As the name suggest, age spots may be attributed to aging skin – sometimes referred to as solar lentigines liver or sun spots. Doctors can’t say with 100% certainty why age spots develop on some people and not on others. Generally speaking age spots are more common in adults over 50. But, that’s not to day, younger people don’t get them too, especially if they have red hair, light skin and spend lots of time outdoors subjecting themselves to frequent sun exposure or sunburns.
What are age spots exactly?
Age spots are caused by the body’s production of extra melanin. Many dermatologists agree that exposure to sun or other sources of UV light rays such as tanning lamps or beds, are potential causes as UV light accelerates the production of skin pigmentation. Age spots, usually brown in color, are more likely to appear on the most exposed areas of the body, such as the face, throat, hands and arms.
How do you get rid of age spots?
Everyone’s big question, no matter how old, is “How do I get rid of my age spots?” My number one suggestion is prevention. It’s much easier to avoid the intense sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and to use the proper sunscreen every day than it is to eliminate age spots.
There’s much controversy surrounding hydroquinone, a bleaching agent used to fade brown spots from the skin. In my opinion, the controversy surrounding the application of “bleach” on your skin is a no-brainer. I would never apply bleach onto my skin and certainly wouldn’t condone or suggest this to anyone else. Hydroquinone is not an ingredient I would ever incorporate into my formulations.
I prefer apple cider vinegar which contains alpha hydroxy acids known to lighten sun spots naturally. Here’s a little secret to combat the acidity of apple cider vinegar. Mix it with olive oil which will keep your skin hydrated. Apply daily to your skin removing the mixture after 20 minutes. Your skin will be left soft, smooth, and a little less dark after two or three weeks.
