Age spots, also known as browns spots are caused from
excessive exposure to the sun. These dark spots are usually found on the face,
neck, and hands as these are the areas that receive the most sun exposure.
Although brown spots are not necessarily caused from ageing, they are caused by
overexposure to the sun and as we age our skin's ability to fight back is
lessened thus producing age spots on the face, neck and hands.
The skin produces melanin to absorb the UV rays from the sun
and protect the underlying skin cells, thus this is how we get a suntan.
However, melanin will not always be distributed evenly throughout the skin thus
leaving darker areas or brown spots.
Skin Care Remedies to reduce the appearance of age spots
Diet - research studies have shown that a diet that includes
flavanoids and antioxidants found in most vegetables, fruits, and grain has
shown to reduce the appearance of age spots. Furthermore in animal laboratory
testing flavanoids has prevented cancer formation
Kitchen recipes - Lemon juice has a
bleaching agent that
will lighten sunspots. Dab a cotton ball of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the
brown spots in the morning and evening. Note - lemon juice is photo-sensitive
so protect your skin with sunscreen.
Apply the fleshy side of a green papaya, right out of the
fridge to reduce age spots. Just apply the papaya to the spots for 15-20
minutes daily and repeat until you attain the desire lightness.
Home remedies are inexpensive and offer a natural solution
to reduce the appearance of age spots. Additionally, home skin care recipes are
eco-friendly and there are no chemicals involved. However, for a natural skin
lightening treatment a home remedy may require 6 to 8 weeks to see results.
As summer approaches we all like to get outdoors and enjoy
the summer sun. However, please keep in mind the detrimental effect the sun can
have on your skin without the proper protection. Additionally, if it is within
your budget, visit a dermatologist yearly for a skin checkup.
Preventing age spots is easy just by following these simple tips
Apply a sunscreen faithfully everyday. It should be applied
20 minutes before going outdoors and then reapply in two hours. Wear a long sleeve shirt if possible and hat if you are
outdoors for an extended length of time. Try to avoid the strongest sunrays between the hours of
10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Although you may be annoyed with the repeated advice of
wearing sunscreen, there are numerous studies supporting that those people that
use sunscreen regularly had the largest reduction in actinic keratosis. Actinic
keratosis also known as a solar keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on
the skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. They measure anywhere
from one-quarter to one-inch in diameter and are usually considered
precancerous spots. These legions can appear years after sun damage so regular
applications of sunscreen are important at all ages.
It is also important to note that overexposure to the sun
while wearing sun-sensitive chemicals in cosmetics or perfume will produce
poikiloderma which usually appears on the neck and checks. Poikiloderma:
extra pigmentation of the skin demonstrating a variety of shades and associated with
widened capillaries in the affected area.