Age spots (often referred to as liver spots) are flat brown spots that begin to appear on the skin as you age. They can also be black or grey in colour and appear on the sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, shoulders, back of hands, and upper chest.
Age spots are caused by prolonged UV exposure. UV exposure increases the production of melanin, the brown pigment in the epidermis (top layer of skin) that gives skin its colour. When an unusually high concentration of melanin is produced, brown pigments clump together causing an age spot to form. This helps explain why age spots only tend to appear over the age of 40... they've simply had more exposure to the sun.
It is important to note that age spots are extremely common and neither dangerous or a sign of an underlying health concern. However, if you just can't stand the sight of age spots, there are a variety of different treatments available that can help remove them.
The most effective is laser treatment, a procedure that involves a powerful green beam of light penetrating through the outer layer of skin, causing the brown pigment to break up and the damaged pigment to be absorbed. This is a painless procedure that is highly effective, however it will only remove the existing age spots and it will not prevent future ones.
For those lacking in laser budget, there are various skincare products on the market that help to reduce the appearance of age spots and prevent them from forming. Here are a few of my favourites...
Packed with three powerhouse ingredients - glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoid - this alcohol-free nightly peel smooths texture and improves the look of pores. The salicylic acid helps remove pore-clogging debris, the glycolic acid promotes exfoliation, and the gentle retinoid helps improve surface cell turnover. The result is improved skin texture and tone. £33 | feelunique.com.
Nivea Sun UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid SPF50
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Serum
Estée Lauder's oil-free Perfectionist Pro Serum helps smooth skin texture and enhance natural radiance. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to plump, soothe, and brighten the skin. However its most powerful ingredients include yeast ferment and molasses ferment, which combine together to help improve the appearance of dark spots and boost skin clarity. £63 | lookfantastic.com.
Estée Lauder's oil-free Perfectionist Pro Serum helps smooth skin texture and enhance natural radiance. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to plump, soothe, and brighten the skin. However its most powerful ingredients include yeast ferment and molasses ferment, which combine together to help improve the appearance of dark spots and boost skin clarity. £63 | lookfantastic.com.
Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum
This potent corrective serum is formulated with pure L-ascorbic acid, lactic acid, and liquorice root to target discolouration in three ways. It exfoliates over-pigmented surface cells, clears and illuminates skin tone, and protects skin against environmental aggressors. The IPL Dark Spot Concentrated Serum starts fading the look of spots and blotchy skin tone in just a few weeks, resulting in a remarkably even and radiant complexion. £99 | cultbeauty.co.uk.
QMS Active Exfoliant 11% Resurfacing Fluid
This powerful resurfacing fluid dissolves dead skin cells, stimulates blood cells, and promotes cellular regeneration, resulting in clearer and brighter skin. It also refines pores, improves skin structure, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Active Exfoliant 11% Resurfacing Fluid is formulated with an anti-irritation complex that includes redcurrant seed oil. In addition to providing a soothing sensation, this unique complex supports the skin's all-important barrier function. £78 | Liberty.
This powerful resurfacing fluid dissolves dead skin cells, stimulates blood cells, and promotes cellular regeneration, resulting in clearer and brighter skin. It also refines pores, improves skin structure, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Active Exfoliant 11% Resurfacing Fluid is formulated with an anti-irritation complex that includes redcurrant seed oil. In addition to providing a soothing sensation, this unique complex supports the skin's all-important barrier function. £78 | Liberty.