JOURNAL
Are Facial Devices Effective for Removing Spots? We Also Explain the Causes and Countermeasures for Spots!
Many people who want to use a beauty device for spot treatment may be concerned about its effectiveness. Some types of beauty devices are equipped with functions that can address spots, so they can be expected to be effective.
This article provides a detailed explanation of basic information about what spots are, the four representative types of spots, methods for treating spots, and the types of beauty devices that can be expected to have spot-removing effects. If you are concerned about spots and considering using a beauty device, please refer to this article.
Table of Contents
1. What are spots? Introducing 4 representative types
Spots are a condition where melanin pigment is deposited in the skin. There are several types of spots, and "solar lentigines," which occur due to continuous sun exposure, are the most commonly known. However, there are also other types such as "freckles," "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation," and "melasma."
Here, we will explain the four representative types of spots.
1-1. Solar lentigines
Solar lentigines are age spots that develop with aging. Ultraviolet rays are the main cause, and they can appear not only on the face but also on parts exposed by clothing, such as the hands, back, forearms, and upper back. Although there are individual differences, they start appearing in people in their 20s and 30s, and their number increases and color deepens with age. They often appear as light brown to dark brown in color.
Initially, they are flat with relatively clear borders, but they gradually become raised with age. Solar lentigines occur regardless of gender.
1-2. Freckles
Freckles can appear as early as around 3 years old. They are characterized by many small, round spots, less than a few millimeters in diameter, appearing on the cheeks and around the nose. The color is often a brighter yellowish-brown compared to typical spots. The cause is said to be related to genetics. However, tyrosine changes into melanin pigment due to the activation of tyrosinase, an intracellular enzyme, to protect the skin from UV radiation, leading to freckles, so it is also important to protect against UV rays.
Freckles are most common in adolescence, from the teens to 20s, but can continue to appear until around age 40.
1-3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a type of spot where pigmentation occurs as a result of inflammation. The inflammation that causes it can be varied, including acne, burns, cosmetic rashes, and insect bites.
To heal the damage caused by inflammation, the skin actively produces new cells. However, when skin cells are formed, the melanocytes in the epidermis layer can be stimulated, leading to excessive melanin production. Although it gradually fades over time, if excessive melanin remains inside the skin, it can become a spot.
1-4. Melasma
Melasma is a type of spot unique to women. It is characterized by appearing symmetrically, mainly around the cheekbones. The cause is believed to be related to female hormone balance, but it is worsened by UV radiation. Other factors that worsen melasma include hormonal imbalances due to stress and irritation from friction. Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives can trigger the onset or worsen the symptoms of melasma.
Melasma is most common in women between 30 and 50 years old. It is said to gradually fade after menopause.
2. 3 Methods for Spot Treatment
Having spots can instantly make you look older. For those who want to maintain youthful skin forever, here are some methods for spot treatment. Most spots are caused by UV radiation. However, there are other important points to consider.
It is important to correctly understand the causes of spots and take thorough measures on a daily basis.
2-1. Take UV protection measures
The increase in black melanin, which causes spots and freckles, is mostly due to UV radiation. To prevent UV damage, it is important not only to apply sunscreen properly but also to wear UV-cut clothing and use highly light-blocking parasols. Sunscreen can be washed away by sweat, so remember to reapply it frequently.
It's also important to use sunscreen not just in summer but all year round, and even on cloudy days. If you spend time indoors in a room with large windows, use a sunscreen with a low SPF.
2-2. Don't neglect skincare
Not neglecting skincare, especially moisturizing, is also effective for treating spots. It can help regulate skin cell turnover and promote the排出 of excess melanin. Additionally, cosmetics aimed at preventing or lightening spots and freckles caused by sun exposure are also commercially available.
Vitamin C is a nutrient found in commercially available cosmetics that is known to alleviate spots. Vitamin C is expected to suppress the production of black melanin and also reverse oxidized, darkened black melanin.
Other ingredients to keep an eye on include "vitamin C derivatives," which are said to deliver vitamin C to the source of spots, as well as "arbutin," "tranexamic acid," and "placenta extract."
2-3. Improve your lifestyle habits
To regulate skin cell turnover, a regular lifestyle is very important. Strive for a well-balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise.
Additionally, smoking is said to have a negative impact on spot treatment because nicotine destroys vitamin C in the body. Caffeinated beverages such as green tea, black tea, and coffee can also spread black melanin and potentially worsen spots. It is recommended to consume caffeinated beverages in moderation.
Furthermore, balancing hormones is important for normalizing skin cell turnover. Stress and mental fatigue can also disrupt hormonal balance, so find stress-relief methods that work for you.
3. What kind of beauty device can be expected to remove spots?
Beauty devices are among the at-home beauty tools that target spot removal. Even with beauty serums and cosmetics specifically designed for spots, it is often difficult to remove existing spots. At-home beauty devices that can easily care for stubborn spots are popular.
There are various types of beauty devices, and each has different expected effects. The two types of beauty devices that are known to alleviate spots are the "ion introduction type" and the "LED type," which will be introduced next.
3-1. Ion introduction type
An ion introduction type beauty device is a beauty device that permeates beauty ingredients deep into the skin by applying a weak electric current to the skin. Unlike ultrasonic beauty devices, it does not produce vibrations. The skin has multiple layers, each carrying positive or negative ions, which prevent impurities from entering. While the skin's weak electric current normally acts to prevent the penetration of lotions, using an ion introduction type beauty device allows beauty ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin, bypassing the barrier function on the skin's surface.
Using an ion introduction beauty device can help vitamin C derivatives, which are known to alleviate spots, penetrate deep into the skin. Depending on the beauty ingredients used, it can also address skin beautification and lifting.
3-2. LED type
An LED type beauty device is a beauty device that emits specific wavelengths of LED light. LEDs come in five colors with different wavelengths, and "green" light can be emitted to target spots. It is said that irradiating green LED light can alleviate pigmentation such as spots, acne scars, and scars.
When used according to instructions, LED beauty devices place little burden on the skin and have no worrisome side effects. However, continuous, long-term use can lead to accumulated stress. There is a risk of skin problems instead of skin care, so follow the usage instructions.
Summary
Most spots are said to be caused by UV radiation, aging, and hormonal imbalances, and daily prevention and care are important. In particular, be sure to take thorough measures against UV radiation and perform proper skincare. Additionally, if you are incorporating a beauty device into your routine, it is recommended to use an ion introduction type or LED type device that can be expected to have spot-removing effects.
Early Bird Online also offers beauty devices equipped with ion introduction and LED functions. Many models are highly stylish and easy to use, so please take a look.


