Age spots are also know as liver spots and can be referred to in medical circles as a lentigo. By any title they can be described as irregularly shaped, roundish, flat spots on the skin that vary in colour from grayish to darkish brown and range in size from quite tiny to one one fourth inch. These areas are frequently found on the backs of the hand, face, shoulders and arms as these places are most exposed to sunlight.

Age spots and liver spots are far more prevalent in adults over the age of 40 but can be witnessed in youthful people as well. True age spots are non-cancerous and of no health-related concern; however, they can look like cancerous growth on the skin and for this reason new age spots must not be dismissed. An analysis by a dermatologist or health care professional may be required to rule out cancer.

Age spots are triggered by sun damage together with the build up of an insoluble lipid (fat) pigment named lipofuscin underneath the skin. Avoidance of extended intervals of sun exposure when youthful or the use of sun screen can decrease the chance of these skin modifications; however, if the spots have currently appeared and they are considered an undesired skin care issue, then they can be lightened employing a number of unique treatments as posted below:

-Bleaching lotions may be approved to fade the spots. This method will take various months.

-Laser therapy. Lasers can be utilized to remove the darkish pigment from the skin. This therapy is much more expensive and may take several sessions.

-Freezing. The application of liquid nitrogen or other freezing agents can lighten the afflicted skin. This method may be much more efficient on single or smaller groupings of age spots.

-Dermabrasion. This method rubs aside or abrades the top part of skin enabling new lighter skin to grow in place of it.

-Chemical peel. This treatment procedure involves applying an acid to the age spot, which burns the affected level of skin. New lighter skin replaces the affected skin. This method may take a number of applications.

Age spots are frequent in adults more than the age of 40 and considered harmless, yet due to the fact they can mimic a cancerous growth they should be evaluated by a wellness care professional. If found to be harmless, then one of the aforementioned treatment procedures may lighten the spots.