What are age spots?
As we age, we see many changes in our bodies and in our skin, like the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We may also start to see changes in skin coloration. Brown “age spots,” for example, are a type of dark spots that most frequently appear on face and backs of the hands of people of a certain age . Dermatologists call refer to these spots as actinic lentigo, or solar lentigines. Solar lentigos are very common, especially in people over the age of 40 or 50, and they are also alternately known as “old age spots,” “liver spots,” or “senile freckles.”
These spots are a kind of hyperpigmentation: the development of an area of skin that is darker than the surrounding skin. Hyperpigmentation is caused by an excess of or unevenly distributed melanin, the natural pigment responsible for our skin color. Age spots or liver spots Solar lentigo clinically develop as flat, well-circumscribed patches of skin with varying colors (dark-brown) and sizes (from millimeters to centimeters). They occur on skin of any complexion, but tend to be more numerous on lighter skin. These spots are usually harmless. Unlike freckles, liver spots do not fade over time. In fact, they tend to become darker.
Caused by oxidative stress and changes in the metabolism of the skin cells, these spots are a consequence of skin ageing caused by UV exposure and sunburn. (Oxidative stress means an increased presence of oxidants, which leads to inflammation of the skin.) Any additional UV exposure will make these liver spots more visible, so all sun protection measures must be used, including high-protection broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat.
What causes age spots?
The environment is a major factor in akin ageing, specifically when it comes to the appearance of age spots.
ENVIRONMENTAL AGEING FACTOR 1: THE SUN
The sun is the source of light and life, but it is also the source of damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The effects of UVB radiation have been known and reported on for decades. Sunburn and skin damage are commonly discussed issues. But UVB is only half of the story: Present all year round, even in cloudy weather, UVA and infrared rays penetrate deep within the skin, degrading its essential building blocks. To mitigate their effects, opt for broad spectrum UVA-UVB sunscreen enriched with anti-oxidants such as the ANTHELIOS range. UV exposure from tanning beds or lamps can also cause skin damage.
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ENVIRONMENTAL AGEING FACTOR 2: POLLUTION
When it comes to sun exposure, the skin "warns" us when we have exceeded our tolerance threshold with redness, pain, and swelling – in other words, sunburn. But there is no such obvious response to pollution, making it a far more insidious threat for skin.
Environmental aging expert Professor Jean Krutmann led a far-reaching study on 400 women — half of them city dwellers — in order to confirm the effects of a polluted environment on skin. His study showed that there is a direct link between pollution levels and premature ageing signs, with 20% more age spots in the urban group. According to Professor Krutmann: "Environmental aggressors can have a direct impact on skin by triggering increased wrinkle formation."
To mitigate the effects of pollution on skin, be sure to cleanse the skin twice daily as part of your skincare routine. La Roche-Posay Micellar Waters effectively remove all microscopic pollution particles from the skin. You can use the MELAB3 Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel to cleanse the skin as an essential first step, renewing skin from your very first use. It’s clinically proven on all skin tones. Also ask your pharmacist about daily care products with pollution-proof textures to stop particles from adhering to your skin and causing premature signs of ageing.
THE SUN AND POLLUTION: A TOXIC DUO LEADING TO AGE SPOTS AND WRINKLES
There is mounting evidence that pollution amplifies and compounds the effects of solar radiation on skin. In the deep layers of the skin, oxidative stress "eats away" at the skin's support structures, encouraging the development of wrinkles.
At the skin's surface, UV and pollution particles work in tandem to send pigment-producing cells into overdrive, contributing to a dull or greying skin tone, age spots, and other pigmentation disorders. That’s why UVA-UVB sunscreen with a pollution-proof texture is your daily weapon to combat environmental ageing.
How to remove age spots?
While age spots can sometimes be confused with skin cancer, they are harmless and do not require treatment. However, many individuals wish to lessen their appearance for cosmetic reasons, seeking a mover even skin tone, or a more youthful look.
