important to use regenerating and soothing products to hydrate the skin and reduce the sensation of itching or stinging. Products with aloe vera, panthenol, oat extract or calendula will help the skin achieve these goals. In addition, it will be very important to protect the skin from sun exposure by avoiding staying in open spaces and in the sun unless we wear sun protection and clothing such as hats, caps and t-shirts or long pants.
- Caused by fungi: if the white spots have been caused by a fungal infection, you should go to your usual dermatologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment. At home, you should take extreme hygiene throughout your body with products with antibacterial or antiseptic active ingredients, which hydrate and offer extra protection to your skin.
- Caused by the sun: in the event that the white spots have been caused by sun exposure, the first step will be to protect the skin with a good SPF50 sunscreen. In addition, it will be advisable to include antioxidants in your routine both topically (you can use the antioxidant creams that we offer) and orally, with ingredients such as vitamin C (also highly recommended for summer), turmeric or phenylalanine that They enhance melanin synthesis and help unify skin tone.
- Caused by lack of nutrients: there are also cases in which these white spots appear due to a lack of calcium or vitamins D and E. In this case, it is advisable to change the diet to add an extra supply of nutrients and vitamins.
How can we prevent the appearance?
Although we usually think that sun protection is effective against dark spots (melasma), the truth is that it is also effective in preventing the appearance of white spots on the skin caused by the sun. In fact, it has been proven that prevention is the greatest defense against white spots on the skin and that is where sunscreens play a very important role.
In conclusion, whether you are starting to experience white spots from the sun or for any other reason, never forget that the sun is your skin’s worst enemy and that you must protect yourself from it 365 days a year.
Why do white spots appear on the skin from the sun?
There are several reasons why sun exposure can cause white spots. Below we detail some of the most common causes:
Sunspots
Sunspots, also known as solar hypopigmentation, occur when skin cells lose the ability to produce melanin due to excessive sun exposure. This results in lighter than normal areas that often appear in exposed areas.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and can cause light spots on the skin after sun exposure. It is common in people with sensitive skin and usually improves with the use of moisturizing products and sunscreen.
Acroleucoderma puntacta
This type of hypopigmentation, also known as acroleucoderma puntacta, is less common, but can appear in people who are exposed to the sun a lot without adequate protection. Affected areas often have white spots on the skin.
Fungus on the skin
Fungal infections, such as tinea versicolor, are another common cause of white spots. These fungi proliferate in humid and hot conditions, affecting the production of melanin in the skin.
How to remove white spots on the skin caused by the sun?
Removing white spots on the skin caused by the sun requires patience and perseverance. Here are some effective tips:
- Gentle exfoliation: Helps eliminate dead cells and improve cell renewal.
- Depigmentation creams: Although white spots are not due to hyperpigmentation, these creams help even out skin tone.
- Dermatological treatments: Such as light therapy or chemical peels that can improve the appearance of the skin.
- Regular dermatological consultations: If the spots do not improve, it is essential to consult a dermatologist.
How to remove white spots from tan?
After a tan, some people may notice small white spots. To treat them, it is recommended:
- Moisturize the skin deeply: This helps restore the melanin balance.
- Avoid using abrasive products: Opt for mild creams and exfoliants.
- Apply sunscreen: Even if the tan has disappeared, it is essential to protect the skin from the sun.
What can I do to prevent white spots from appearing when tanning from the sun?
To avoid the appearance of white spots during tanning:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun: Especially between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Keep skin hydrated: Well-hydrated skin has greater resistance to sun damage.
- Wear protective clothing: If you are going to be in the sun for many hours, consider clothing with UV protection.
White spots on the skin caused by the sun can be treated and, in many cases, prevented with a proper skin care routine. Sun protection is essential not only to prevent white spots, but also to care for the overall health of the skin. If you have any questions, it is essential to consult a specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.