Age spot

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are small, dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.

Causes

Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Skin aging, sun exposure, or other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, such as tanning beds, are all possible causes. You're most likely to develop age spots on the areas of your skin that receive the most sun exposure.

Symptoms

Age spots:

• Are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
• Are usually tan, brown or black
• Occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back

Prevention

To help avoid age spots and new spots after treatment, follow these tips for limiting your sun exposure:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., because the sun's rays are most intense during this time.
• Wear sunscreen year-round. Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection (against both UVA and UVB rays) and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or more are recommended.
• Wear protective clothing. Sun-protective clothing, hats and sunglasses can also help protect skin.

Treatment

Age spots don't require medical treatment. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed. However, preventing age spots — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to maintain your skin's youthful appearance.

See also

• Melanin
• Sunscreen
• Ultraviolet