Wrinkles and sagging skin get most of the attention when it comes to skin aging, but age spots, a common form of skin hyperpigmentation, are another concern people face with age. According to Dr. Edgar Martinez of U.S. Dermatology Partners Plano, “In the past, treatment that used harsh chemicals was the go-to for hyperpigmentation, but today, there are numerous skincare options to address dark spots. Many of them are gentler on skin.” In this blog, Dr. Martinez discusses what liver spots are, what causes hyperpigmentation, and how to get rid of age spots.
What Are Age Spots?
Dr. Martinez says, “Age spots go by a lot of names like sun spots, dark spots, liver spots, hyperpigmentation, or the clinical name solar lentigines, but they all typically refer to the same condition that causes flat, dark spots to develop on skin. These spots range in color from tan to black.” Age spots show up on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun like the face, hands, and forearms. They may be tiny dots that look like freckles up to larger spots and patches or widespread clusters of dark spots.
What Causes Age Spots?
The cause of age spots is simple. The skin’s natural production of melanin, which creates skin pigment, is out of proportion. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin’s DNA leading to the overproduction of melanin that causes dark spots. While sunlight is the cause of dark spots, risk factors that increase chances for developing age spots include:
- Being aged 40 or older.
- Having light skin tone.
- Having one or more sunburns in childhood.
- Tanning bed usage.
- Persistent sun exposure.
Are Age Spots Harmful?
When it comes to potential risk related to age spots, Dr. Martinez says, “While hyperpigmentation isn’t usually harmful, it may mimic common signs of skin cancer, especially lentigo maligna melanoma. This serious form of melanoma also begins as a flat, irregularly pigmented spot on the skin, making it important to receive an examination and diagnosis from a dermatologist.”
When to See a Dermatologist
Because age spots may resemble other skin conditions, it’s important to receive a clinical diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you’re not dealing with something more serious. Warning signs that it may be time to consult a dermatologist include:
- Lesions that are very dark, irregularly colored, or with multiple colors.
- Rapidly growing or changing spots.
- Lesions with irregular borders.
- Itching, pain, or bleeding spots.
How to Prevent Age Spots
Like most skin conditions, prevention can be a better option than treatment to keep skin healthy. Some ways to prevent age spots include:
- Wear sunscreen daily – apply a broad-spectrum sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. It should be used daily even if it’s cold or cloudy to reduce the cumulative effects of sun damage.
- Wear protective gear – wearing sunglasses, gloves, hats, and UPF-rated clothing all reduce sun damage.
- Stay inside during peak hours – UV rays are most damaging between 10 am and 4 pm, so it’s important to reduce sun exposure during these hours.
- Avoid tanning beds – the exposure to concentrated UV light increases risk for age spots, other signs of premature skin aging, and more serious concerns like skin cancer.
- Use antioxidants – skincare products with antioxidants neutralize the sun’s damaging rays, preventing dark spots, wrinkles, and other forms of sun damage.
Age Spot Treatment Options
For those with age spots, treatment may include using topical brightening agents at home, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and dermatologic treatments.
Topical Brightening Agents
There are numerous options available to lighten and brighten dark spots, including skincare products that contain ingredients like:
- Hydroquinone – this is a good short-term option, but it should not be used for extended periods as it may cause skin irritation or rebound hyperpigmentation.
- Retinoids and retinols – prescription strength retinoids and over-the-counter retinols improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation by encouraging the removal of dead skin cells to reveal healthier skin below.
- Vitamin C – antioxidant serums that contain vitamin C not only prevent sun damage that may lead to age spots, but they also prevent melanin synthesis, brightening skin.
- Niacinamide – derived from vitamin B3, this product slows pigmentation, making it beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Over-the-Counter Options vs. Prescription Treatments
In many cases, an over-the-counter treatment is adequate to address mild age spots, but there are times where a prescription-strength topical medication is the right choice, especially for liver spots that have not responded to over-the-counter solutions. Prescription-strength topical hydroquinone or tretinoin have proven effective. It’s essential to follow dermatologist guidance when using skin-lightening products whether they are purchased over the counter or with a prescription.
Dermatologist-Administered Treatments
In addition to at-home skincare and treatment options, there are also numerous in-office dermatologic procedures for hyperpigmentation removal, including:
- Chemical peels – this treatment utilizes chemicals applied in a controlled solution to dissolve the outer layers of skin, revealing healthy skin below. Because skin can be sensitive to ultraviolet radiation following chemical peels, it’s important to avoid sun exposure and apply sunscreen to prevent the formation of new sun damage spots.
- Laser therapy – resurfaces the outer layers of skin using laser light waves to break down pigment clusters, allowing them to clear naturally over several weeks, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
- Cryotherapy – this treatment uses extreme cold, by applying liquid nitrogen, to destroy pigmented cells and reduce the appearance of dark spots. This makes cryotherapy one of the best treatments for age spots that are localized, but this treatment isn’t recommended for more widespread hyperpigmentation.
Achieve & Maintain Flawless Skin at Any Age
In conclusion, Dr. Martinez says, “Age spots may not be at the top of the list of age-related skin concerns, but for those who have dark spots, it can be one of the most noticeable. While these dark spots are harmless, they can negatively impact self-confidence, leaving people feeling less than their best. With the right preventive skincare routine and anti-aging treatments, it’s possible to age gracefully and maintain more beautiful skin at any age.”
Schedule a Dermatology Consultation
If you’ve noticed strange new lesions or dark spots on skin, don’t put off scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. Simply take a few moments to complete our online scheduling request form. Once we hear from you, a local dermatology team member will be in touch to finalize your upcoming visit.
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