If you develop brown spots on your face and hands starting in middle age, then you're in good company---an estimated 95 percent of the population will get them, according to Arizona's Pima Dermatology. They're also known as sun spots, liver spots or age spots, although the scientific term is solar lentigines. Although generally harmless, they can become unsightly and may need cosmetic treatments.
Identification
Brown spot lentigines are flat spots on sun-exposed areas of your skin, commonly the backs of your hands, forearms, tops of your feet, neck, chest and face, which are tan, brown or dark brown or sometimes gray. They vary in size, from a small pea to a dime or approximately .2 to 2 cm, and are round or oval with irregular borders.
Cause
Although brown spots increase as you age, they're actually caused by sun exposure and are more common in people that are fair-skinned, freckle and burn easily. Your skin has melanin pigment that absorbs sunlight and protects your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. As you age, however, that natural ability begins to wane, leading to a clumping of melanin and the development of brown spots. There are other factors that can affect how fast and how many brown spots you may have, including genetics and whether you've used tanning lamps or beds. Certain medications can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and the risk for sun damage, such as diuretics, antipsychotics and antibiotics. Ingredients like musk and bergamot oil used in cosmetics may also have the same effect. Foods containing a substance called psoralens, such as parsley, celery, parsnips, lemons, limes and figs, have also been shown to increase sun sensitivity.
Treatment
The pigment in your skin is contained in the topmost layer of your skin, so treatments geared toward fading or eliminating brown spots will need to penetrate this layer. Over-the-counter topical treatments that can help lighten spots contain hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Using a serum or lotion with retinol and antioxidants like alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin-C and azelaic acid may also help improve the appearance of the spots. Your dermatologist also has a range of office treatments such as lasers, cryotherapy, chemical peels and dermabrasion.
Prevention
The best way to prevent brown spots is to avoid sun exposure altogether. If you do go out in the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15 that blocks both ultraviolet A and B rays. You should also wear protective clothing like long-sleeved pants and wide-brimmed hats.
Warning
If you notice a brown spot changing color, shape or size, you should visit your doctor to make certain it's not cancerous. Another condition that can resemble sun-caused brown spots is seborrheic keratoses, tan, brown or black growths with a wart-like or waxy, pasted-on appearance, ranging in size from small to more than one inch across. These are generally harmless, but can become irritated and inflamed.
Member Comments