Age spots: a mini-guide

Age spots (senile lentigo) are brown or gray-black coloured blemishes that appear on the skin generally after the age of 40. They occur most frequently in the areas of the body that have been most exposed to sunlight (face, hands, shoulders and arms) and occur due to an increased number of melanocytes, the cells that produce the skin’s natural melanin pigment. Before this was known, it was often thought age spots were linked to problems with the liver and were, therefore, commonly referred to as liver spots.

Description

Age spots are small areas of the skin where there is increased pigmentation. This is caused by an abnormal concentration of melanocytes, which are the cells that give color to the skin. They are not pathological in nature, although they can sometimes be confused with cancerous lesions. The size of age spots varies from speckles of a few millimeters in diameter, to circular spots of up to one centimeter in diameter. They are generally concentrated in the same area of the skin, most frequently on the backs of the hands, face, shoulders, and arms.

Causes

Age spots are caused by chronic exposure to UV rays either through sun exposure and/or through the use of tanning lamps. Skin aging can cause the excessive production of melanocytes that tend to cluster in small circular areas.

Symptoms

There are no relevant symptoms with the appearance of age spots.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist will be able to diagnose age spots through a simple examination and visual observation. However, in more suspicious-looking cases, the dermatologist may request a skin biopsy, which involves taking small skin samples for cytologic analysis to exclude the presence of tumors.

Treatment

Age spots do not cause health problems, so they do not need specific treatment. However, to help lighten the skin and cover blemishes, the following options are available:

• Motorized curettage exfoliates the skin deeply and is performed by vibrating mechanics on which a ring curette is mounted.
• Chemical micropeeling with Glicosal Lotion, containing glycolic acid and salicylic acids which exfoliate the skin and allow the outer layers of the epidermis to peel away.
• Cosmetics, for spot coverage.

Prevention

Ensuring proper sun protection throughout the year is fundamental to prevent age spots. It is crucial to avoid the sun completely between 11am and 4pm when there is a higher concentration of UVA and UVB rays. When in the sun, protect the skin by using hats and protective clothing and, for any part of the skin that remains uncovered, protect it with Sun Clay, a natural, mineral light reflector.
In addition, regularly check the skin and inform a dermatologist of any new formations or irregularities in existing moles or marks, e.g. fragmented, changing contours.