What are age spots?

Age spots are a normal body reaction to sun exposure over time. They are most common over the age of 50. They look like oversized freckles. Age spots are also called liver spots, solar lentigines, or sun spots. Age spots are not related to skin cancer. However, if you see mole-like freckles changing in appearance or becoming reddened or inflamed, have an unusual combination of colours, appear black have irregular borders or edges or bleed, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Specific risk factors include: being older than 40 years old, having fair skin, having a history of frequent sun exposure, and having a history of frequent tanning bed use.

Age spots typically occur due to an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Some people do have a hereditary predisposition to them. To prevent any more age spots, avoid prolonged sun exposure. When you’re exposed to UV light from the sun, be sure to protect yourself with protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. It is recommended also to avoid tanning beds, which also increase your risk of having age spots.

Summary: Age spots are harmless changes to the skin that don’t cause pain. In some cases, though, their appearance could cause some distress.

See Therapedia article on Pigmentation. Click here to view.

Our top picks for age spots:

SPF Vitamin Body Milk (200ml)

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, 90 caps)

Premier Cru The Rich Cream (50ml)

Renaissance Hand Cream (55ml)

Virgin Rosehip Serum 30ml

Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, 90 caps)

Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturiser (50ml)

Antioxidant Boost (60 caps)

Bedtime Beauty Boost (50ml)

Diet for age spots

If you want great skin, what you eat matters.

Leafy greens

Such as kale, are packed with minerals and vitamins needed for skin health. Kale is packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidant carotenoids that can boost your skin's elasticity and hydration. Lutein specifically also appears to be able to shield your skin from particularly harmful wavelengths of light[i].

Dark chocolate

Cocoa beans, the main ingredient in dark chocolate, are packed with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation from UV exposure, increase circulation and help the skin to retain moisture[ii].

Berries

Berries are packed with vitamin C, a common ingredient in anti-ageing skin products and antioxidants that fight off free radicals, known to age the skin[iii].

Spices

Certain spices, like oregano, cinnamon, and cloves, contain lipoic acid, a compound that acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. Lipoic acid helps to stimulate antioxidant production throughout the body and works to remove heavy metals responsible for oxidative stress[iv].

Grapes

Grapes contain resveratrol (the same antioxidant found in red wine) that is known to boost heart health. This antioxidant also protects collagen from free radicals and blood vessels[v].

Pomegranate

Pomegranates are packed with ellagic acid, a compound that research shows could naturally help prevent wrinkles from forming[vi].

Probiotics

Some probiotic strains can help prevent or minimize UV-induced skin damage, whilst other strains have been shown to help maintain a lower skin pH and for harmful free radicals[vii].

Collagen

Bone broth contains plenty of collagen, add it to your diet for a more youthful glow. Consuming collagen may increase some types of skin collagen, and also decrease an enzyme that breaks down collagen.