Is it Safe to Stop Melanin Production?

Many women who are trying to look younger are troubled by age spots and other discolorations on their face. They try to stop melanin production to get smoother more flawless-looking skin, but melanin plays an important role in your skin's health, so it might not be a good thing to stop your body from making it.

The Benefits of Melanin

Every day, we are exposed to countless environmental factors that lead to wear and tear on our skin. The harmful rays of the sun can be especially damaging. When we get too much sun, cells inside our body called melanocytes respond by producing melanin. The melanin absorbs dangerous ultraviolet rays to protect you from harm. This increased level of melanin results in a tan or sunburn. But too much melanin can create a condition called hyperpigmentation in the form of age spots or sun spots. Freckles are another example of hyperpigmentation.

Why Stop Melanin Production?

Because age spots and sun spots make us look older, some women have investigated the practice of reducing or even stopping melanin production in their bodies to get smoother-looking skin. But unless those women plan to avoid any exposure to the sun, they may want to think twice. Melanin plays an important role in protecting the delicate outer layer of our bodies. Getting rid of it could be dangerous. In addition, melanin is responsible for giving color to our skin and our eyes. Without it, our features would be blank.

A Better Alternative to Getting Rid of Melanin

Since age spots are the problem, the best way to get smooth, fair skin is to prevent the spots from forming in the first place. Experts recommend wearing a good sunscreen everyday to prevent overexposure to the sun's harmful rays. Many cosmetic companies make foundations that include an SPF in their formula.L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Compact Makeup, $6.96, amazon.com, contains an SPF of 17 and slides easily into any makeup case or handbag. It is a much safer alternative to trying to stop melanin production.

Reduce Melanin Production For Younger Looking Skin

Every woman wants younger-looking skin. The promise of a smooth, creamy complexion has many of us spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on special creams or treatments. But the best way to get that soft, flawless face may be to reduce melanin production.

How Melanin Affects Your Skin

Melanin is a natural substance produced in your body by melanocytes. It acts a protective agent against harmful environmental factors such as overexposure to the sun. Sounds good, right? The problem is that when too much melanin is produced, hyperpigmentation occurs. Hyperpigmentation can show up in the form of freckles, sun spots, or age spots (which are sometimes called liver spots). While freckles can be cute, age spots give an older, weathered appearance to the skin and are not attractive.

Reduce Melanin Production to Become More Beautiful

Researchers have actually studied the things that make us look less beautiful. It turns out that age spots, or any other discoloration or hyperpigmentation, make us look older and less attractive. Researchers in one study said, "Color contrast in human skin, formed by the local distribution and concentration of the chromophores melanin and hemoglobin, plays a major role in perception of age, health, and attractiveness." So for those us searching for the fountain of youth, or at least younger-looking skin, should investigate how to reduce melanin production and get rid of age spots.

How to Inhibit Melanin Production

Experts agree that the best way to decrease age spots is to avoid overexposure to the sun. This will help to reduce melanin production. Wear sunscreen every day, not just on the days when the sun is shining and you plan to spend your afternoon basking by the pool. Many foundations contain an SPF of 15 or higher so that women can protect their skin simply by applying their morning makeup. It is also a good idea to wear protective clothing including sunglasses on the days when you plan to be outside for an extended period of time.

How To Wash Your Face

Step 1: Choose cleanser

Choose a non-comedogenic, or non-pore-blocking, facial cleanser appropriate for your skin: dry or sensitive skin needs something gentle, fragrance-free, and dye-free; oily skin will likely benefit from a product containing salicylic acid, which helps clear out clogged pores.

Step 2: Wash hands

Wash your hands with soap and water to rid them of dirt and grease.

Step 3: Wet face

Wet your face by splashing it with warm water.

Step 4: Apply cleanser

Following the product instructions, put an amount of cleanser into your hands and work it into a lather. Apply it gently to your face with your fingertips using small circular motions.

Step 5: Rinse off

Rinse the cleanser off by splashing your face with warm water.

Step 6: Dry face

Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Step 7: Apply toner

Apply a natural, alcohol-free toner, such as one based on rose water or witch hazel, with a cotton ball or pad.

Step 8: Apply moisturizer

Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 15 and is appropriate for your skin type: sensitive skin needs something dye- and fragrance-free; dry skin needs a rich product, and oily skin needs an oil- and fragrance-free product that contains exfoliating agents, like salicylic or fruit acids.