Age Spots – Symptoms and Causes
Dark spots on skin are small, flat areas with increased pigmentation. They often show up on parts of your body that get sun exposure, including shoulders and back. People call these spots by different names like sunspots or liver spots.
People with lighter skin who spend lots of time outdoors face higher risks of developing these spots. Younger individuals can develop them too after extensive sun exposure.
These dark patches usually don’t require medical treatment, but they signal that your skin has received significant sun damage. Your skin creates these spots as a protective response to sunlight. Some people choose to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.
You can reduce your chance of developing these spots by using sunscreen regularly and limiting sun exposure.
Treatment Options
- Special creams with lightening ingredients
- Laser therapy treatments
- Chemical peels
- Freezing procedures (cryotherapy)
- Dermabrasion treatments
Signs of Skin Aging
Brown spots on hands are common skin changes that occur with age. These spots appear most often in people with fair skin but can affect anyone. Unlike freckles, these spots don’t fade when not exposed to sunlight.
These spots often:
- Appear as flat, oval patches with darker pigmentation
- Range in color from light tan to dark brown
- Measure from tiny specks to about 1/2 inch across
- Commonly develop on areas with frequent sun exposure
The backs of hands are particularly prone to these spots due to years of sun exposure. Other common areas include the face, shoulders, upper back, and tops of feet.
Sometimes these spots cluster together, creating a mottled or speckled appearance on the skin. This grouping can make them more noticeable. The spots themselves don’t cause physical discomfort but may be a cosmetic concern for some people.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Age spots don’t usually need medical attention. However, certain changes in your skin should prompt a doctor visit.
See a healthcare provider if you notice spots that are:
- Black in color
- Growing larger over time
- Showing irregular or uneven borders
- Displaying unusual color patterns
- Bleeding
These changes might indicate melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer. It’s always better to have new skin changes checked by a medical professional right away.
Causes
Age spots form when pigment cells work too actively. These cells make melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. When your skin gets lots of sun over many years, melanin can clump together or build up in certain areas, creating these spots.
UV light from the sun makes your skin produce more melanin. This happens as your body tries to protect itself from harmful rays. Using tanning beds and lamps can also lead to age spots, as they emit similar UV radiation.
Risk Factors
People with fair skin tend to develop age spots more easily. Those who spend a lot of time in the sun or have experienced severe sunburns also face higher chances of getting these spots.
The skin’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure over time plays a key role in their formation.
Staying Sun-Safe
To lower your risk of age spots and prevent new spots from appearing after treatment, it’s important to limit sun exposure. Here are some key steps to protect your skin:
Timing Matters
Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Try to schedule your time outside during early morning or late afternoon hours instead.
Sunscreen Is Essential
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15-30 minutes before going outdoors. Use plenty of product and reapply every two hours. If you’re swimming or sweating, you’ll need to reapply more frequently.
Dress for protection
Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs. Choose a broad-brimmed hat instead of a baseball cap or visor for better face and neck protection.
For maximum protection, look for specially designed sun-protective clothing. Items labeled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings of 40-50 offer the best defense against harmful rays.
