Age Spots A Sign of Photodamaged Skin

Age spots are those spots of brown (or dark) skin pigmentation which result from an accumulation of melanin, over time. Spending time in the sun, without sunscreen, exposes the skin to ultraviolet rays which trigger melanin production.

When your skin has accumulated enough melanin, a dark spot appears on the surface of your skin. Since melanin is not gathered equally under the skin, you are likely to have patches of age spots, and patches of clear skin.

Age spots are one very significant marker of skin which has been aged and damaged by the sun.

Age spots are more likely for those who burn easily and who have fair skin.

The best way to prevent age spots is by regular use of sunscreen.

If, however, you have developed age spots, you have various options to treat them.

Most common are over-the-counter bleaching creams, such as kojic acid or hydroquinone.

Alpha hydroxy acids in concentrations of 10% are also used. If your age spots are particularly severe, you may need to use a higher concentration of alpha hydroxy acid; but this will need to be prescribed and administered by a licensed physician.

Microdermabrasion and laser techniques may also be used. These must be performed by licensed professionals and are among the more expensive options.

Once you have treated existing age spots, you'll find that sunscreen and sun-protection are the best ways to keep them from reappearing- and less expensive than having them treated.