• Skin Care

Age Spots: Understanding the Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Options

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt unsettled by the discovery of a darkened patch of skin? They’re called age spots, and they affect millions of Americans each year.

Although age spots are usually not cause for concern, knowing how to treat them can help you avoid potential complications.

This approach not only addresses aesthetic concerns but also helps protect against serious conditions like skin cancer.

In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about age spots, including effective treatment and prevention strategies to keep your skin healthy.

What are Age Spots?

Age spots — also known as liver spots or sunspots — are darkened patches of skin that can develop anywhere on the body that’s been exposed to the sun.

These spots are usually flat and oval, measuring about one inch in diameter.

They are most common in people over the age of 40 and those with darker skin tones, but can also develop in younger individuals who spend lots of time outdoors.

What do age spots look like?

The appearance of age spots can vary from person to person, but they generally:

• Appear on the face, hands, neck, or arms 

• Have a dark brown, gray, black, or tan color

• Group in one spot, similar to freckles 

• Have a flat, circular, or oval shape 

Age spots don’t typically cause uncomfortable physical symptoms. If you’ve developed a spot that’s painful or itchy, consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

Common Causes of Age Spots

Age spots appear where melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color — has gathered and clumped. 

This usually happens due to increased UV light exposure, which causes melanin production to speed up. Over time, this can cause patches of skin to appear darker.

You may develop age spots from spending too much time in the sun or from medical treatments like radiation therapy.

Are age spots dangerous?

True age spots — meaning they are not malignant — don’t pose any risk to your health. 

However, age spots can look similar to certain types of skin cancer (melanoma), so it’s important to consult your dermatologist for a professional diagnosis. 

Speak to your doctor if you notice your age spots darkening or changing in any way.

You can also use the table below as a guide to tell the difference between age spots and skin cancer lesions.

How to Get Rid of Age Spots: Effective Treatment Options

Home remedies

You can treat age spots using home remedies that can lighten the discolored skin. Popular options include:

• Lemon juice: Known for its bleaching properties, fresh lemon juice can gradually fade age spots when topically applied. However, refrain from applying lemon juice to the face, as it can irritate sensitive skin and cause breakouts.

• Aloe vera: Its soothing properties can help reduce pigmentation and inflammation as the skin heals. Apply aloe vera gel to the age spots and leave it on overnight.

• Apple cider vinegar: Rich in antioxidants and acids, apple cider vinegar is believed to lighten pigmentation when applied directly to the skin. Similar to lemon juice, avoid using it on the face to prevent skin sensitivity.

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments

OTC treatments are usually recommended for most cases of age spots.

These products typically contain active ingredients that can help lighten the skin and reduce melanin production in affected areas. Common OTC treatments may include:

• Hydroquinone: This is often considered the gold standard for lightening skin and works by inhibiting an enzyme required for melanin production. It's available in concentrations of up to 2%, with more potent options available through prescription.

• Retinoids: Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as retinol or tretinoin — are effective for promoting cell turnover. This can help to gradually fade age spots as pigmented cells are replaced with new, lighter ones.

• Vitamin C: This antioxidant is known for its role in skin brightening and can help inhibit melanin production. Over time, this can lighten age spots by evening out the skin tone.

• Glycolic acid: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) helps to exfoliate the skin, removing the upper layer of dead cells to allow new, less pigmented ones to surface.

Medical treatments 

Medical procedures may be necessary to treat more stubborn age spots that don’t improve with home remedies or OTC treatments. This may include:

• Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy: These treatments target melanin-producing cells without damaging the skin's surface. Lasers are precise in targeting darker spots, while IPL covers larger areas. Multiple sessions are often required for optimal results.

• Cryotherapy: This involves applying liquid nitrogen to age spots, causing the darkened skin to freeze and peel away during the healing process. This method is particularly effective for small clusters of single spots on your skin.

• Dermabrasion: This procedure exfoliates the skin, encouraging the growth of new cells in place of the old, pigmented ones. It’s effective for surface-level spots and requires a period of healing and care post-treatment.

• Chemical peels: A chemical peel involves a solution being applied to the skin, causing it to blister and eventually flake off to make way for less pigmented cells. Peels can vary in intensity and may require downtime.

Which Treatment Options Should You Avoid?

Some skin-lightening creams and other treatment products can cause serious side effects, so it’s important to know what to stay away from.

You should avoid any products that contain mercury, as this ingredient could damage your kidneys and nerves. You should also avoid products with the following ingredients:

• Calomel

• Quicksilver

• Cinnabar 

• Hydrargyri oxidum rubrum

If you’re unsure about whether a product is safe to use, consult your doctor or dermatologist for an expert opinion. 

Can You Prevent Age Spots?

It’s possible to prevent age spots, especially if you implement these strategies before they develop.

Protecting yourself from UV light and sun damage is the most effective way to prevent an age spot from forming. You can do this by:

• Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors 

• Avoiding being in the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when UV rays are most intense 

• Not using tanning beds 

• Wearing protective clothing — such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves — when outdoors and in the sun 

When Should You See a Doctor About Age Spots?

Age spots are usually harmless and don’t often require medical attention. However, you should monitor them and consult your doctor if you notice any changes.

Abnormalities to watch for include:

• Changes in appearance, including differences in color, size, or texture 

• Rapid multiplication of the number of spots 

• Accompanying symptoms, such as itchiness, redness, tenderness, or bleeding 

• Aesthetic concerns, particularly if changes in spots affect your appearance or cause discomfort

Consulting your doctor about these issues can help them determine the most appropriate course of action to manage your age spots.

When age spots change dramatically, your doctor can also perform tests to diagnose the issue early and prevent further complications.

Where Can You Learn More About Taking Care of Your Skin?

While it’s generally recommended to consult your dermatologist about any skin concerns, LifeMD may be able to answer your questions about any potential underlying health issues.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more.

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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