Age Spot Prevention and Remedies

05/20/2013

When we have marks on our bodies as youths, they tend to have cute names. Freckles are sometimes called “God’s Kisses”. And ever-so quaintly, birth marks are referred to as “Beauty Marks”. But unfortunately, as we grow older and become seniors, marks on our bodies get less friendly names, like the dreadful: “Liver Spot” or “Age Spot”.

 

 

The skin condition most commonly known as “Age Spots”, but scientifically named “Solar Lentigo”, is also known by many other unflattering names like:

  • Lentigo Senilis

  • Senile Lentigo

  • Old Age Spot

  • Sun-Induced Freckle

  • Senile Freckle

Not nice. But here’s the good news: these spots are not a danger to seniors. They’re primarily harmless. And in fact, they represent the many good times you spent in the sun over the years.

Age spot blemishes are mainly caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. They were once incorrectly believed to be caused by liver problems, hence the term “Liver Spots”, but they are physiologically unrelated to the liver, except perhaps, for having a similar color. The main cause of the condition is prolonged exposure to sun rays and aging. From the age of 40 onward, our skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure and the UV rays cause the skin to darken in spots. However, the only danger to seniors Age Spots might present is their dark color, which could hide a more serious skin condition beneath.

Age Spot Prevention

Because the sun is the primary cause of Age Spots, the obvious way to impede their growth is to remain out of the sun when possible. When in the sun, make sure to use a sun tan lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to cover any exposed skin. You might also want to wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck.

Age Spot Remedies

For those seniors who’re bothered by their Age Spots, a dermatologist can remove the blemishes using Cryotherapy, Laser Rays, and freezing treatments. Chemical peels have also shown great results in Age Spot removal.

There’s also a topical therapy for Age Spots that involves a combined application of Tretinoin and Mequinol medications. Both have been found to reduce the dark spots without any noticeable side effects. Age Spots can also be faded with the application of non-invasive topical creams like Hydroquinone and Tretinoin for several months.

Home Remedies to fade Age Spots include applying:

  • Lemon Juice

  • Aloe Vera

  • Bilberry Herb

  • Vitamin E Oil

  • Mashed Chick Peas

Seniors can try these prevention measures and remedies to avoid the appearance of Age Spots, to be sure. Or you might try the method of our youth and just give them a nicer sounding name. We like: “Sunshine Sprinkles”.

If you are looking for information on senior housing or services, please visit AlternativesforSeniors.com or call (888) WE-ASSIST for personal assistance from a Certified Senior Advisor.

 

Writer: Ryan Allen