There are many skincare products on the market – in the form of creams, lotions and serums – that can help lighten or remove age spots, improving the appearance of your skin. But it’s all about finding the right combination of ingredients and well-tested formulas. Mercury is an ingredient to avoid at all costs, while ingredients like retinol or alpha hydroxy acid, kojic acid, Vitamin C, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid can help eliminate liver spots.
La Roche-Posay Laboratories have created products specifically developed to protect your skin from environmental ageing, and to help lessen the appearance of uneven pigmentation. When it comes to eliminating liver spots, La Roche-Posay’s MELAB3 Serum features a groundbreaking intensive care formula, bringing visible results in just one week. Thanks to Melasyl, its multi-patented ingredient developed after nearly two decades of research, and the serum’s unique 10% Niacinamide-containing complex, the formula intercepts excess melanin before it marks the skin. Daily use of the serum leaves your skin even-complexioned and glowing.
Other potential treatments include laser therapy or chemical peels. Laser therapy, which usually requires several sessions, aims to destroy melanin-producing cells, without damaging the skin. In a chemical peel, a special chemical solution is applied to the skin, removing the outermost layers, and therefore, the darkened spots. These treatments should only be performed by licensed professionals, like dermatologists or aestheticians.
How to prevent age spots?
When it comes to preventing the appearance of age spots, protection from the sun and pollution is absolutely essential. Consider avoiding the sun during the brightest hours of the day and limiting time outdoors during those hours. There are different types of UV rays – UVB rays are stronger in the summer and reach the surface of the skin, while UVA rays are longer, reaching the dermis and creating oxidative stress in the cells. Most protective creams have a certain SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that protects against UVB rays. Some sunscreens have UVA protection as well, and indicate PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening), which is a specific method of measuring UVA protection.
Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and anti-UVA protection as your first line of defense, even in cloudy or overcast weather. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours (or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming). Think about covering up any exposed skin with clothing, and wear a hat to protect your face. La Roche-Posay’s ANTHELIOS UVMUNE 400 INVISIBLE FLUID SPF50+ SUN provides very high broad spectrum protection (PPD 46, SPF 50+) in a comfortable fluid formula that is ultra-resistant to water, sweat and sand.
Used as part of a daily skincare routine with the MELAB3 Serum and MELAB3 Clarifying Micro-Peeling Gel, La Roche-Posay’s MELAB3 Skin Corrector doubles your dose of Melasyl, for added age spot elimination. Harnessing Melasyl, as well as 5% Niacinamide and powerful SPF, La Roche-Posay’s MELAB3 SPF 30 ANTI-DARK SPOTS CORRECTIVE PROTECTIVE CARE is an easy-to-apply corrective, protective formula for the face, neck and hands. It helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, while also intercepting excess melanin before it forms age spots, all in a pleasing velvety texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, without a sticky finish.
When to see a dermatologist?
As trained specialists, dermatologists can properly diagnose and treat your skin condition. So, while the right skincare products can help eliminate and prevent age spots, seeing a dermatologist may also be a practical step to take, especially if the treatment you’re using does not bring the visible results you wish for.
If you’re not sure whether the dark spots on your skin are age spots, you may want to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can use their expertise and training to properly diagnose and then treat age spots. They may do this simply by looking at your skin, or they may conduct further testing like a biopsy, to rule out other conditions. Come to your appointment prepared to answer questions about the spots, including details like when you began to notice them and if you’ve noticed any changes over time. Family history and your own history of sun exposure will also be helpful details to share with your dermatologist.
Be sure to see a dermatologist if you notice that the spots are changing or darkening quickly, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer. Age spots can sometimes be confused with melanoma, the most common form of skin cancer. You can run through a quick “ABC” checklist for melanoma: asymmetry, borders, colors. If the growth is bigger on side; if its borders are irregular; and if the lesion has multiple or very dark colors, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Age spots are a common facet of ageing. And while they are completely harmless, know that you have several options when it comes to reducing their appearance. Prevention, primarily in the form of protection from the sun, is key. Overall, consider a carefully-engineered at-home skincare routine to return that youthful, even glow to your face.