Age spots, sun spots, liver spots - whatever you call them, these brown spots on your skin can make you appear much older than you are. These spots are usually caused by the sun's harmful rays and appear to show up more frequently as you age.
These spots may not be harmful at all, but if they are dark in color or are raised, they could be something much worse such as melanoma. A biopsy of the spot may need to be done to diagnose you and rule anything out.
If you have sun spots or raised, dark spots on your body, it's important to see your dermatologist to have the spot inspected and checked to be sure it isn't anything serious. Read on for information about sun spots, how to prevent them and other skincare tips.
Why Do Sun Spots Appear?
Sun spots appear on the skin and are usually caused by the sun or other types of UV light, as your skin produces extra pigmentation. Sun spots appear in areas of the skin that see the sun most such as the face, hands, arms, neck, and shoulders.
Sun spots appear as a freckle or larger brown patch on the skin, which isn't harmful, but they may be a nuisance to you. You may see these as blemishes that you don't want on your skin, as it causes an uneven skin tone, or you may feel that you look older with these marks.
How Do You Treat Sun Spots?
Again, sun spots aren't harmful, but you may not want them on your skin. If this is the case, see your dermatologist about what types of products you can use to erase these spots from your skin. Your dermatologist may prescribe a skin bleaching cream, chemical peel, or another type of treatment.
Do not attempt to bleach your skin yourself, as you may damage your skin, causing burns. Follow your dermatologist's recommendation on what type of skin-care routine to use to erase and fade these spots.
You can try at-home facial peels, moisturizers, face creams, or a dermatology roller to increase cell turnover, which may help to fade these spots over time, in addition to increasing your skin's elasticity and overall tone and texture.
How Do You Prevent Sun Spots?
Preventing sun spots should be done whether you've experienced a problem with sun spots or not and no matter what your age may be. Sun exposure can cause a great number of skin issues including premature wrinkles, melasma, elasticity loss, or even skin cancer.
- Cover up. Avoid sun exposure as best you can by keeping your skin covered when you can. Wear a large hat and sunglasses to keep the face protected from the sun and wear long sleeves.
- Use sunless tanners. Do not lay out and bask in the sun for a golden-brown tan. Ask your dermatologist about what types of bronzers or sunless tanners are safe to use.
- Add SPF. Wear SPF as part of your daily skin-care routine. Apply sunscreen to your face every day to protect your skin and apply it to the rest of the body when out in the sun. You should wear sunscreen in the summer and the winter as well. You can find moisturizers and makeup that contains SPF for added protection.
Sun spots may not be harmful to your health, but if you don't like the way they look on your skin, do what you can to prevent them.
Contact us today at Dermatology Center Of Wellington
if you have these sun/age spots or any other skin condition to discuss what type of treatment options are best for you.
