Age spots — those flat, brown, or greyish patches that seem to pop up out of nowhere — can often feel like an unavoidable part of ageing. But do they really have to stick around? Understanding why these spots appear and what you can do to minimise their appearance (and prevent more from appearing) is key to maintaining glowing, healthy skin.
Let’s explore how these spots form, the treatments available, and some everyday strategies to protect your skin from further sun damage.
1. Understanding how age spots form
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, are caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Whether it’s from the sun or tanning beds, UV light triggers an overproduction of melanin — the pigment responsible for your skin’s colour. Over time, this leads to patches of hyperpigmentation, more commonly known as age spots.
But, why do they appear more frequently as you get older? After years of sun exposure, your skin’s ability to repair itself slows down, making it more likely that areas of concentrated melanin will stick around. Dark spots often start cropping up on areas most exposed to the sun, like your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. The good news? While these spots are harmless, they can be treated and prevented from getting worse.
2. Treatments for fading age spots
If you’re looking to fade existing spots, a few treatment options are available to help lighten them or even make them disappear altogether. Here’s a quick look at the most popular options:
- Laser Treatment: This is a targeted therapy that uses light to break down excess melanin. Laser therapy like Fraxel Laser can be effective for lightening dark spots, but it typically requires multiple sessions to achieve the desired result.
- Chemical peels: A chemical peel involves applying a solution that removes the top layer of skin, encouraging new skin to form. This can help fade age spots over time, though it may take several treatments, depending on the severity of the spots.
- Topical creams: There are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription creams that can help lighten these spots. Look for ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or glycolic acid, which promote skin cell turnover and target hyperpigmentation.
No treatment works overnight, and depending on the severity of your sun damage, a combination of these treatments might work best.
3. Everyday skincare to minimise age spots
Preventing new spots (and keeping existing ones from getting darker) is all about smart skincare. Here are some everyday essentials to work into your routine:
- Sunscreen: Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 every day is your first line of defence against UV damage. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate the skin, so slather on that sunscreen as part of your morning routine.
- Retinoids: Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, help increase cell turnover, which means they can help fade dark spots over time and improve your skin’s texture.
- Vitamin C serums: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten your complexion and fade hyperpigmentation. Adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine can help reduce the appearance of these spots and protect your skin from free radical damage.
4. Prevention strategies for all ages
The earlier you start protecting your skin from UV exposure, the better. But if you’ve already got a few spots, don’t worry — it’s never too late to minimise further damage. Here are some easy ways to keep your skin protected, no matter your age:
- Wear SPF every day: Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. Make it a part of your daily routine, and don’t forget to reapply if you’re spending a lot of time outside.
- Use protective clothing: Hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses are all excellent ways to protect yourself from sun exposure. Look for clothing with built-in SPF for extra protection.
- Seek shade: If you’re outdoors for long periods, try to find shade during peak sun hours (typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This can significantly reduce your risk of UV damage.
In short, while these spots can’t always be completely reversed, there are plenty of ways to treat them and prevent new ones from forming. At Halley Medical Aesthetics, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to help you reduce your dark spots and revitalise your skin. Our team of professionals can guide you through the best options for your skin type and concerns. Ready to take control of your sun damage? Book a consultation with our Singapore skin care clinic today and let’s get started on achieving brighter, healthier-looking skin!
