What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots (also known as sunspots, dark spots or liver spots—though they have nothing to do with your liver) are caused by overactive pigment cells. Sun exposure accelerates the production of melanin and dark spots appear when melanin becomes "clumped" or is produced in high concentrations on areas frequently exposed like face, hands, shoulders and arms appearing as rounded, brown or black, flat patches of skin.
Anyone can develop age spots, but you may be more likely to develop the condition if you have light-colored or fair skin or have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn. Dark spots are very common in people over age 50, are usually harmless and don’t require medical attention.
How to Prevent Dark Spots:
Avoid Sun Exposure
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Use Broad Spectrum SPF
Wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every day.
Apply and Reapply SPF
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, and more often if swimming or perspiring.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear protective clothing such as hats, pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
Dark Spot Treatment
Ingredients that help lighten dark spots include soy—used in Traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to reduce the appearance of blotchiness and discoloration. AVEENO® products with Total Soy Complex visibly transform dull, uneven skin into brighter, more radiant skin.
