Brown spots on the skin are known as age, liver or sun spots, or as solar lentigines. They are concentrations of melanin, the skin's pigment. Skin produces melanin as a protective mechanism against harmful ultraviolet radiation. This is how tanning occurs and why brown spots form, explains MayoClinic.com. The only way to prevent brown spots is to avoid unprotected UV radiation exposure. However, the appearance of skin later in life is largely determined by such exposure before age 20, according to Aetna InteliHealth. However, UV radiation protection can still help prevent age spots, and help limit the size and darkness of existing ones.
Step 1
Limit your exposure to UV radiation. Stay out of the sunlight as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The sun's UV rays are strongest during these mid-day hours, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Stay in the shade when it's available, and use large shade umbrellas at the beach or elsewhere. Also, don't use sun lamps or tanning beds. Like the sun, these devices give off UV radiation that causes brown spots to form on the skin, notes the American Academy of Dermatology on its Skin Care Physicians website.
Step 2
Cover as much skin as possible with clothing or accessories when going outside. Pants and long-sleeved shirts are beneficial, and don't forget sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection and brimmed hats. New York Presbyterian Hospital points out that clothing with a tight weave is most useful for keeping out UV radiation.
Step 3
Protect exposed skin with sunblock. Sunblocks should have a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15 and provide both UVA and UVB protection, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Apply sunblock half an hour before going outside. Re-apply products every two to three hours, or after sweating or being in the water.
Tips and Warnings
- While the sun's UV rays are strongest during the late spring and summer, sun protection is important all year. Sunblocks should be applied liberally and smoothed over the skin rather than rubbed in, explains the Cleveland Clinic, which also reminds women apply sunblock before putting on makeup. Opt for sunblocks labeled "waterproof" or "water-resistant." However, they should still be re-applied after heavy perspiration or swimming. Sunblocks specified as "all-day" still need re-application every two to three hours, advises the Cleveland Clinic.
- Water, ice, snow, sand and pavement all reflect sunlight. Up to 85 percent of the harmful UV radiation bounces off reflective surfaces, according to New York Presbyterian Hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds you to check and adhere to your sunblock's expiration date. If there isn't one, don't keep a product for longer than three years. Exposure to high temperatures reduces the shelf-life. Have a dermatologist check brown spots to confirm they're benign.
Things You'll Need
- Protective clothing
- Sunblock
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