Discoloration is known as the hallmark of the aging process. Older people usually have discolored skin. Dark patches, areas of redness, and patches of white will appear regardless of your skin tone.
Some people believe certain skin tones are exempt from discoloring.
This is false. No matter what your skin tone is, the colors that combine to create your unique skin tone will always be: red, blue, yellow, and brown.
Red and Blue: Oxygenated and unoxygenated hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Yellow: Carotenoids and Flavins.
Brown: Melanin. Determines pigment and comes in different forms and ratios.
Can we all just take a minute here to scientifically acknowledge we are ALL RED, BLUE, YELLOW AND BROWN. No matter what your melanin activity level is, we are all made up of the same colors.
If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun without protecting your skin, your melanocytes become irregular in activity leading to darker and white patching.
With age, your melanin levels will decline. One might assume this means you won’t produce as much pigmentation. However, it’s quite the opposite because your skin will then become more sensitive to the sun.
If your skin has a yellow hue to it, you’re already seeing a decrease in pigment and a decline in capillary activity.
What can we do to prevent discoloration from forming if we’re obviously aging by the second?
Wear mineral spf and look for a good amount of protection from zinc and titanium dioxide.
Internally cool down your skin if you are prone to pigmentation.
Eliminate bad habits that prematurely age you: smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet all severely affect the tone of your skin.
Limit sun exposure.
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