5 Frequently Asked Questions about Age Spots

Are you over 40? Are you fed up of unsightly spots on your face, forearms and back of your hands? If you don’t know what these spots are, read on. These spots are nothing but age spots, though it is not known why these develop, but skin ageing and sun exposure are two reasons why they occur. People of any sex or race can develop them, it is commonly spotted in people above the age of 40.

If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you’re more likely to develop age spots areas of increased pigmentation.

They can cause emotional distress to some people, here are some frequently asked questions:

What are age spots? Common areas where they appear?

They most normally occur as black, grey, or brown spots on the skin. They become more common as we age. They most commonly appear on parts of the skin exposed to the sun. They may also be referred to as senile lentigo or liver spots. The most common parts of the body they will be found are face, the back of the hand and neck.

What causes them?

Age spots usually appear on the areas exposed to sun. The exact cause of is not known, but the usual causes are skin ageing, sun exposure and ultra violet light exposure. Frequent use of tanning bed is also one of the causes of these spots.

What are the symptoms?

There are no symptoms related to age spots. They are not dangerous and are painless, the thing that bothers people who have age spots is the appearance of these unsightly spots. People get it treated for cosmetic reasons.

Who is at risk?

Normally age spots become visible after the age of 40 and with passing years they become more and more prominent. They tend to appear more in people with a fair complexion, when compared to people with dark complexion.

How are age spots treated?

The treatment is provided depending on where the spots are. We always recommend sunscreen at an early age so that you prevent these spots. Laser treatment and chemical peels are two treatment methods, along with certain medications will help you to get rid of these spots. There are also several treatments you can do at home to help reduce these spots. You should have them examined by a doctor to insure they are not early signs of skin cancer.

Can age spots be prevented? If yes, how?

Wearing sunscreen daily saves your skin from years of visible damage. So, the most important thing is to always use sunscreen and wear fully covered clothing to minimize the exposure to sun. Use a sunscreen that has sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15 and contain both UVA and UVB protection.