Age Spots: Prevention & Treatment Options
Age spots (also referred to as “sun spots” or solar lentigines) are flat brown spots that are caused when the skin is chronically exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from tanning beds. This spotting occurs after cells in the skin react to UV exposure by overproducing melanin in just one area instead of uniformly across the skin, causing the area to appear darker than surrounding areas. Age spots commonly form on areas of the body that are most frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, neck, décolletage area, arms and legs.
While commonly mistaken for moles, melasma or other precancerous pigmentation, age spots are not a precursor to cancer and are not harmful to your health. They can, however, affect a person’s cosmetic appearance especially over time as the spots begin to increase in number and darken.
What are Age Spots?
Age spots (solar lentigines) are flat, tan, brown, or black spots that develop on the skin. They are caused by an excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Age spots are most found on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. While they are often associated with aging, they can also appear in younger individuals who spend a significant amount of time in the sun.
What Causes Age Spots?
The primary cause of age spots is sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun stimulates the production of melanin in the skin, leading to the formation of dark spots over time. Other factors that may contribute to the development of age spots include genetics, hormonal changes, and certain medications.
Where Can Age Spots Develop?
Age spots can develop on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun, but they are most found on areas that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and back. These spots typically appear on the surface of the skin and vary in size and color.
Factors That Increase Risk for Age Spots
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing age spots. These include:
- Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the primary risk factor for age spots.
- Age: As the name suggests, age spots are more common in older adults, particularly those over the age of 50.
- Skin tone: Individuals with fair skin are more susceptible to developing age spots than those with darker skin tones.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can increase the likelihood of developing age spots.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and hormone therapies, can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of age spots.
Can age spots be prevented?
Nearly everyone who is exposed to the sun will develop some degree of spotting over their lifetime. Individuals who have lighter skin tones are most susceptible to age spots and may start to notice their development as early as their 20’s. As you can guess, age spots are also more noticeable on lighter skin.
There is, however, one effective way to stall the development of age spots: limit your skin’s exposure to UV rays. This means wearing a high SPF brand spectrum sunscreen daily, avoiding the outdoors during peak UV hours, and wearing a wide brimmed hat or UV resistant apparel when stepping outside.
Proper Diagnosis: The First Step in Addressing Age Spots
Before pursuing any treatment options for age spots, it is essential to obtain a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist. Age spots can often be mistaken for other skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, or even skin cancer. A dermatologist can examine the spots and determine the most appropriate course of action.
Treatment options for age spots
Fortunately, there are many great treatments that can reduce the appearance of age spots. Treatment options, from skin care products and in-office procedures, vary in both intensity and effectiveness.
Topical Skin Care Products
Currently, there are a variety of skin care products dedicated to counteracting age spots (among other pigmentation issues) and brightening the skin:
- Exfoliating the skin using an AHA, BHA, or Glycolic Acid containing scrub can help lighten minor sunspots by removing upper layers of the skin (including excess pigment).
- The use of a vitamin C anti-aging product can help prevent future age spots by reducing the skin’s overall production of pigmentation
- Retinol or retinoids like prescription strength Retina-A work to both exfoliate and brighten the skin.
- Hydroquinone based skin lightening creams can lighten sun spots.
In-Office Treatments
Individuals with moderate to severe age spots may require more intensive in-office treatment options that are administered by a skin care professional. Common professional treatments include:
- Cosmelan Mask: Cosmelan is a non-invasive skin lightening treatment that peels away surface pigment (i.e. age spots) while also blocking the enzyme involved in melanin production from creating further pigmentation. Learn more about Cosmelan
- Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are topically applied formulas that revitalize the skin surface by creating an even and controlled shedding of the skin cells; replacing sunspot affected skin with pigment free under layers. There are different types of chemical peels that vary in terms of strength. Learn more about chemical peels
- Laser Treatments: Skin resurfacing laser treatments use wavelengths of laser light to cause controlled wounding to the skin. The process can remove age spots and promote the growth of new healthy and youthful appearing skin. Common lasers include Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, and ActiveFX. Learn more about laser skin resurfacing
- Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive procedure that removes the upper layers of the skin through controlled physical exfoliation. Microdermabrasion uses a handheld device that is guided over the skin to provide light abrasion. The device also features suction mechanism that removes sloughed off skin as it passes, removing pigment containing skin cells. Learn more about microdermabrasion
- Cryotherapy: Also called liquid nitrogen therapy, cryotherapy involves the freezing of specific age spots by a dermatologist. The freezing of age spot-stricken skin results in a peeling off of the heavily pigmented layers. Additionally, cryotherapy can work to lower the skin’s production of melanin by diminishing the number of melanocytes in the treated area.
Preventing Future Age Spots
While treatment options can help to reduce the appearance of existing age spots, no treatment can stop age spots from occurring post-procedure. Preventing future spots from developing is key. Some strategies for preventing age spots include:
- Proper sun protection: Limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen with a high SPF can help to prevent further damage to the skin and reduce the risk of age spots.
- Antioxidant serums: Antioxidant serums, such as those containing vitamin C or E, can help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV radiation.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can accelerate the aging process of the skin and increase the risk of age spots. Quitting smoking can help to improve overall skin health and reduce the risk of developing age spots.
Age spots are a common skin concern that can be effectively treated with a variety of topical and in-office procedures. By understanding the causes of age spots and taking proactive steps to prevent them, individuals can maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come. If you are concerned about age spots or other skin issues, be sure to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.
Lela Lankerani D.O. received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Washington University where she graduated cum laude. Dr. Lankerani has published articles in several scientific journals and has presented at national scholarly meetings including the American Academy of Dermatology and American Osteopathic Academy of Dermatology.
Disclaimer: The contents of the Westlake Dermatology website, including text, graphics, and images, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for direct medical advice from your physician or other qualified professional.
Can you give me a rough idea of cost for Picosure? For skin, not tattoo removal.
Hi Karen, thanks for reading our post and for submitting your question! We’ve recently moved from Picosure to PiQo4 which is a more advanced laser. PiQo4 treatments are currently $750 per session, however there are package discounts available as well.
Please feel free to give us a call at 512.328.3376 to discuss pricing or if you have any further questions.
Thanks again,
–WD Staff
I am so pleased to find this article. I have age spots and I want to get rid of them. So this article is very helpful for me. Thanks and keep sharing.