What Causes Age Spots?
The sun does. The term ‘age spots’, or lentigines, refers to the
brownish spots that, over time appear on your face and body as a result
of overexposure to the sun. As we age our skin is subjected to more and
more sun damage. Our skin has what is called ‘melanin pigment’ which
absorbs sunlight and helps naturally protect our skin from UV rays.
However as we age, our skin's natural ability to fend off UV rays from
the sun begins to deteriorate, and as a result, we see the development
of age spots.
What is Happening in the Skin?
There
are a couple different types of brown spots that people get on their
skin. There are solar lentigos (age spots) and freckles (known as
ephiledes). These come from the sun and that's because the sun damages
the melanocytes, which are the cells in the epidermis (the skin's
surface layer) that produce melanin pigment. Most of the cells in our
epidermis are skin cells that form the dead skin layer as well as
keratin that protects us from the outside world, but one in every tenth
or twentieth cell is a melanocyte which produces melanin pigment and
transfers this brown pigment to our skin cells to help protect us
against the sun. Some people, like me, have almost no
melanin pigment and our skin does not do a good job of protecting us
from the sun. Dark-skinned people do a much better job of protecting
themselves from the sun. When the sun attacks me and other
light-skinned people, my body does not know how to respond properly. As
a result it can cause abnormal melanin pigment in the form of freckles
and brown spots.
Sun Spot is More Accurate
‘Age
Spots’ actually have nothing to do with how old you are, they have to
do with how long you've been in the sun. I prefer the term ‘sun spot’
rather than ‘liver spot’ or ‘age spot’ because that is what they are
from and is more appropriate.
Are they Cancerous?
The
most important thing if you see any pigmented lesion on your skin is to
not assume that it’s benign. If you notice a lesion on your skin,
especially if it has any changes in color or shape, you should see a
dermatologist to determine if they are cancerous or something to be
concerned about. You may need to have a biopsy
performed to determine if the lesion is benign or not. Once the doctor
has determined that it is benign, there are a variety of lasers that
can be used to improve or remove it.
Does Tanning Cause Age Spots?
Tan
skin is not healthy skin. A tan is our body’s way of telling us our
skin has been damaged, and its attempt to protect itself from further
damage. As we undergo UVA and UVB light exposure from the sun’s rays or
from tanning beds, we are damaging our skin, which will lead to age
spots (solar lentigines), sun spots, liver spots, poikiloderma
(reddish–brown areas of discoloration) and melasma (mottled brownish
areas).
Prevention is Possible
Preventing age
spots requires sun avoidance and sun protection. Most of the sun damage
we receive occurs while we are driving. Car window glass protects us
from 100% of the UVA light (the light which causes a burn) but none of
the UVB, the light responsible for sun damage and aging skin. I advise
all of my patients to have UVB-protecting film installed on their car
windows. This may be tinted or clear. This will help prevent much of
the sun damage which causes age, liver, or brown spots.
