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Aging spots are the marks on the surface of the skin due to the increased pigmentation of the skin. The colors of aging spots range from light brown to black and may be freckle sized or larger. Though painless, aging spots are very noticeable due to the discoloration on the skin.

Aging spots are sometimes referred to as liver spots, but they are not related whatsoever to the liver and any liver functions. As we age, our skin is subjected to sun damage. Having said this, overexposure to sunlight is the most common cause of aging spots. Over time, our skin’s natural ability to defend against UV rays deteriorates and aging spots are formed as a result. Also, if your parents had a lot of aging spots, chances are you are also likely to have one too because they are hereditary.

Though aging spots are generally harmless, they may cause disturbances and decreased self-esteem for some men and women who have high levels of self-consciousness. There are a lot of ways to prevent having aging spots.

• Stay away from direct exposure of the intense heat of the sun (between 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening)
• Use protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas when going out
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out and re-apply at least once throughout the day.
• Always rehydrate by drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day
• Maintain a healthy diet

Yes, you read the last one right. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is important to prevent aging spots because certain foods containing the chemical psoralens such as parsnips and parsley increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sunlight.

If you have not protected yourself enough and already have aging spots, different treatments can be done like:

• Application of lotions and cream that are specially formulated to help minimize the appearance of aging spots
• Drinking Vitamin C and E to help regenerate elastin and collagen in aging skin
• The application of Glycolic Acid to promote the increased rate at which the epidermis is shed, resulting to the growth of younger skin

Because of recent advancements in technology, treatments were developed to deal with aging spots such as:

• Laser treatments – This treatment removes aging spots by targeting the discolored brown pigmentation in the skin. The skin may have increased sensitivity and may swell after the treatment but these are usually temporary and may last only a couple of days. This treatment is also quite expensive.
• Cryotherapy – This treatment removes aging spots by spraying liquid nitrogen on the affected part of the skin. After a few weeks, the skin would peel away, as new skin underneath it pushes upward. This treatment may cause scarring and pinkness.

Though easily treatable, aging spots can also be easily avoided with simple steps and measures. By following the above tips on prevention, you can save yourself a lot of money and effort in removing aging spots.