HEALTHY LIVING Fix Your. . . Age Spots
OVERVIEW: Age spots — also called liver spots, sunspots, or solar lentigines — are flat tan or brown patches that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face and hands. Sun damage accelerates the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, causing these spots to develop and darken over time. They can range in size from about one-tenth to half an inch and sometimes cluster together. While they may look similar to freckles, unlike freckles, age spots do not fade.
WHY YOU HAVE AGE SPOTS Age. As damage to skin accumulates, age spots begin appearing in people’s 30s and 40s, and are common in adults older than 50. Sun exposure. Exposure to intense sunlight, especially without protection, can accelerate the development of age spots. Skin tone. People with
lighter skin tones may develop liver spots sooner than those with darker tones. Genetics. Some
people have a genetic predisposition to developing liver spots.
WHAT TO DO Try aloe vera.
Active compounds in aloe vera can lighten sunspots. Use topical vitamin C.
Topical forms of vitamin C help protect your skin
from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies have also found that it effectively lightens sunspots. Take vitamin E. A diet rich
in vitamin E, or vitamin E supplements, can protect against sun damage. Applying vitamin E oil to age spots may lighten them. Use green tea
bags. Studies have found green
tea extract reduces pigmentation, and some experts believe placing green tea bags on sunspots can help fade them. Try over-the-
counter creams. Many topical
creams to lighten liver spots are
available over the counter.
IF ALL ELSE FAILS Age spots are not harmful, but see your doctor if a spot is black, increasing in size, has a combination of shades, or is bleeding. These changes could indicate melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. If you choose to lighten your age spots for cosmetic reasons, your dermatologist may suggest chemical peels, cryotherapy, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing.
SOURCES: Mayo Clinic,
healthline.com, WebMD, UC Davis Health, Cleveland Clinic, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Look for those containing glycolic acid, kojic acid, or deoxyarbutin. Consider apple cider vinegar. The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar may help lighten age spots. Lemon juice.
Lemon juice has been used for many years to lighten hair
and fade sunspots. Limit sun exposure.
When going out in the sunlight,
apply a sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and avoid sun exposure when it is most intense — from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wear protective clothing. Wear
long sleeves, pants, and a broad- brimmed hat when in the sun, and apply sunscreen. Don’t use sun lamps and tanning
beds. Commercial tanning beds and lamps can cause sunspots.
Intense Pulsed Light Treats Age Spots A
non-invasive treatment, intense pulsed light (IPL) uses broadband pulses of intense but gentle light to target and lighten dark spots. It destroys
unwanted pigment without damaging surrounding tissue. IPL is considered gentler on the skin than laser therapy, yet gives similar results. Patients may feel a stinging sensation, similar to a mild sunburn, that usually diminishes within six hours. IPL can reduce brown spots by up to 70%. The average cost, which is not typically covered by insurance, is $412 per session. Several sessions may be needed for desired results, and improvements last six months to a year before additional treatments are needed. IPL can also be used to treat acne, rosacea, birthmarks, stretch marks, scars, and spider veins.
102 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JANUARY 2026
HAND/ALAIN GÉRARD / ILLUSTRATION/
ISTOCK.COM/UNDREY / IPL/
ISTOCK.COM/JUN
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