Age spots are marks that commonly appear on the skin after prolonged sun exposure. They are harmless, but some people wish to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Other names for age spots include solar lentigines and liver spots, though they have no connection to the liver.

These marks are flat and darker than surrounding skin. They can be tan, brown, or black, and they may resemble freckles.

In this article, we explore the causes and symptoms of age spots and describe safe ways to get rid of them.

What causes age spots?

Age spots are a result of the body producing excess melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color.

When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces extra melanin to protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The more melanin produced, the darker the skin becomes.

Age spots appear when excess melanin in the skin becomes clumped together.

Symptoms

Age spots usually appear in areas of skin that are commonly exposed to the sun, including the:

• face
• backs of the hands
• shoulders
• back
• arms
• tops of the feet

Age spots can develop singly or in clusters. They vary in size and may range from 0.2–2.0 centimeters in diameter.

Age spots tend to form in people aged 40 and over, though they can also develop in younger people who frequently get sunburns or use tanning beds.

These spots can form on anyone’s skin, though they are more common in people with lighter skin, which is more sensitive to the sun.

Diagnosis

A doctor will be able to identify age spots with a visual examination. They may use a dermatoscope, which is a hand-held magnifying tool that medical professionals use to examine areas of skin.

In some cases, it can be difficult to differentiate an age spot from melanoma, a type of cancer that forms in cells that contain pigment.

If a doctor is unsure, they may order a skin biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of the affected skin and sending it to a laboratory, where a technician will perform tests to determine the type of growth.

Treatment

 

A doctor may suggest cryotherapy to remove an age spot.

Age spots are harmless and do not require treatment. However, because they can resemble skin cancer, it is important that a doctor checks them out.

If a person wants to remove a confirmed age spot for cosmetic reasons, they have a variety of options.

Topical creams can lighten age spots. However, avoid lighteners that contain mercury, as they may pose a serious health risk. A healthcare professional can prescribe a product that is safe.

A prescription topical cream for lightening age spots may contain:

• retinoids, such as tretinoin
• cortisone
• hydroquinone

These creams lighten spots gradually over time. They can sometimes irritate the skin, so it is best to discuss side effects with a doctor before deciding upon the right cream.

Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten or remove age spots. Before undergoing a procedure, discuss options with a dermatologist, or a doctor specializing in skin care.

The dermatologist may suggest one of the following procedures:

• cryotherapy, which involves removing the spot with a cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen
• laser surgery or intense pulsed light therapy, which involves using high-intensity beams
• microdermabrasion, a non-invasive treatment that involves exfoliating the skin
• a chemical peel, which involves brushing a chemical solution onto the skin to exfoliate it, then peeling away the dead cells

These procedures all carry risks and can scar the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a specially trained dermatologist should perform them.

These removal techniques can also make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Anyone who has undergone one of these procedures should take extra precautions in the sun and follow their doctor’s advice.