Splashed across a little kid’s cheeks, a smattering of freckles is so charming. Later in life though, extra pigmentation in the form of brown patches or changes in tone or texture - sends a less adorable message: You’re ageing! A 2006 Procter and Gamble beauty study found that skin tone alone can impact a woman’s perceived age by as much as 20 years! You may not have deep frown lines or crow’s feet, but if you feel like you’re ageing, chances are it’s thanks to uneven skin tone.
Why do we get age spots anyway?
Surprise: Age spots aren’t actually caused by getting older. Instead you can blame them on what’s become the 21st century’s public enemy number one – the sun. If these changes really are the result of ageing, you’d have them all over.
These dark spots of bother also known as liver spots or “senile freckles” are caused by sun exposure and specifically the UVA rays which penetrate deep into the skin and cause ageing. UVA stimulates your pigment cells, Melanocytes, to manufacture the pigment called Melanin. This is responsible for your tan and also your unwanted dark patches. These sun spots may take up to 10 -20 years to develop, so if you notice some showing now, it could have been caused when you were a child.
Triggers of pigmentation in young women also include the contraceptive pill and pregnancy which alters the hormone levels. This coupled with sun exposure can result in patchy dark spots, often on the upper lip and forehead.
Are some people more prone to liver spots?
Age spots or liver spots are more common in older adults, starting from 40 onwards, but they can also appear in younger adults, especially if they have a history of excess sun exposure or exposure from tanning beds. The natural process of ageing can contribute to extra production of melanin, leading to liver spots. Genetics can play a role in one’s susceptibility to developing age spots.
When must I see a dermatologist?
Age spots are usually harmless and don’t require medical care. However, it is best to have skin changes evaluated if a spot or lesion:
- Is darkly pigmented.
- Is rapidly increasing in size.
- Has an irregular border.
- Has an unusual combination of colours.
- Is accompanied by itching, redness, tenderness or bleeding.
Home remedies for liver spot treatment
Before speaking to your doctor about prescription skin lighteners, laser therapy, cryotherapy or chemical peels, try these home remedies:
Lemon juice – Dab fresh lemon juice on the spots twice daily. If you are going outdoors, wait for the spots to dry as it increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. It may take a few months, but the acidity in the juice will cause the spots to fade.
Castor oil – Apply castor oil on the spots in the morning and in the evening and rub well into the skin. The spots should disappear within a month.
Apple cider vinegar – Combine two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of orange juice and apply to the spots.
Chickpeas – Mash about a third of a cupful of fresh or canned chickpeas and add a little water. Smear this paste on the spots and leave it to dry. Wash it off completely. Do this every evening.
Most importantly, turn back time by preventing future pigmentation and sun damage by wearing a UVA and UVB shielding sunscreen, feeding your face with antioxidants (primarily fruits and veggies) and avoiding prolonged periods of sun exposure. All these will go a long way to preventing liver spots before they occur.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.goodhousekeeping.com, wikipedia.org, about.com, www.mayoclinic.org, www.health911.com, www.cosmopolitan.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
