Age spots are the side effects commonly found due to aging skin. Skin age spot occurs in the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin and they occur due to irregular increase in melanin. Generally they are painless, but lead to conspicuous discoloration of the skin, which ranges from light brown to black. It is amusing to know that age spots are also known as liver spots, though they are not related to the liver or liver functions of the body.
Increased pigmentation, which is responsible for skin discoloration happens due to many reasons. They are aging, getting exposed to sunlight, hereditary factors, intake of antibiotics like tetracycline, foods containing the chemical psoralens etc. Such medication and foods result in skin age spot by increasing the sensitivity of the skin to the sun, when unprotected.
Age spots normally appear after the age of forty and are found commonly in the areas where exposure to sun is the strongest. If you are above forty and have been exposed to sun for longer durations of time, it is advisable to contact a doctor in case of any noticeable changes in your skin lesions. The doctor will perform a biopsy, if he suspects a spot to be cancerous.
Being harmless no treatment is required for age spots. But they can be a matter of grave concern for beauty conscious women and may lead to low self esteem and emotional disturbances. Wide variety of anti aging skin care products are brought forth by the skin care industry to solve this problem including skin care creams, lotions etc. Such anti aging skin products contain vitamin C, micro collagen, glycolic acid, vitamin E etc. Another option is Cryotherapy (Freezing), which involves spraying liquid nitrogen onto the skin. After two or three weeks, the skin marked with age spots peels away and new skin pushes upward from beneath. But this treatment may cause scarring and pinkness. Laser treatment is the popular way to get rid of age spots. Though expensive, it has fewer side effects.
Skin age spot can be prevented by taking proper care of skin. This includes wearing protective clothing and sun glasses, avoiding sun exposure between 10 a.m and 4 p.m, wearing a sunscreen round the year etc. Eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking plenty of water should be given utmost importance.
