What are Age Spots and It's Causes?

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ANTI-AGEING ADVICE
WHAT ARE AGE SPOTS AND IT'S CAUSES?

A naturally occurring and harmless pigmentation phenomenon, age spots on skin are called so because of their tendency to appear from around 50 years of age onwards. In Australia however, the rate at which age spots on face appear can be much earlier – and may sometimes be mistaken for actual potential signs of skin damage.

For wider skin health alongside the look and feel of skin, it’s important to understand what causes age spots and how to address them. To solve queries about this common skin symptom including ‘what are liver spots?’ and the difference between age spots and liver spots on face, we’ve compiled a simplified guide.

All skin types can experience age spots on face. For those hoping to address already apparent age spots from sun or lifestyle, and those seeking to prevent age spots on skin, effective skincare ingredients can help to reduce the appearance and protect skin from future instances. See below to understand how to implement a gentle and supportive sun spot skincare routine.

WHAT ARE AGE SPOTS?

Age spots on face are instances of hyperpigmentation. Given multiple names, when age, sun or liver spots on face and skin appear, they cause differences in skin colouration but are ultimately harmless.

They can however be confused with melanoma age spots – which are consequences of UV radiation and can pose a risk to health. So, what do age spots look like, and how can we differentiate between them? Age spots appear on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun, such as hands, shoulders, the face and backs, and have the following features:

● Brown, grey or black colouration

● Flat and oval in shape

● Resembles large freckles

WHAT CAUSES AGE SPOTS ON FACE?

Age or liver spots on face occur through repeated exposure to UV radiation, which causes hyperpigmentation to occur, darkening skin in spots. When the cells that produce melanin – called melanocytes – are affected by sun exposure, they can speed up in process, causing darker patches of skin to appear. The result can be thought of as an uneven tan and is linked to age because of the amount of sun exposure required to produce them. Spending time outdoors is not only what causes age spots to appear – other environmental stressors like pollution, alongside lifestyle habits like smoking, lack of sleep and diet all contribute to this skin symptom.

INGREDIENTS THAT ADDRESS AGE SPOTS ON SKIN

In Australia our outdoor lifestyles and the heightened strength of UV radiation can mean that age spots on face appear more frequently. To lighten the appearance of liver spots on skin and prevent new age spots from sun occurring, a targeted routine should be implemented. The following anti-ageing ingredients can help to brighten, even and hydrate skin for a luminous complexion.

RETINOL

As an anti-ageing skincare ingredient, retinol increases cellular turnover and encourages collagen production in skin. As hyperpigmentation relates to skin cells that have been affected by UV radiation, retinol’s ability to increase cell cycle can improve skin’s texture and even out complexions. It also inhibits the production of ‘tyrosinase’, the enzyme that motivates liver spots on face. In the evening, apply Redermic Retinol Anti-Ageing Cream Gel to face. If you prefer serums, dot Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum at night instead. Both work to unify skin tones and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but shouldn’t be used in conjunction with one another.

VITAMIN C

An antioxidant, vitamin C can reduce discouloration across skin and help to fade hyperpigmentation in skin like age spots from sun. It impedes melanin production by reversing the effects of oxidisation in skin, promoting healthier and stronger skin function. Vitamin C is also gentle, making it suitable for all skin types. For brightened skin and to protect your complexion against ongoing exposure to sun, apply salicylic-acid infused Vitamin C 12 Brightening Serum in the morning, after your evening retinol application.

HYALURONIC ACID

Skin barrier health influences how vulnerable skin is to environmental stressors and their outcomes (such as age spots on face). When the skin barrier is compromised, UV radiation and pollution as well as bacteria and dirt can access the deeper layers of skin. To support the strength of this important skin function, a proper level of hydration is required. Hyaluronic acid is deeply moisturising, as it holds and retains up to 10 x times its weight in water content. In the morning and at night, apply Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum to skin. Follow with a hyaluronic acid-infused moisturiser like Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, with vitamin B5 to further stimulate cell regeneration.

SPF

For clarified and youthful skin that maintains brightness alongside plump textures, sunscreen should be used every day. While age spots on face are harmless, they are a sign of the sun’s impact on skin, and the less UV radiation you experience the longer your skin will maintain vitality. To help prevent liver spots on face occurring, use a face sunscreen that aligns with your skin type.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Read our comprehensive guide on how much sunscreen to apply next.