Age spots (liver spots): Causes, diagnosis and treatment

Age spots on the skin are a common skin concern that many people experience as they grow older. They can appear on the face, arms and legs among other parts of the body and while harmless, they can have an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

Age spots are small, flat patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding area. They may appear brown on those with lighter skin tones and black on those with darker skin tones. This form of hyperpigmentation is also known as sun, spots, lentigines, solar lentigines and liver spots due to the now-disproved belief that they were caused by liver problems.

Age spots can often be mistaken for freckles due to their similar appearance.

Overexposure to UV light and ageing are both factors in determining if, and when, someone may develop sun spots on the skin, hence the names sun spots and age spots.

Sun spots on the skin are mainly caused by sun exposure. The sun's UV rays trigger melanin-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) to produce melanin to absorb UV radiation.

However, if skin is exposed to too much sun over a long period of time, the activity of melanocytes will increase and too much melanin will be produced. The result will be the appearance of brown spots on the most exposed areas, such as the face, hands and décolletage.

Exposing the skin to UV rays by using tanning beds and tanning lights can also cause and increase the risk of sun spots developing. 

While sun exposure is the main factor behind age spots developing, age is also a factor. As skin ages, the number of melanocytes decreases but the remaining ones become bigger and their distribution becomes more focused, resulting in concentrated patches of melanin and an uneven skin tone. Age spots are most common in those over 40.

Liver spots were once incorrectly believed to be caused by liver problems, but now we know that they are just patches of pigmentation and a visual examination is usually all that a doctor needs to identify liver spots. Nevertheless, other, more severe conditions manifest as hyperpigmentation on the skin.

Age spots and cancer can be mistaken for each other. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears as dark patches on the skin and can resemble the appearance of age spots. If your doctor is unsure of whether you have age spots on the face or skin cancer, they will order a skin biopsy.

If you are concerned about whether you have age spots or cancer, there are a few symptoms you can look out for. You should consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Changes in the size of the hyperpigmented patch
• Uneven shades and colours, including red, black and brown 

Age spots are harmless but can be a cosmetic concern.

Removing liver spots on the face is almost impossible, however a serum specially formulated to target hyperpigmentation can help reduce their appearance. We recommend Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum to reduce the appearance of liver spots. This powerful serum combines Thiamidol, with concentrated Hyaluronic Acid, which deeply hydrates and revitalises the skin. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for all skin types.

If you are looking for a serum that tackles signs of ageing as well as liver spots on the face, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum. This light and moisturising anti-ageing serum has been specially formulated for mature skin. It contains high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid and Arctiin to plump up deep wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Brown spots on the hands are very common as we age. To lighten brown spots on the hands, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 30. This hand cream is ideal for mature skin, by tackling brown spots on the hands, increasing skin elasticity and providing long- lasting moisturisation.

As mentioned previously, sun spots can appear anywhere on the body. To reduce the appearance of age spots on the skin, as well as other signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Anti-Age Body Cream. This body cream has a unique triple effect formula that delivers multiple anti-ageing benefits. It improves skin elasticity and replenishes the skin while helping you achieve a more even skin tone.

As sun spots on the body are mainly caused by sun exposure, protecting yourself from UV rays is the most significant way you can prevent sun spots from forming. Eucerin’s Sun Protection range is formulated with advanced Broad Spectrum SPF technology, providing effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent the skin damage that leads to the formation of sun spots and other premature ageing. Learn how much sunscreen to use.

There are other, more invasive ways to get reduce the appearance of sun spots on the skin which should only be done by a dermatologist or doctor: 

• Chemical peels 
• Dermoabrasion 
• Cryotherapy 
• Laser therapy
• Medication