How to Treat Age Spots
Over the years, your skin changes. It loses elasticity, the first wrinkles appear and it becomes drier. In addition to visible fine lines and wrinkles, you might also notice age spots appearing on your skin. Find out why age spots develop and what you can do about them below.
What are Age Spots?
Put simply, age spots (lentigo senilis and solar lentigo), also known as liver spots, are a pigmentation disorder that is primarily caused by excessive sun exposure (ultraviolet light). That is why these black or brown spots appear more frequently on body parts that are often exposed to UV light, such as the face, décolleté, shoulders, arms and backs of the hands. In addition to chronic sun damage, there are a few other factors that can cause the skin to change. These include natural skin aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, oxidative stress caused by free radicals, and some people have a hereditary predisposition to age spots. Important fact: Age spots are a harmless pigmentation disorder characterized by small, flat, dark spots.
Why They Develop
The pigment melanin is responsible for giving the skin its color. It is produced by special skin cells called melanocytes, which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis. The melanocytes contain tiny organelles called melanosomes which contain both melanin and tyrosinase – the enzyme responsible for melanin production. The melanosomes then migrate from the deeper layers of the skin towards the keratinocytes.
Melanin plays an important role in protecting the cells from sun-induced damage. With age, however, the pigment is unevenly distributed and the production rate also changes.
Why They Develop
The pigment melanin is responsible for giving the skin its color. It is produced by special skin cells called melanocytes, which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis. The melanocytes contain tiny organelles called melanosomes which contain both melanin and tyrosinase – the enzyme responsible for melanin production. The melanosomes then migrate from the deeper layers of the skin towards the keratinocytes.
Melanin plays an important role in protecting the cells from sun-induced damage. With age, however, the pigment is unevenly distributed and the production rate also changes.
Important!
Age spots are benign conditions. Nevertheless, you should observe them closely. If their shape or color changes, if they start to itch or even begin to bleed, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.
Are Dark Spots the Same as Age Spots?
Age spots or liver spots are a form of dark spots (hyperpigmentation), similar to freckles or melasma.
Age Spot Removal
Once age spots have appeared, they require the proper treatment (for cosmetic reasons). But before we have a look at some products that reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, let’s talk about the best prevention – sun protection. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF. It should be applied in the morning whenever you plan to go outside. Apply a thicker layer to already affected skin areas to prevent further darkening. We also recommend to wear protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed sun hat and long-sleeved shirts.
Product Recommendations
Chemical peels are great for addressing all kinds of skin issues. Our 20% AHA Exfoliant reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production and provides deep hydration.
Chemical peels are great for addressing all kinds of skin issues. Our 20% AHA Exfoliant reduces the look of hyperpigmentation, increases collagen and hyaluronic acid production and provides deep hydration.
The Retinol Serum is a miracle weapon in the fight against dark spots like liver spots and age spots. It promotes skin regeneration and stimulates the formation of new, healthy skin cells. Best of all, you can easily incorporate the serum into your existing skincare routine.
The Retinol Serum is a miracle weapon in the fight against dark spots like liver spots and age spots. It promotes skin regeneration and stimulates the formation of new, healthy skin cells. Best of all, you can easily incorporate the serum into your existing skincare routine.
The BRIGHT PERFECTION collection helps to prevent dark spots before they even appear and reduces discoloration with long-lasting results. Our day cream with SPF 50 prevents sun-induced hyperpigmentation thanks to its high sun protection factor, has brightening properties and helps repair damaged skin. The Dark Spot Correcting Serum reduces the look of brown marks and plumps wrinkles. The night cream with vitamin E nourishes the skin and promotes a balanced and even skin tone.
The BRIGHT PERFECTION collection helps to prevent dark spots before they even appear and reduces discoloration with long-lasting results. Our day cream with SPF 50 prevents sun-induced hyperpigmentation thanks to its high sun protection factor, has brightening properties and helps repair damaged skin. The Dark Spot Correcting Serum reduces the look of brown marks and plumps wrinkles. The night cream with vitamin E nourishes the skin and promotes a balanced and even skin tone.
For those who want to instantly cover and conceal affected areas on the face, we recommend our Anti-Aging BB Cream. The tinted day cream has very high coverage and also helps to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
For those who want to instantly cover and conceal affected areas on the face, we recommend our Anti-Aging BB Cream. The tinted day cream has very high coverage and also helps to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
Age spots and hyperpigmentation in general can not only affect the face, but other body parts such as the backs of hands. While it is still very important to use sun protection, there are also special hand creams to fight discoloration. Our moisturizing Anti-Aging Hand Cream with niacinamide is fast-absorbing, keeps the skin smooth and soft and reduces the look of dark spots.
Age spots and hyperpigmentation in general can not only affect the face, but other body parts such as the backs of hands. While it is still very important to use sun protection, there are also special hand creams to fight discoloration. Our moisturizing Anti-Aging Hand Cream with niacinamide is fast-absorbing, keeps the skin smooth and soft and reduces the look of dark spots.
Other Treatment Options
Proper skincare is one thing. But there are other ways not only to diminish age spots, but to remove them altogether and even faster. Here are some proven treatments you can book at a beauty salon and medical treatments at the dermatologist:
- Professional chemical peel
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser treatment / laser therapy
- Surgical removal
Other Treatment Options
Proper skincare is one thing. But there are other ways not only to diminish age spots, but to remove them altogether and even faster. Here are some proven treatments you can book at a beauty salon and medical treatments at the dermatologist:
- Professional chemical peel
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser treatment / laser therapy
- Surgical removal
Beauty editor
