What Are Age Spots?
Age spots are flat, tan to dark brown areas of pigmentation that appear on skin exposed to regular sun, most often the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They’re also known as sunspots, liver spots, or solar lentigines. Age spots can be as small as a freckle or as large as half an inch across, and they sometimes cluster together, which can make them more noticeable. Adults over 50 are the most likely to develop them, though anyone who spends significant time in the sun without protection can develop them earlier.
What Causes Age Spots
Age spots form when pigment producing cells in the skin become overactive. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the skin’s production of melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color. Over years of sun exposure, melanin can clump together or build up in concentrated areas, forming an age spot. Commercial tanning lamps and beds can contribute in the same way. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade without sun exposure, age spots don’t fade on their own.
How to Help Prevent Age Spots
- Stay out of direct sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest, and plan outdoor activities earlier or later in the day.
- Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher about 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
- Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, along with a broad brimmed hat for more coverage than a baseball cap or visor provides.
- Look for clothing rated with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 40 to 50 for additional coverage.
A Note on Skin Changes
Age spots are a cosmetic concern related to sun exposure. As with any change in your skin, it’s a good idea to mention anything new or different to your physician at your next visit as part of your routine skin health care.
Addressing the Appearance of Age Spots
If age spots are a cosmetic concern for you, CARE Esthetics offers treatment options, including laser therapy, that patients use to help address the appearance of age spots as part of a personalized treatment plan. Individual results vary. Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your goals and the options available to you.
