No, lentigines are not melasma. They aren’t freckles either. Lentigines, or the singular lentingo, are what many people call age spots or liver spots, even though there is no connection to the liver. Lentigines can be anywhere from half of a centimeter to two centimeters in size and are often found on the hands, face, and décolletage.  Their color varies from tan to brown. In five percent of instances melanoma can occur from a lentingo.

Treatment for lentigines can be similar to treatments for melasma. Prevention is key so daily sun block use and avoiding direct sunlight is important. Other treatments like chemical peels and lightening products are also helpful.

On April 15 Summit Corporation, a UK biotechnology company, announced its findings that the drug SMT D002 will reduce sebum production by 90%. Sebum is the oil produced by the skin that will in turn clog pores and cause acne.

SMT D002 is used in another mainstream pharmaceutical, though, the company would not state which drug. Summit intends to create a cream containing SMT D002 so that acne sufferers can use the drug in something other than pill form. A timeline for this product was not provided.

From the company’s press release:

Richard Storer, Chief Scientific Officer of Summit commented: “The positive outcome of this Phase I clinical trial represents a major advancement of SMT D002 towards becoming a novel treatment for seborrhoea in acne and other indications including Parkinson’s disease. The study showed clinically significant levels of sebum suppression and confirmed the positive data from an earlier clinical study. We believe that these clinical data significantly enhance the value of the SMT D002 programme and make it a very attractive partnering opportunity for development towards the market.”

For ultimate skin fitness make sure your diet includes plenty of liver, nuts, and fish of all kinds. All three of these foods contain numerous nutrients specific to skin health. So remember the Skin Fitness Facts grocery list before you head out to the grocery store. Your skin will thank you. And, to understand what these vitamins, etc. will do for you skin read more about skin nutrition here.