What are Age Spots?

Also called solar lentigines, age spots refer to the brownish areas that appear over time on your face and body. Age spots occur as a result of overexposure to the sun. Often seen on people over 40, anyone can have age spots.

Usually, age spots do not cause any problems and do not require medical care. If the spots are especially dark or have changed in appearance, have your physician exam them to make sure there is no risk of skin cancer. After a visual inspection, your doctor can determine if the area needs to be biopsied.

age-spots on hands

What are the causes of Age Spots?

Melanin, the dark pigment in the epidermis, gives the skin its pigment. Extra melanin, which protects the deeper layers of skin, causes the darker color of a tan. When extra melanin is generated or it becomes clumped in one location, age spots appear. Usually, age spots develop after years of exposure to the sun, but tanning lamps and tanning beds can eventually lead to the same results. Genetics and the natural aging process can also influence whether you have age spots or not.

What treatments are available for Age Spots?

If age spots make you feel self-conscious about how you look, schedule an appointment with dermatologist name to learn about treatment options to remove or lighten age spots, including:

How to help prevent Age Spots

Minimizing exposure to the sun will reduce your odds of developing age spots.

Follow these tips as well:

  • Avoid tanning beds or lamps
  • Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 or greater and reapply often
  • Cover skin with hats, long sleeves and long pants
  • Limit outdoor time during peak sun hours
happy mature woman

The Difference Between Age Spots and Other Skin Conditions

Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin that are usually tan to dark brown. They are caused by overactive pigment cells due to sun exposure or tanning beds. They are common in adults older than 50 and appear on areas that are most exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. 

Moles are growths on the skin that can be flesh-colored, brown, or black. They can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), which is why it is important to monitor them for change.

Freckles are tiny, flat, circular spots that are typically beige or brown in color. They appear in groups on areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and legs. They often become darker after sun exposure and significantly lighten up in the winter months. They are not harmful and do not need treatment, but they can be reduced or eliminated by topical skin care products or laser treatments.

FAQ About Age Spots

Are age spots dangerous?

Age spots are generally harmless and do not require treatment. However, if a person notices a new spot on their skin, or a spot that changes in size, shape, or color, they should consult a dermatologist as it could be a sign of a more serious skin condition such as skin cancer.

How can I prevent age spots?

To prevent age spots, it is important to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. This can be done by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest. In addition, it is also important to avoid tanning beds, which emit UV rays that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Can age spots be treated or removed?

Age spots can be treated with a variety of methods, including topical creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, and cryotherapy. These methods can lighten or remove age spots, but they may not be completely eliminated. It’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment options for your individual case.

Are age spots only found in older people?

Age spots are more commonly found in older people, but they can occur at any age, especially in people who have had a lot of sun exposure. Young people who have a history of sunburns or tanning are also at risk of developing age spots. It’s important for people of all ages to take steps to protect their skin from the sun and to have any unusual spots on their skin checked by a dermatologist.

Can age spots appear on other parts of the body besides the face, hands and arms?

Age spots can appear on any part of the body that has been exposed to the sun. They are commonly found on the face, hands, and arms, but they can also appear on the legs, back, and chest. It’s important to check all exposed areas of the skin for age spots, especially if you have a history of sun exposure or sunburns.

Can age spots be mistaken for something else?

Age spots can be mistaken for other types of skin conditions such as freckles, moles, or even skin cancer. It’s important to have any unusual spots on your skin checked by a dermatologist to rule out any other serious skin conditions. A dermatologist can also help determine the best treatment options for age spots, if necessary.

Is there a dermatologist near me in Porter Ranch that offers treatment for age spots?

Yes. At our Porter Ranch dermatology office we offer treatment for age spots to patients from Porter Ranch and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.