Age spots, often called liver spots, are brown or tan spots that typically form on your face, shoulders, chest and arms. The reason they develop in these areas is because these are parts of your body regularly exposed to the sun. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays causes the skin to produce more melanin, which is the pigment that causes the darkness. Since the sun's radiation is the culprit, you should take daily steps to limit your sun exposure and stop age spots from forming.
Step 1
Wear sunscreen daily. Make it a habit to apply it after you wash your face and before you apply your makeup. Sunscreen needs at least 30 minutes to form a protective bond with your skin that will block UV rays, so don't apply it at the last minute. Use a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and re-apply it throughout the day, especially if you sweat or become wet.
Step 2
Wear hats when you're outside. Choose a hat with a wide brim that will cast shade over your entire face, not just your eyes. Remember that some hats, such as straw hats, are porous and will allow light to leak through, so don't skip the sunscreen just because you're wearing a hat.
Step 3
Keep a pair of thin cotton gloves in your car. Your hands are frequently exposed to sunlight when they're on the steering wheel, so protect them by covering them. If you're concerned about slippage on the wheel, purchase driving gloves, which have more traction in the palm and fingers.
Step 4
Apply UV-B filtering tint to your car windows. If you make long commutes, you're in your car for long periods of time. Numerous changes in direction shift the sunlight to different parts of your body. Guard yourself against the rays with protective glass film.
Step 5
When outside, wear long-sleeved shirts when possible. Choose airy, breathable cotton over poly blends to keep you cool. Be mindful that the sun's rays can penetrate cloth, so if you are working outside for long periods of time, invest in specially treated shirts that are UV ray-resistant.
Tips and Warnings
- Once you have age spots, try over-the-counter skin bleaching agents to fade them. Be mindful that you are still subjected to UV rays on overcast days, so don't let up on the skin protection.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Gloves
- UVB protective film
- Long-sleeved shirts
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