Wednesday, August 4, 2010

What Causes Skin Blotches?

Skin blotches may be caused by a number of different things. Age, sunlight, low levels of hyaluronic acid and free radicals damaging the melanocytes are some of the causes.

Toxins in the environment and in our skincare products could also be to blame. You will find a more detailed look at these causes if you read on. Then let's look at How to Get Rid of Skin Blotches.

**Age

Age is a factor that always comes into play. Over-exposure to sunlight causes burns that are quickly repaired during our youth, but not so quickly repaired as we age.

**Sunlight

Sunlight causes increased production of the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the skin's color. An older person is more likely to have experience free radical damage to the melanin-producing cells, also known as melanocytes.

Sunlight causes increased numbers and activity of free radical molecules. As we get older, there are fewer neutralizing antioxidants present in the skin's cells. So, damage is more likely to occur.

**Hyaluronic Acid

Low levels of hyaluronic acid are also associated with aging. Dark circles or blotchy skin beneath the eyes may be caused by low levels of hyaluronic acid.

**Toxic Ingredients

The toxins that can cause brown spots and premature aging include ethanol, methanol, isopropyl and any kind of alcohol except stearyl and cetearyl, which are plant-based waxes. The alcohols most commonly found in skincare products are wood or petroleum-based. They are poisons.

**Paraben - What is That?

Paraben preservatives could also be a problem, because they are mixed with a petroleum-based alcohol before they are finished. Parabens are also common allergens and may increase your risk of cancer.

**Air Pollution

Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution can also stimulate melanin production and free radical activity. Any toxins could do the same.
As you can see, many of the factors that lead to skin blotches are interconnected. There are also hormonal changes to consider. Those that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause may be to blame. Hormones stimulate melanin production, too.

If the blotches are red, the cause may be a condition called rosacea. Rosacea is more common in older people, but often begins during a person's youth. The red spots typically appear on the cheeks and chin. As the years go by, the affected areas can become rough.

**Inflammation

Inflammation is also involved in rosacea and that is one of the causes of cellular aging. Inflammatory molecules are just as harmful as free radicals.

A person's diet could play a role in blotchy skin and rosacea. People have found that certain foods trigger the redness. In particular, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks have been blamed.

Exposure to an allergen in a skincare product could also be the cause if redness is present. Usually allergic reactions are accompanied by itching or burning, but something like a concentrated plant fragrance could cause redness, without causing any other symptoms.

**Petroleum Based Ingredients

You have to be cautious of any fragrance ingredients. Most of them contain the petroleum-based alcohols mentioned above. They can cause a long-lasting stain on the skin's surface.

By : Margaret_Bell

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