5 Safe Ways to Lighten Age Spots

By Deirdre Shevlin Bell, Natural Solutions

Aging provides plenty of perks—greater confidence, more wisdom, and discounted movie tickets, to name a few. But growing older also brings a few downsides: age spots, for instance, which boldly advertise your more mature status.

Age spots—benign, flat areas of hyperpigmentation—usually pop up on the hands and face, most commonly on the forehead. These tan, brown, or gray flecks are also called “sun spots” because they occur largely as a result of sun damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays activate the skin’s pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes. Too much UV exposure damages the melanocytes, causing them to crank out excess pigment (also called melanin) or to clump together and form dark spots on the skin.

But the true cause of age spots begins deep within the skin, believes Benjamin Johnson, MD, founder of Osmosis Pür Skin Care. “Excess UV exposure causes damage to the dermal-epidermal junction, which prevents delivery of antioxidants to the epidermis,” he explains.

“The skin ages sporadically, and we can’t always say why a spot shows up in one place versus somewhere else.” However, Johnson suggests that spots form in areas that have endured so much trauma from excess sun exposure that they no longer receive adequate anti-oxidant supply from the dermis. This results in free-radical damage to the melanocytes, which triggers irregular melanin production and compounds the problem.

Conventional treatment for hyperpigmentation includes bleach, specifically hydroquinone or tretinoin (Retin-A), which carry serious health risks like cancer, reproductive toxicity, and skin allergies. Also common are cryotherapy (freezing) and light therapy (either laser or intense pulsed light). Although effective and relatively safe, both of these treatments can cost thousands of dollars.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kate F.

9:41AM PST on Dec 5, 2011

If you're looking for a natural remedy, applying Aloe Vera gel to age spots can be an effective way reduce their appearance and gentle enough for all skin types. Aloe contains a concentrated mix of compounds that nourish skin and promote cellular regeneration. For people with dry or sensitive skin, Aloe is a moisturizing alternative to peels and acidic topical treatments. For a facial mask recipe and more info on how to use Aloe to fade spots check out: www.aloeplant.info/see-spot-disappear-with-aloe/

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Emma S.

10:48AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

Don't need the info yet, but will remember for when the time comes. (Although I'm hoping, of course, to have become very wise and dignified by then and to have risen above vanity - wish me luck!)

Camila K.

11:00AM PDT on Jul 29, 2011

I am going to try the yogurt mask. Thanks!

Jennifer C.

1:01AM PDT on Jul 29, 2011

Excellent article. Thanks for sharing.

Carole F.

7:57AM PDT on Jul 26, 2011

i guess staying out of the sun is the best way to aviod those spots, but it's so hard to do! thanks for the tips!

Jacqueline R.

6:10AM PDT on Oct 19, 2010

Castile Soaps refer to soaps made from olive oil.

Olive oil is renowned for its healing properties and with high level of vitamin E is an effective antioxidant with healing and rejuvenating benefits, that helps to prevent cell damage by neutralizing free-radicals.

Castile Soaps are recommended for the face. This soap is made of 100% olive oil it is one of the best oils for skincare along with goat milk which has alkalinity that is beneficial to the pH of the human skin. This combination leaves your skin soft and smooth.

Goat milk which has a pH similar to that of the human skin also contains lactic acid which exfoliate, refine and clear skin.

Lotions recommended for the face are fragrance free and made with olive oil and goat milk.The lotions only preservatives,is a tinge of borax, this helps the milk last longer in its natural state. The milk can be kept in this natural state for a longer period if kept refrigerated. The benefits of the lactic acid in the milk are more pronounced as it ages and become more effective as it sloughs of dead skin cells, fades blemishes spots, it rejuvenates, moisturizes, minimizes pores and helps other countless skin problems.

Past Member .

2:39AM PDT on Oct 15, 2010

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Jo B.

9:26AM PDT on Sep 6, 2010

Thank you very much for sharing article x

Meg M.

9:37AM PDT on Aug 26, 2010

thanks, good tips

abby l.

11:54AM PDT on Aug 25, 2010

interesting!