Age Spots
Age Spots are small dark spots that appear on the skin. They are most common in people over 40 but can also appear in younger adults who spend a lot of time in the sun. They appear on people of any age, race, or gender; however, they are most noticeable on people with fairer skin types.
Also known as sunspots, liver spots, senile lentigo, and solar lentigines, age spots are simply a sign your skin has been exposed to the sun. Those most susceptible to age spots include people:
over 40
with fair skin
with a history of frequent use of tanning beds
with a history of frequent unprotected sun exposure
What causes age spots?
Age spots develop due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin's natural colour. Melanin levels vary from person to person, with higher amounts resulting in darker skin tones. Excess melanin production can be triggered by prolonged exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) light, such as tanning beds. Age spots form when melanin clusters together or accumulates in high concentrations in certain areas of the skin. They can appear suddenly or may take many years to grow.
What are the signs of age spots?
Age spots appear in a variety of colours depending on your skin type. They may vary in colour from light tan, to brown, and black. These painless spots may look like single freckles or may appear in clusters. They can vary in size from two millimetres to two centimetres in diameter. They usually appear on your skin in the areas that are most often exposed to the sun, such as your:
face
back of your hands
shoulders
upper back
forearms
top of your feet.
How are age spots treated?
Age spots are harmless so treatment for them is not medically necessary. Laser therapy to reduce the pigmentation in the skin, or cryotherapy (freezing the age spot), may be used. However, these treatments may leave a temporary or permanent mark.
The effectiveness, cost and treatment times for each of these vary, so speak to your doctor about which treatment may be suitable for you. It’s important to note that treatments are for cosmetic purposes only, and that age spots may reappear, particularly if you don’t protect your skin from the sun.
What are the complications of age spots?
While age spots themselves are harmless, they can make diagnosing an underlying skin cancer more difficult to see and detect. If you are concerned, please see your doctor or healthcare professional for regular skin checks.
Can you prevent age spots?
We can’t always prevent age spots as they are a natural part of the skin’s ageing process. However, the best way to reduce the likelihood of developing age spots is to:
apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) 30 minutes before sun exposure
reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or exercise
reduce your exposure to the sun, especially when the UV levels are at their highest. The Cancer Council recommends sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above.13You can check this using the SunSmart app or by checking the Bureau of Meteorology website.
wear sun-protective clothing, including a hat, long sleeves, neck protection, long pants, and covered shoes, and seek shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day
Your local MediADVICE pharmacist is here to support you in managing your health. We can recommend a variety of products to help treat age spots and protect your skin. Simply speak with your pharmacist about your symptoms, and we’ll suggest suitable products and medications tailored to your needs.
Visit your nearest MediADVICE today.
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