What Are Age Spots?
Age spots are dark skin patches which are visible on exposed areas (mostly face and hands, sometimes shoulders and decollete’). These dark areas are usually flat, not raised, and can be brown or dark brown in colour. Their appearance is related to an excess production of melanin.
Age spots can be very small, like freckles, or reach sizes of 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) or larger.
These darker areas affect the top layers of the skin and they can be minimised with the correct products. They are mostly harmless, but if they suddenly change shape and/or size, start itching or become red/tender you should consult your doctor.
Age spots or hyperpigmentation can be an ageing give away sign, even more than wrinkles.
What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots can appear on the face after your 40s (earlier if you have spent many years sunbathing with a low SPF) and can be triggered by several factors:
- environmental factors, namely exposure to the sun or use of sunbeds
- hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy)
- complexion is fair
- other unknown factors.
While hormonal fluctuations may have the temporary effect of causing dark spots (melasma or chloasma during pregnancy), dark skin patches from ultraviolet exposure are permanent. Invasive skin treatments should be avoided during pregnancy.
With exposure to ultraviolet light, melanin is produced in a higher concentration. When melanin appears to the surface in a more concentrated area it forms dark spots.
What Can You Do to Minimise Age Spots?
To ensure your existing brown spots are not getting any darker, make sure you apply sunscreen every day. An SPF of 30 or more is recommended to protect the delicate skin on the face. The areas around the eyes, cheekbones and the upper lip are particularly at risk.
While current treatments to fade age spots include prescription medication (hydroquinone) and invasive procedures like lasers, peels, cryotherapy (freezing) and bleaching, you may prefer a gentler way to minimise the look of age spots. Plant-based ingredients can be effective for lightening the complexion. Citric acid is a natural preservative found in citrus fruit; it is mildly exfoliating and is used in teeth whitening and in the treatment of age spots.
We recommend the daily application of a cream rich in vitamin C, A and E to turn back the time and gain the most beautiful, youthful complexion.
Marlenha’s Bloom Anti-age is the complete rejuvenation treatment with excellent de-pigmentation properties: this beautiful cream is rich in tocopherol (vitamin E), which can visibly reduce the appearance of age spots, and DN-Age, which prevents the signs of DNA photo-ageing. Bloom Anti-age also contain Octapeptide and Apple stem cells, which are known for its anti oxidant properties, and rose hip, which is a powerful agent to correct dark spots.
Bloom Anti-age can be used both mornings and evenings after cleansing the skin. Easily absorbed, it’s a fantastic treatment for lines too.
See the difference for yourself: order Bloom Anti-age Complete Rejuvenation Treatment here