What Are Age Spots?
Age spots—also called sunspots, liver spots, or solar lentigines—are flat, benign brown-to-black patches that form on sun-exposed skin when UV light triggers excess melanin production. They most often appear after age 40 but can develop earlier in individuals with heavy sun exposure. Although usually benign and harmless, they can negatively impact the skin's appearance, becoming a cosmetic concern for many people. After all, achieving an even skin tone and reducing brown spots can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots develop when repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure prompts melanocytes to overproduce and cluster melanin into concentrated dark patches on sun‑exposed skin. Genetics can also play a part for certain individuals.
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Melanin Overproduction: UV exposure triggers the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This excess melanin often becomes concentrated in certain areas, forming age spots.
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Melanocyte Activity: Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing melanin. UV radiation can stimulate these cells to become more active and produce excess melanin.
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DNA Damage: UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, including melanocytes. This damage can disrupt the normal melanin production process.
It's important to note that age spots are not the same as freckles. Freckles are also a result of increased melanin production, but they are often hereditary and can appear at a much younger age.
How Can I Treat Age Spots?
Age spots can be effectively treated through a combination of professional procedures, targeted skincare, and lifestyle adjustments.
1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy:
IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to break down excess melanin, reducing the appearance of age spots and improving overall skin tone. At Glow Luxe we find this to be a very effective treatment for pigmentation irregularities.
2. Topical Skincare Products:
Creams and serums containing ingredients such as Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Tranexamic Acid and Azelaic Acid can be very effective at fading age spots and preventing new ones. Products such as Complexion Perfection or Vitae Ageless Serum are powerful additions to any skin care program focused on pigment reduction.
3. Effective Use Of SPF:
To effectively prevent age spots, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. We recommend a mineral based product containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
Our Skin Tells The Story....
of our experiences, from the sunny days of youth to the wisdom of age. However, one narrative that many of us would rather avoid is the appearance of age spots. Dark pigmented blemishes can leave us feeling self-conscious about our skin, but the good news is that you don't have to accept age spots as an inevitable part of aging.