What
Are The Most Common Causes of Age Spots?
What causes age spots? These pigmentations ranging
from black, gray, and brown in color on the skin are commonly associated with
aging, hence the name, age spots. They are also called sun spots or liver
spots.
These are painless and may appear on areas of the
skin most frequently exposed to the sun like the face, shoulders, arms, and
hands.
The appearance of age spots are common in people
well over their 40’s but it can show decades before as well. Knowing what
causes age spots is a sure way of minimizing their appearance on your skin.
Here are the most common causes of age spots so
that you’ll know what steps to take in order to decrease your chances of
getting these unsightly blemishes.
1. AGING.
Of course,
aging has a role when it comes to the appearance of age spots although sun
exposure may be the biggest culprit among the causes of age spots. As one ages,
production of melanin may increase, causing the appearance of these flat, brown
skin lesions. It is important to take care of one’s skin at an early age to
prevent appearance of age spots.
2. SUN EXPOSURE.
The
sun may be the major culprit when it comes to appearance of age spots. It may
take years to develop but a time comes when it takes a toll on your skin and
the effects of the sun are clearly visible on your skin. Melanin is the dark
pigment in one’s skin that gives it a dark color. When the skin is exposed to
the UV rays of the sun, it causes acceleration of production of melanin. Sun
spots develop when extra melanin in the skin clumps together due to high
concentrations that are more than normal.
3. HEREDITY.
Genetics is
also one of the causes of age spots. Heredity pretty much dictates your predisposition
to getting these unsightly blemishes. The skin type and complexion you are born
with affects the development of hyperpigmented spots on your skin. Usually,
those with fairer skin are more prone to age spots but those with darker skin
may also be susceptible.
4. MEDICATIONS.
Certain
medications can actually increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Among
these are diuretics, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, and antibiotics like
tetracycline. Your skin can easily get age spots when you take these
medications without proper sun protection. Some ingredients used in lotions and
other cosmetic products like musk and bergamot oil can also has the same effect
so be sure to wear sufficient sun protection when using products with these two
substances.
5. FOOD.
There are
some foods that contain psoralens. Psoralens are photosensitive chemical
compounds that make your skin more sensitive when exposed to the sun; hence,
your skin becomes more prone to the appearance of age spots. Foods like
parsley, celery, parsnips, lemon, lime, and figs are high in psoralens.
These are the five most common causes of age spots.
It’s up to you now to observe certain measures to take care of your skin to
make sure that unsightly blemishes like age spots are kept at bay. Now that you
know the causes, your next step is to research treatments.
I personally am a big fan of prevention, so I
use natural skin creams on a
daily basis to keep my skin looking good and age spot free!
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