Age Spot Treatments

Age spots are flat, dark areas on the skin that occur with age and sun exposure. Also called solar lentigines, they are usually found on the face, hands, shoulders and arms — areas most exposed to the sun. Age spots range in color from light brown to black and usually have a slightly raised, coarse surface.

Age spots are caused by overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes. With age and exposure to sunlight, these cells become damaged and produce more melanin than normal. The excess melanin causes the age spots.

Age spots are more common in people over 40, but they can occur at any age. People with lighter skin are more susceptible to them because they have less melanin to protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, anyone can get age spots, even people with darker skin.