Dark marks on the skin surface are popularly known as age spots or liver spots. Scientifically speaking, age spots are due to being exposed to the sun and thus called as solar lentigines. Black, brown, and gray are the typical colour of these. The sizes are from the size of a freckle to larger spots that are centimetre across. Normally, there are age spots that manifest in a cluster, but there are also those than stand alone.

Body parts that are exposed to the sun for a long period of time usually show age spots. Hand, arm, face, and shoulder are the most typical areas. Age spots normally appear in people who are more than 40 years old. Nevertheless, age spots may also be experienced by younger people depending on the sun exposure.

Medical assistance from a physician such as a dermatologist is needed to identify whether the spot in the skin is an age spot or a more serious mark. There is normally a boost on the pigmentation in the skin when there is an age spot. A normal age spot is oval and flat.

Being raised, multi-coloured and irregularly shaped are signs that you can consider on knowing whether the spot is a more serious mark or not. You can seek assistance from a physician in determining this. Always remember that having a harmful mark may be tantamount to a health risk.

By means of using sunscreens, you can be able to prevent having age spots. Sunscreens are able to prevent the ultraviolet rays generated by the sun. Melanin causes the dark discoloration of the skin. Without protection against UV rays, the production of melanin is accelerated in the skin.

Age spot development may also be contributed by genetics. Those who have freckles or fair skins are more receptive to have dark spots like this. Less natural protection are for those who have lighter skins.

Aging can also stimulate the exhibition of age spots in the skin. Because of aging, there is an increase of the production of melanin, which manifests marks.

Age spots can be ministered for removal purposes. In contrast to its being harmless to the body, age spots are considered by many people to be removed because these are not good for the eyes. Different treatments include cryotherapy, dermabrasion, laser removal, and chemical skin peels. However, proactive prevention like the utilization of broad-spectrum sunscreens is recommended by skin doctors over expensive treatments.