You may spend much time and fortune dousing your skin in the finest skincare products and intricate skincare regimes in your youth, but that will not create an impenetrable fortress against problems that surface with age. When age sets in, the immune system weakens, and skin becomes vulnerable to skin problems, notably liver spots, or age spots. These sneaky blemishes creep out only years after the damage is done, and are extremely stubborn. Known removal methods that have scientific basis tend to be expensive or come with possibilities of unpleasant sight effects.
It is important to be mindful of your beauty and lifestyle habits so you do not end up doing something that becomes a cause for regret.
In Singapore, many people only take out their umbrellas when it rains or when the sun is scorching hot. However, even if the sun does not show its face, UV rays are ever present, any time, any where, even in your house where it enters through the windows. And UV rays are one of the main causes of liver spots.
Do not let your guard down even on a cloudy day. Taiwanese show host Barbie Hsu, famed for her flawlessly porcelain complexion, goes out and about in sunglasses, hats and even a veil over the face, such that she has been teased for resembling a grass cutter. But looking at the number of commercials she stars in, she’s probably getting the last laugh. Full coverage is not necessary, as Vitamin D from the sun is still necessary for good health. Just an umbrella or a hat when you are outdoors would suffice. Of course, don’t forget the sunblock!
However, the sun isn’t the only culprit for those liver spots. Here are other factors that lead to the development of liver spots:
Heavy make-up
Make-up contains metallic elements, with absorption of light being one of their chemical properties. Scented cosmetic products especially, contain large amounts of metals like lead, which can cause black pigmentation on skin. Furthermore, when make-up is not thoroughly removed at the end of the day, colour pigments in the make-up will enter the skin, resulting in the formation of coloured pigments.
Only use heavy make-up when you absolutely have to on special occasions. Stick to light, natural make-up on regular days, and always use a good make-up removal to remove your make-up as soon as you’re done for the day!
Too much whitening
Whitening techniques such as chemical peeling and chemical scrubs, when done too frequently, can cause skin to become dry and sensitive to light. As a result, a little sunlight falling on such injured skin can cause red spots and coloured pigmentation. Unless you intend to stay indoors all day, don’t get too caught up on chemical whitening methods!
Computer degeneration
These days, most of us have to use the computer for at least a few hours a day. Whenever we stare at our computer screens, tablets and smart phones, the rays emitted are harmful to our skin and causes a variety of skin problems, including dark eye circles, pimples, dryness and spots. Since it is now hardly impossible to keep away from our gadgets, the next best thing to do is to increase our skin’s defences as much as possible.
Before applying make-up, apply a make-up base with UV ray blocking function, such as Laneige’s skin veil base. If you work in the office and have to be in front of your computer the whole time, remember to reapply sunblock every couple of hours!
Lack of Exercise
Exercise helps to dispel toxics through our skin through perspiration. Otherwise, these toxics remain in our bodies and skin, and can give way to dark pigmentation. No matter how busy you are, sat aside some time for physical activity every day! Some perspiration is better than none at all!
This article was originally written for a beauty blog.
