Age spots can occur at any age, but are referred to as "age spots" because they are more prevalent in people over 40. Age spots are not a direct result of age, but rather the time we spend in the sun. According to a report on age spots published by the Mayo Clinic, as we age, our skin loses its ability to effectively produce and distribute melatonin, the brown pigment that protects us from the sun. To prevent age spots, we must protect ourselves from the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
Step 1
Wear sunscreen. This is the most obvious, yet often most overlooked, step in preventing age spots. When selecting sunscreen, choose one with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Apply it to the skin at least 30 minutes before heading outside, and then reapply it every 60 minutes. You may need to apply it more often if you are spending a lot of time in water. Cover all exposed areas of the skin, especially hands and face, as they spend the most time in the sun. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, age spots are most common on face, arms, hands, shoulders, neck and forehead.
Step 2
Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes, but the sensitive skin around your eyes. The area of skin under the eye is very thin and extremely susceptible to the sun's rays. Sunglasses, especially wide ones, help protect the skin and prevent sun damage.
Step 3
Put on a wide-brimmed hat when stepping out into the sun. In addition to the protection you will be getting from sunscreen and sunglasses, the hat helps protect the skin even further by blocking the sun's rays. An added bonus is that the hat will help protect your hair from the heat damage caused by the sun, which can leave it dry and brittle. Hats made from straw or canvas are excellent choices for sun protection.
Step 4
Add window film to your car's windows. A great deal of sun damage on the hands and face takes place while in the car. According to dermatologist Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, even though the glass in car windows protects us from UVA rays (the rays that penetrate the skin and cause sunburn), it does nothing to protect the skin from UVB rays (the rays responsible for aging of the skin). Dr. Bernstein recommends installing UVB protection film on the windows of a car. Some states prohibit dark window tint, but the film is also available in clear. You can have a professional car detailer install the film for you, or you can purchase a kit from an auto-parts store and install it yourself.
Step 5
Limit your sun exposure to early mornings or late afternoons. The sun is at its hottest point between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, being exposed to sunlight during those hours results in being exposed to greater levels of UV radiation. A way to gauge how damaging the sun's rays are is by looking at your shadow. If it is shorter than you are, you are in direct and damaging sunlight. If it is taller than you are, you are not being exposed to the more dangerous rays. If you are outdoors in the hottest part of the day, try to remain shaded as much as possible
Tips and Warnings
- Keep sunscreen in your purse or car at all times, so you will always be prepared and protected.
- If you have age spots that are getting darker in color and are changing in texture, see your doctor for proper diagnosis.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Window tint film for cars
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