How Women Over 50 Can Correct Skin Pigmentation Concerns

If you are like me, you may have some areas of skin that are darker than your normal tone. Skin pigmentation or scaly patches are more likely to be on skin that’s been exposed to the elements, such as your face and hands, but they can also appear on your back and chest.

When I was younger I used to get away with many more things. Eating a whole slab of chocolate didn’t seem to do much of anything. Now just smelling my grandkid’s candy puts on 5 lbs.  I used to get away with less makeup with firm and flush cheeks but lately, my skin has more patchy coloration. This is of course on top of all the wrinkles that have formed despite my best efforts!

Aging and our skin

Skin disorders showing abnormal pigmentation are often difficult to manage because of their uncertain origins. Knowing the cause behind the abnormal pigmentation may be hard to pinpoint, but it is a common symptom accompanying aging skin.

Just as other systems in your body experience wear and tear, our skin becomes thinner and drier as we age. It is more prone to develop scaly patches and discolorations too. Often known as age spots, our skin that is often exposed to the sun’s rays will show darker spots and various discoloration.

Pigmentation and aging

Melanin pigmentation plays a critical role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A variety of genetic and environmental factors are involved in the regulation of pigmentation. Excessive or deficient amounts of melanin cause disorders showing abnormal skin pigmentation. Abnormal pigmentation is also a common symptom of aging skin 

Skin discoloration caused by medication

Medication use can result in changes in skin pigmentation. Most of the pigmentation occurs in sun-exposed areas, which suggests an interaction between UV light and oral medications. Drug-induced skin pigmentation is a well-recognized effect of many different types of medications. This affects women over 50 more due to the higher volume of medication taken as we age.

Treatments for skin discolorations

There are a range of treatments for these skin discolorations, including laser therapy, Blue-U® photodynamic light therapy, and more. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist about your concerns and your skin condition. Your medical professional can recommend the treatment that will give you the best results.

Use a pigment wand

Laser and light therapies are options to manage skin discoloration, but they might not be within your budget. Use a pigment wand to conceal age spots, sun spots, and liver spots. The purple overtones of the berry tint of PrimeWand Pigment bring pink and red to the mix, acting as an impromptu concealer while giving your cheeks some youthful color. 

The PrimeWand Pigment replaces your lipstick, hideously dusty blush, and messy, patchy bronzer. Light, lean, and moisturizing, the PrimeWand is make-up for minimalistic mature women.

Moisturize your skin for fullness

Many of us women over 50 are taking collagen peptides, using facial serums and topically applying retinol to our faces. As we age the epidermis layers lose moisture and fullness. Nourish your skin and continue to replenish the moisture lost to keep your skin healthy and firmer for longer.

Prevention over treatment

UVA rays have the least energy among UV rays but escape the ozone layer filtering. These rays can cause skin cells to age and can cause some indirect damage to cells’ DNA. UVA rays are mainly linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, skin pigmentation, collagen breakdown, and rapid photoaging. Using a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against UVA, UVB, and HEV (blue light) is important to not only prevent skin cancer but reduce the impact of the sun on skin aging.

Preventing skin pigmentation is best achieved by using a high-quality SPF sunscreen. You may want to look for and consider an SPF of 40 and over. For everyday use, having fresh-scented and transparent sunscreen will help you keep your skin protected.