subject: Causes Of Age Spots Explored [print this page] Ugly gray, black and brown spots get in the way of showing off your skin's true beauty.
Solar lentigines, also known as age spots, liver spots, or sun spots, are the most common pigmentary skin disorder. Most individuals, especially those with fair skin, can expect to have developed at least one age spot by the time they've reached 55 years of age.
Uneven,blotchy skin tone and dark spots of pigmentation on the skin are often associated with aging. In addition, since sun spots frequently appear in visible areas like the hands, face and neck, they are also the most common pigmentary malady treated by aestheticians, doctors, and dermatologists.
While the darker areas are generally benign, many find age spots undesirable and are interested in learning the causes and treatments in order to stop, reverse or avoid entirely these tell-tale signs of aging.
Prolonged Over Exposure to the Sun
The most common cause of solar lentigines is of course prolonged exposure to ultraviolet irradiation, either from direct sunlight, tanning beds, or a combination of the two.
Ultra Violet radiation gets melanocytes, which live deep within the skin, to jump to action and create melanin. Melanin is the dark stuff that gives our skin its color. Over time, an over abundance of melanin pools under the outer layer of skin and dark spots appear through the epidermis creating what are commonly known as 'age spots'.
Hormonal Stress and Changes in the Body's Chemistry
Hormonal stress is another common cause of blotchy skin. Common causes of hormonal stresses include oral contraceptives, pregnancy, menopause, and prescriptions for adjusting the body's natural hormonal response to such events.
Liver Disease and Renal Failure
While liver disease is a less common driver, the link between the liver and pigmentary disorders has been well enough established that solar lentigines continue to be called 'liver spots' in popular vernacular.
While the chances that your hyperpigmentation is the product of renal failure are quite small, it is important that you consult with your physician or licensed skin care professional when in doubt.
Always Consult a Professional
In fact, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or dermatologist for any out of the ordinary or sudden changes in your skin's appearance. Patients often mistake potentially dangerous skin cancer for a sun spot.
