Age Spots…Do they actually have anything to do with age?
Whether you call them age spots, liver spots, sun spots, or hyperpigmentation, most of us find those brown spots on our skin unattractive. They usually don’t begin to appear until we’re older and once there, seem to grow larger over time. So, where do they come from and how do you prevent or correct them?
Where do they come from?
Age spots, or lentigines, are basically a result of over exposure to the sun. Interestingly, these are not caused only by age; they are caused by sun exposure (how long and how much you have been in the sun) and hormonal changes. They are more accurately ‘sun spots’, rather than age spots. However, as we age, our skin is subjected to increasing amounts of sun damage and our skin’s natural ability to fend off UV rays (melanin pigment which absorbs sunlight and helps protect our skin from UV rays) begins to deteriorate. As this happens, these unsightly brown spots begin to develop. Age spots and freckles are most often seen on those with fairer skin because they have very little melanin pigment and less natural ability to protect their skin from the sun.
How do I prevent them?
Prevention is quite simple: avoid the sun and use sun protection every day. Even if you have begun to notice sun spots on your skin, it is not too late to prevent the damage from spreading or getting worse. Wear sunscreen every day - even if you are just going from your house to your car to your work place, protect your skin! Keep in mind, car windows block only UVB rays, not UVA, which are the main culprit in sun damage and aging skin. This means you are still getting dangerous exposure unless you take your car to get UVA clear or tinted protection put on your windows.
How do I correct them?
The good news is that there are treatments that can reverse the appearance of sun spots – without going to the plastic surgeon! At Pure Skin by Maggie, we see many clients with dark skin pigmentation due to overexposure to the constant bright sunlight in Hawaii. Our clients have seen dramatic results with natural, gentle treatments, particularly the Vitamin C + E Whitening Facial. Most clients see a visible change with one treatment! Vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant, is a natural whitening agent that also increases fibroblast and collagen production and reduces inflammation. It’s perfect for those who are concerned with the signs of aging – hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, and dehydration.
If you want to explore gentle options to even out your complexion that also treat other visible signs of aging, call us to schedule a free consultation. There are many natural options for treating your skin, without severe side effects or down-time.
