Age Spots - The 6th Sign of Aging Skin

What is it?
Age Spots - The 6th Sign of Aging Skin

What causes it?
The exact causes and triggers of age spots are not know but scientists suspect that it has a lot to do with excessive sun exposure. It typically affects adults from the age of 40 and above. It also has been found to be more common among whites although it also occurs among black people especially those with lighter skin complexions. It is caused by excessive melanin production by skin cells and usually occurs where the skin is most exposed to sun light. It appears as small flat black or brown spot on the surface of the skin around areas such as the upper back, back of the hand, forearms, face and shoulders.

What can you do to prevent it?
As always following the basic rules of maintaining good skin health is essential to preventing age spots.

1) Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible:
Avoiding intense sunshine is important in avoiding age spots. The most dangerous periods are between 10am and 3pm when the sun is most intense.

2) Use sun protection (SPF30 and above)
It is very uncommon but advisable in our environment to start and maintain the use of sun protection products such as sunscreens and products with sun filters. This will help protect the skin from damage by UV light especially during peak periods of sunshine. It is also advisable to use water proof sunscreens when swimming because of the increased risk of sun damage by light rays deflecting off the water.

3) Eat healthy and maintain good living
Your skin can better resist the effects of aging if it is provided with the benefits of good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Get enough rest and eat healthy foods. Avoid heavy dring and smoking.

4) Use effective skin care products
Using good skin care products loaded with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, moisturizers, anti-acne agents and skin cell communicating agents that will help your skin remain resilient for years to come. You cannot afford to be careless with what you apply on your skin,

What about treatment?
Age spots are not a health risk however it is important to take precautions as it can sometimes be confused with skin cancer (a deadly illness). They are usually removed more for cosmetic reasons than anything else. Some treatment or removal methods include:

1) Use of skin lightening creams and products containing Hydroquinone (alone or in combination with Tretinoin), Kojic, Glycolic acid (chemical peels) or Tretinoin alone to mention a few.

2)Physical removal using laser treatment (burning), cryosurgery (freezing the age spots using liquid nitrogen) or dermabrasion methods which involve sloughing off dead cells on the surface of the skin.



The final word
Age spots are harmless but can make you feel uncomfortable. By following the basic rules of good skin health it is possible to avoid the age spots and enjoy benefits of clear youthful skin.