Age spots, also called liver spots, appear on the face, arms, hands, shoulders and other areas frequently exposed to the sun. Although they vary in shape, size and location, most age spots are brownish or grayish in color, notes MayoClinic.com. They are flat and do not protrude from the skin. Age spots do not cause pain or irritation; they are nothing more than large freckles, and, in most cases, are benign. However, many people choose to lighten their age spots with skin care products for cosmetic reasons.
Causes
Nothing more than an accumulation of skin pigment underneath the skin, age spots are caused by sun exposure. The sun increases melanin, or pigment, production in the skin, resulting in a tan for most people. In some cases, small pockets of melanin, or freckles, appear immediately following sun exposure. In some people, sun damage appears later in life in the form of gradually developing spots: age spots.
Prevention/Solution
A good skin care routine, along with protecting the skin from the sun, is the best defense against age spots. Skin care products that prevent age spots include sunscreens, lotions containing sunscreen and sunscreen cosmetics such as foundations, lipsticks and self tanners that contain sunscreen.
For the best protection, slather all areas of the skin that will be exposed to the sun with a 30 SPF sunscreen or sunscreen product at least 20 minutes before going outside, advises AgingSkinNet.
Skin Brighteners
Skin brighteners, skin care products that fade spots gradually over time, are available at department stores, drugstores and beauty counters. Prescription-strength brighteners are also available. Common ingredients in skin brighteners include hydroquinone, licorice, kojic acid and soy, notes AgingSkinNet. Apply brighteners twice daily in between cleansing and moisturizing as part of a regular skin care routine.
Cosmetic Treatments
Some products and procedures for age spots are only available through a dermatologist. Such products include chemical peels, dermabrasion, prescription bleaching creams and freezing agents, notes MayoClinic.com. Chemical peels remove layers of skin, encouraging new skin production. Over time, these treatments fade age spots. Dermabrasion uses a fine sand and friction to buff away imperfections of the skin. Bleaching creams gradually fade spots with frequent use. Freezing agents destroy the accumulated pigment, allowing the body to absorb the extra melanin.
Medical Attention
Most age spots do not require treatment other than for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, age spots can be a visible symptom of something more sinister. Talk to your doctor if you notice any change in color, shape and size or if you notice crusting, scabbing and bleeding on any of your age spots.
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