Spectacle marks on the bridge of one’s nose are very common and are also known as friction melanosis. This is hyperpigmentation that happens due to constant rubbing of the spectacles on the surface of the nose, which leads to strain and spots on the epidermis, thereby leading to what is more familiarly known as spectacle marks. So are you wondering how to avoid eye glasses nose marks? If so, let’s find out the solution.

Tips to avoid spectacle marks on nose

If this happens simply due to pressure, or due to an incorrect size of the spectacles’ frame, the marks tend to disappear overnight. However, if they have turned into hyperpigmentation, there are multiple ways to treat them. These include:

1. Using the right acids

Acids like AHAs (glycolic or lactic), azelaic acid, kojic acid, and vitamin C help exfoliate the skin. This implies that with the continued use of these acids, your old skin cells, the ones with the marks, will shed and new skin cells will replace them, removing the marks.

2. Using sunscreen

No matter what, you should always wear sunscreen since it has anti-aging and skin cancer prevention benefits as well as because it will stop UV radiation from causing additional melanin to be produced (which is responsible for all sorts of pigmentation). To receive the most advantages, make sure to use one with a PA+++ rating and a minimum SPF of 30.

3. Using retinol

Retinol is another golden ingredient that works just like acids. Used at night time, retinol increases the speed of the skin cell turnover and also penetrates deeper into the skin. It additionally affects elastin and collagen production, and would be a more effective alternative to acids if your skin can tolerate it.

Also, read: Meet retinol, the magical ingredient that can erase your wrinkles

4. Using ceramide-based barrier moisturisers

The skin’s barrier is damaged by frictional melanosis. A good barrier repair cream with ceramides will assist in repairing the epidermis as well as keeping your skin well-hydrated. Additionally, the enhanced skin cell turnover caused by the use of acids or retinol requires some assistance from a barrier repair cream to stop further moisture loss. This will help to treat your skin more effectively and eliminate hyperpigmentation.

5. Contact lens

In addition to these, you can consider switching to a contact lens as a preventive measure, and alternative to spectacles. However, if that is not possible, you can use some soft silicone gel tape on the nose, where the hyperpigmentation is, to prevent any further friction from your glasses, and to create a barrier between your epidermis and the glasses. Not wearing glasses may automatically help you to avoid spectacle marks on nose.

When to consult a doctor?

Many people may face stubborn hyperpigmentation that will require a targeted treatment plan and option. In such cases, please consult a dermatologist who can either create and curate a personalised treatment plan for you, or help you with in-clinic procedures that can help with the marks. These treatments may include

1. Q-Switch laser: This procedure breaks down the melanin and lightens the hyperpigmentation.
2. High-strength chemical peels: These are much stronger than OTC retinol, and exfoliating face acids.
3. Microdermabrasion: This procedure gently but rapidly removes the epidermis, thus ridding your nose of the spectacle marks and scars.