About Age Spots

To give you an insight about this problem first let us be aware that the term "age spot" does not directly relate to your chronological age. Well in fact, "sun spot" fits this condition better. The degree of the sun exposure is the basis for it anyway.

Causes of Age Spots

Primarily, the sun is to blame about age spots. These age spots or lengthiness are brownish blemishes that appear on the skin as people age. It appears as a consequence of sun damage. When you are younger, the skin got this melanin pigment which absorbs sunlight thus giving enough protection from the sun’s UV rays. However, during aging this ability somewhat deteriorate and age spots develop.¹

Skin and Sun Damage

It’s been long discovered that inappropriate sun exposure may cause damage thus resulting to these so – called brown spots. There is these age spots or properly known as solar lentigos and freckles also medically referred to as ephiledes. Basically what happens here is that the sun’s rays damage the melanocytes in the skin’s epidermis. In return, it loses the ability to produce the melanin pigment, which is important for skin protection. ¹

Can it be cancerous?

Having these kinds of pigments can be a warning. It can either be benign or not. Now, it is important to remember that when having these consult a dermatologist immediately. No one knows what it would be. ¹

What can tanning do to the age spots?

First of all a tan skin is not healthy. It is rather sort of an indication that your skin is damaged to some extent. Going under the tanning bed is also like exposing yourself to the sun. This also emits the UVA and UVB light same as those from the sun’s rays. It then can also damage the skin. ¹

Natural Skin Care for Age Spots

Home remedies for age spots:

The following might not guarantee cure but it can help. Consult your doctor first before doing this.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• You will first need an onion and apple cider vinegar.

• Finely chop the onion.

• Extract some juice from the onion.

• Mix one part juice from onion and one part apple cider vinegar.

• Dab some of the mixture with a washcloth or cotton directly to the age spots. ²

Aloe Vera

• Directly apply aloe vera juice or gel to skin.

• Leave it to the skin for at least 45 minutes.

• Repeat this at least twice a day for best results. ²

Lemon Juice

Acid coming from the lemon juice helps the age spots to fade.

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice.

• Get cotton and dab some juice directly to the area of the age spots.

• Leave it on the skin for about 30 minutes or overnight if you wish to do so.

• Repeat at least twice a day. ²

Castor Oil

• This is another agent that was known to improve the appearance of age spots.

• Rub oil directly to the skin where age spots are found.

• Do it twice daily.

• Doing it regularly with help in improvement within a month.²

References:

1. http://www.agespots.net/causes.aspx
2. http://www.homeremediesweb.com/age_spots_home_remedy.php