To some people, finding their first age spots can be as traumatic as finding their first gray hair. Since age spots, or liver spots, often appear as we mature, many equate them with “getting old.” But age spots aren’t your body’s way of telling you you’re over the hill. In fact, age spots can appear on individuals in their 20s or 30s.
The fact is, age spots are just harmless “freckles” that appear as a result of too much sun exposure. The more time you’ve spent in the sun, the more likely you are to get age spots on your arms, legs, the backs of your hands, and on your forehead.
Still, you might not find your age spots-which can look like dark freckles, moles, or bumps-attractive. If you are looking for ways to prevent age spots, or make the ones you have vanish, here are some home remedies.
Use Sunscreen to Prevent Age Spots
Since age spots are caused by sun exposure, the best way to prevent age spots is by using sunscreen. Sunscreen will also keep the age spots you already have from getting darker. Before going out into the sun, apply a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Also, use products like body lotions and face moisturizers that contain sunscreen.
Use Lemon Juice to Make Age Spots Fade
Using a cotton ball or swab, apply lemon juice to your age spots twice a day. After using this treatment for six to eight weeks, your age spots will start to fade.
Look for Age Spot Treatments at the Drug Store
There are over-the-counter products, often called bleaching creams that will lighten age spots. Look for products that contain hydroquinone. When using these products, follow the directions carefully, and stop using if they cause skin irritation.
Use Alpha Hydroxy Acid to Get Rid of Age Spots
Lotions and creams that contain alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) can help make age spots fade and eventually disappear. Alpha hydroxy acid removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This includes the dead, darkly pigmented skin cells in the areas where you have age spots. As the old skin cells are removed, new skin cells that are the same color as the rest of your skin will take their place.
When using products that contain alpha hydroxy acid, follow the directions carefully, and discontinue use if you experience skin irritation.
What If They Aren’t Age Spots?
Age spots are completely harmless. They aren’t cancerous, or caused by some kind of illness or disease. And, despite the fact that they are often called liver spots, age spots are not an indication that there is something wrong with your liver.
However, some spots or blemishes that could be mistaken for age spots are actually signs of more serious conditions. If you have a “spot” that changes color, is an odd color, changes size, bleeds, scabs over, has a very rough surface, or has an extremely irregular shape, it probably isn’t an age spot, and you should see a doctor immediately.
Age spots aren’t a sign that you’re “getting old” or are “over the hill.” But, as harmless as they are, you might not want to live with them. And, if you can find the right treatment, you don’t have to.
