Age spots are more likely to be seen in adults over the age of 40, but they can affect younger people as well. People with fair skin, a history of frequent sun exposure, or a history of frequent tanning bed use are at the highest risk for age spots, but age spots can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity or gender.
These spots are typically painless and harmless. However, they can resemble cancerous growths, so it is important to have a doctor or dermatologist look at new or worsening age spots, especially if the spot is irregularly shaped, itchy, tender, changing in size, or has an unusual combination of colors. If the doctor is worried that a dark area is not an age spot, the skin needs to be biopsied to check for cancer or other abnormalities.
True age spots are not dangerous, and do not require treatment; however, they can cause emotional stress for those afflicted, and many people choose to have their age spots removed for cosmetic reasons.
Because age spots are sometimes called liver spots, there is a misconception that the appearance of these spots is due to poor liver function. In fact, at one time, that was believed to be true. Today, however, we know that liver function has nothing to do with the appearance of these spots, and the term liver is being used to describe the brown color of the spots and not the cause

Case Study:

A client calls your spa, concerned about the recent appearance of brown spots on her hands and shoulders. She explains that the spots seemed to have recently appeared out of nowhere. She is troubled by the way the spots look, but states that they do not cause her pain. She also mentions that are not itchy or tender. She schedules an appointment and, after an evaluation of the spots, you confirm that they are not irregular in shape or made up of unusual color combinations. This client is 42 years old and admits to constant ultraviolet exposure by using both tanning beds and natural sunlight. She lists in her client history form having many types of sunburn in her youth. She is also not currently taking any medication.

As a skin care professional, what solution would you propose to treat this case study on age spots?

Solutions:

Courtney La Marine, L.E., owner of Clove Studios

“Age spots and hyperpigmentation are frustrating for many. While treating the shoulders and hands are possible, extra care in maintaining the skin is necessary. Solar lentigines (age spots) are a result of sun damage and most commonly arise in middle age. There are numerous treatments that can help lighten the appearance of the age spots, such as co2 Fractional, photo facials, and medium to deep chemical peels. I would recommend Jessner and glycolic peels for optimal results with this client. Keeping the area covered during the treatment time is imperative. While treating the hands can be difficult since they receive constant sun exposure throughout the day, it is possible. I often suggest to clients to keep a travel size bottle of SPF 30 or higher in their purse or car and apply frequently during the day in place of a lotion. Using products with vitamin A will help in cellular turnover during treatments and will also help to maintain the skin. Daily use of an SPF will need to become a part of the client’s normal routine.”

Lora Condon, L.E., salon and spa sonsultant at Beauty Buster Skin Care

“After my evaluation, I would stress the dangers of ultraviolet lights and how epidemic skin cancer really is. I would ask her why she tans and try to get her to a place mentally where she can stop tanning. I would also offer airbrush tanning as a positive alternative for a great sunkissed glow. A referral to a dermatologist to check for any cancer spots from a more medical perspective would also be in order. I would recommend a sunscreen with SPF of 30 and tell her to reapply every hour or so when she is outside, along with wearing hats, sunglasses and other precautionary measures.
If she does stay out of the sun, I would start with a retinol product and monthly light peels, ultrasound and whitening serums. If all goes well, I would recommend some laser to go deep into the skin and break up the dark spots and help prevent new ones from coming to the surface.”

John Renucci, M.D. F.A.C.S., founder and CEO of Turo Skin

“Skin care professionals are often faced with the question of how to effectively treat age spots. The solution relies on proper diagnosis, offering an effective treatment, followed by education on methods of future prevention. Brown spots in areas of excessive sun exposure should raise the awareness for possible skin cancer. Assuming the lesions are benign in appearance, they are likely sun related solar lentigines (age spots), which are considered markers of past severe sunburn. There are multiple modalities of treatment that are effective in removing these spots. Common practice is the use of an intense pulse light (IPL) machine. IPL, often referred to as photo-rejuvenation, uses gentle, non-ablative, broad spectrum light for treatment on the face, chest, hands and back. Alternatively, an ND-Yag laser uses a specific wavelength of light to target the brown, irregular pigment. Both are effective and have high client satisfaction. Once treated, the client should be educated on the importance of skin care and protection and follow a simple and effective skin care regimen.”

Anne C. Willis, L.E., C.M.E., founder of De La Terre Skincare®

“The outward physical signs associated with dark spots on the skin can be the result of melanin accumulation in the epidermal or dermal layer, due to systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, injury, and hereditary factors.
If the pigmented spot does not demonstrate signs of skin cancer, the professional protocol should include prevention, skin regeneration, and detoxification. This can be achieved by applying sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, spinach and dark berries. It has been found to prevent numerous skin disorders related to inflammation and trauma. It does this by aiding our liver’s ability to detoxify and increasing the production of the powerful antioxidant glutathione. Glutathione helps to protect the skin against the damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. It also aids in digesting waste materials held by the skin, which is the case with pigmented skin. In addition, it adds the nutritional elements necessary to maintain skin's health.”