Wellness
Understanding Age Spots on Your Skin
Learn what causes age spots, why they are a common concern, and how these harmless but noticeable skin changes can affect you.
What is it?
Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are small, flat, dark areas on the skin. They can be tan, brown, or black and typically appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These spots are a result of excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds speeds up melanin production, and over years of exposure, this melanin can clump together, forming age spots. They are most common in adults over 50 but can occur in younger people with significant sun exposure. Although harmless, they can resemble certain skin cancers, so any new or changing spots should be checked by a doctor.
Why is it trending?
Age spots are a trending topic in skincare due to a growing awareness of sun damage and an increasing desire for a clear, even complexion. As people become more educated about the long-term effects of UV exposure, they are more proactively seeking information on prevention and treatment. The beauty and wellness industries have responded with a surge in products and professional treatments designed to lighten or remove these spots, from topical creams with ingredients like retinoids to procedures like laser therapy and chemical peels. This focus on anti-aging and skin health keeps the conversation around age spots relevant and consistently searched.
How does it affect people?
While medically harmless, age spots can have a significant cosmetic and emotional impact. Many people feel self-conscious about their appearance, viewing them as a visible sign of aging that can affect self-esteem. This often leads individuals to seek cosmetic treatments to lighten or remove the spots for an improved appearance. Additionally, the appearance of age spots serves as a visible reminder of accumulated sun exposure, prompting greater diligence with sun protection measures like using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing to prevent new spots from forming and existing ones from darkening.