- Age spots are also called liver spots or solar lentigines.
- Age spots are flat tan, light brown to black macules.
- They are caused from chronic UVA and UVB exposure.
- Age spots are most common in adults over age 50.
- These spots can appear on the face, shoulders, neck, back, dorsal forearms, and hands.
- With age spots, there is an increase of melanin production and transfer to basal keratinocytes, as well as an increase in the number of melanocytes.
- Lighter skin types are most affected by solar lentingines, but the condition can be found in all races and skin phototypes.
- Age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching ingredients or improved with chemical resurfacing, laser, or IPL therapy.
- They do not go away with reduced ultraviolet exposure.
- Age spots can be prevented by avoiding sun exposure and wearing a daily broad spectrum sunscreen.
