How can I remove age spots?

What is an Age Spot?

How can I remove Age Spots? Is there anything I can do to prevent them from appearing?
Age Spots are unsightly dark patches that appear on the skin due to sun damage or other causes. They usually occur on areas exposed to sunlight such as the hands, arms, legs, chest, back, shoulders, neck, face, scalp, ears, lips, and eyes.
Age spots are usually caused by reduced Melanin production, which occurs naturally during aging. There are several ways to treat these spots, including topical treatments, laser therapy, and chemical or acid peels.
Importantly, these spots are common among people over 40. They're flat brown, gray, black spots on the skin that often develop on sun-exposed parts of the body. These spots can appear on all skin colours and skin types.

What Causes Age Spots?

Age Spots are caused by changes in the pigment cells (melanocytes) that produce Melanin. Melanin is a natural substance found in the skin that helps protect against ultraviolet rays (UV rays) from the sun. When exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, the melanocytes become damaged and stop producing enough Melanin. This causes the skin to lose its protective properties and becomes more susceptible to damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The result is a Dark Spot, or sun damage on the skin.
The first sign of Age Spots is usually a small, light brown discolouration on the skin. As the condition progresses, the discoloration may spread outwards and grow darker. Over time, the pigment breaks down into smaller particles, forming tiny clumps of Melanin. Those small clumps of Melanin eventually form larger clumps in the top layer of skin, creating Age or Dark Spots.
Although the exact cause of Age Spots isn't fully understood, some experts believe that genetics and family history play a role, while others think environmental factors, including exposure to sunlight and sun damage, contribute to their development.

What are the symptoms of Age Spots?

Age Spots can appear anywhere on the body, but they most commonly show up on the backs of your hands and fingers, your face and on your legs. The appearance of Age Spots varies from person to person. Some Age Spots look like small bumps, while others resemble flat patches of darker skin.
There are two types of Age Spots:
Hyperpigmentation (brown) - These Brown Spots tend to occur in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun, such as the tops of your feet, your face, and the backs of your hands.
Hypopigmentation (black) - These Black Spots typically appear on the backs of your arms, your legs, and other areas that don't receive much direct sunlight, but still require sun protection.

Who is at risk of developing Age Spots?

Age Spots are common among people over 40, especially those with fair skin and a history of frequent sun exposures. They usually start showing up around 40 years old, although some people start developing them earlier. As from the information above, Age Spots are caused by the accumulation of Melanin, a pigment found in the cells of the body. Melanin protects our bodies against UV rays, which causes damage to DNA. As we grow older, our bodies produce less Melanin, which leads to more visible age spots.

Medical Treatment Solutions

While there's no cure for Age Spots, many treatment solutions exist to help lighten them. A dermatologist may recommend one of these options:

• Laser therapy - A laser treatment uses heat energy to destroy the damaged pigment cells. This process helps prevent future damage and reduces the size of existing age spots. This procedure is usually performed by a dermatologist.
• Prescription topical drugs can work slowly to lighten age spots (think: several weeks to months), the two most commonly prescribed being hydroquinone and tretinoin.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355864
• Chemical and acid peels - A chemical peel removes the outer layer of dead skin cells. This allows the new skin underneath to shine through. Afterward, you'll notice a pinkish hue around the treated area.
• Microdermabrasion - This procedure gently buffs away dead skin cells to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin beneath.
• Red light therapy - which uses a red LED light to improve blood circulation on the top layers of skin.
• Creams and serums - Topical treatments which have been specifically formulated to visibly reduce age spots on the skin.

How to reduce Age Spots

The best way to remove of Age Spots from skin is to avoid getting any additional ones. If you already have them however, there are ways to minimise their appearance. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Laser therapy is one of the most effective ways to remove dark spots. This therapy works by destroying the damaged pigment cells using heat energy. Chemical peels also work well, but they're not as effective as laser therapy. Microdermabrasion is another option, but it's only recommended for treating very mild cases of hyperpigmentation.
• If you want to try a topical treatment, make sure to use products that contain ingredients proven to help fade brown or black spots. You may find that certain creams and serums work better than others. Consistently apply a specifically formulated cream or serum to an Age Spot. Genova Skincare's Age Spot Serum is a highly potent formulation which helps to cover up age spots and dark pigmented areas on the skin. Importantly, products such as this provide little to no skin irritation.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) note that a person may need to apply a cream or serum once or twice daily for several weeks or months before they notice any results.
External Link: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/get-rid-spots

• Use sunscreen every day for protection. Try to use the highest UV (Ultra Violet Protection) factor possible. Sunscreen prevents the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. It also helps prevent the formation of Age Spots. Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm.
• It's important to avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds use intense ultraviolet radiation to cause pigmentation changes in the skin.
• Wear protective clothing when outdoors. Covering yourself with long sleeves, pants, hats, and sunglasses will help protect your skin from  the sun's harmful rays.
• Use moisturisers regularly. Moisturising your skin daily will help it retain its elasticity and keep it looking young.
• Avoid smoking! Smoking weakens blood vessels and makes it harder for the skin to heal itself after injury.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps improve circulation and keeps your muscles toned. It also improves your overall health and reduces stress levels.
• Eat healthy foods. A diet high in antioxidants and vitamins C and E may help prevent the formation of new age spots. Foods rich in these nutrients include berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, dark green vegetables, red wine, and tomatoes.
• Eat plenty of fibre. Fibre-rich foods, including whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, help maintain regular bowel movements and keep your digestive system working properly.
• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been linked to premature aging. Try going to bed at least seven hours before you want to wake up.
• Take supplements. Ingredients such as Vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc, and copper are essential for maintaining good skin health. You can find these nutrients in multivitamins and mineral supplements.

Conclusion

The appearance of Age Spots is common among people over 40. They're flat, brown, gray, black spots on the skin that often develop on sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the backs of your hands, your face, and your legs. The exact causes aren't known, but genetics and exposure to sunlight appear to play a role.
Age Spots are more likely to occur if you have fair skin, freckles, or light hair color.
You don't necessarily have to live with them forever. How can I remove age spots from my skin? There are many treatments available to fade and get rid of Age Spots, (or at least cover them up). Some of them involve using creams or serums, while others use treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
One of the best ways to treat Age Spots is to stay out of the harmful rays of the sun and consistently apply a high quality sun screen with a high UV factor, in order not to develop new ones.
What will you do from now on, in order to reduce your risk of developing Age Spots?