Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are also called sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun.
Age spots can look like cancerous growths. True age spots don't need treatment, but they are a sign the skin has received a lot of sun exposure and are an attempt by your skin to protect itself from more sun damage.
For cosmetic reasons, they can be lightened or removed. Age spots may grow in size and group together, giving the skin a speckled or mottled appearance. They're very common in areas that get repeated sun exposure, such as on the back of the hand. Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they're more common in adults with light skin. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade with no sun exposure, age spots don't fade. Age spots don't require medical care.
Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet UV light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. Skin Chevron. These spots also called age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines appear as flat, smooth brown spots on areas of your skin that tend to get a lot of sun exposure.
Sun spots are generally harmless areas of pigmented skin, but they can be easily confused with other types of sun-related spots on the skin, including some that may actually be a sign of skin cancer.
Sun spots on your face are a type of hyperpigmentation caused by UV exposure. Essentially, after being exposed to the sun, your skin increases production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin color.
Over time, some areas of your skin may develop clumps of melanin or may overproduce that pigment, resulting in a sun spot, the Mayo Clinic explains. These types of spots tend to show up on areas of your body where you get the most sun, which might include your face, shoulders, hands, chest, and the back of your hands, Mary L. Stevenson, M. It's also important to note the risk factors that may make you more prone to developing sunspots:.
Sunspots are small, dark spots that you may see on your skin, particularly if you spend a lot of time in the sun. They are harmless and don't require treatment. However, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate them, if you prefer. You can prevent sunspots by avoiding tanning and shielding your skin from the sun.
World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Women's Health. Primary Care. Dermatology Partners is pleased to welcome Board-Certified Different skin types March 20, As we get older, our skin faces new challenges like wrinkles, frown lines and sunspots.
When should you be worried about sunspots on your face and body? Sunspots or Skin Cancer? The Effect of Sun Damage on Aging Skin Sun damage is cumulative — it occurs over your lifetime after repeated and extended sun exposure — and accelerates the normal aging process.
Looking to Visit a Dermatologist? Search Blog Posts. What Is Microneedling? Featured Blog Posts. Skin Cancer on the Eyelid Skin cancer is a serious health risk, and while many forms of skin cancer are very no Maeve Maher Joins U.
0コメント