We all know by now about the damage that the sun can wreak on your skin, particularly on your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. One of the most visible signs of sun exposure is age spots.
Known by various terms — age spots, sunspots, solar lentigines, or liver spots (even if they have nothing to do with the liver!) — these spots can range from tan or light brown to dark brown in color. They are generally flat and oval and can group together. This pigmentation or discoloration may begin to occur in your twenties, but it tends to be more pronounced by your fifties. And while age spots tend to show more on lighter skin tones, they aren’t exclusive to those with fair skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, sun exposure — whether natural or from a tanning bed — speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. Age spots appear when melanin because “clumped or is produced in high concentrations.” Note that while age spots can look similar to different types of skin cancer, age spots do not pose any health risks. You should see your healthcare provider immediately if that is a concern.
One of the best treatments for age spots is a Laser Photofacial, also known as Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL. Click below to find out more about the procedure, or talk to one of the trained healthcare practitioners at Naya.
