What Causes Age Spots?

Age spots, also known as liver spots or sunspots, are flat, darkened areas of skin that usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and arms. They are more common as people age, but can develop in younger individuals with significant sun exposure.

Causes of Age Spots:

• Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun accelerates melanin production, which can lead to age spots over time.

• Aging: As skin ages, its ability to regenerate and repair itself diminishes, making it more prone to the formation of age spots.

• Genetics: Family history can play a role in determining whether you are more likely to develop age spots.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to the development of age spots, often referred to as “pregnancy mask” or melasma.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as those that increase sensitivity to sunlight, can lead to an increased risk of developing age spots.

• Inflammation or Injury: Skin that has been damaged or inflamed, such as from acne or cuts, may develop age spots as part of the healing process.

At Mullally MedSpa, Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, offers expert treatment options to help reduce the appearance of age spots and restore your skin’s natural glow. If you’re concerned about age spots or looking for effective treatment, our skilled team is here to provide personalized care and solutions tailored to your needs.

At Mullally MedSpa, we often see clients concerned about age spots—also known as liver spots or solar lentigines. Age spots can be a sign of skin damage. These spots, which are often caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays, indicate that the skin has been subjected to sun damage over time. UV rays accelerate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our skin, which can lead to dark patches or spots on areas of the skin most exposed to the sun.

As a result, age spots are commonly found on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms—areas that get the most sun exposure. While age spots themselves are generally harmless, they can be an indicator of underlying skin damage. Repeated sun exposure without proper protection can increase the risk of more serious skin conditions, such as skin cancer. It’s important to take note of any new or changing spots on the skin, as they could be a sign of further damage or potential skin health concerns.

At Mullally MedSpa, we are committed to helping you protect and rejuvenate your skin. If you’re concerned about age spots or other signs of skin damage, we offer treatments that can help restore your skin’s appearance and health.

Age spots and freckles may look similar, but they are not the same. The primary difference lies in their causes, appearance, and how they develop over time.

Cause:

• Age Spots: These are caused by prolonged sun exposure, leading to an increase in melanin production in certain areas of the skin. They are more common in older adults and are often linked to years of sun exposure.

• Freckles: Freckles are usually genetic and caused by a higher concentration of melanin in specific areas of the skin. They tend to appear in individuals with fair skin and often become darker with sun exposure, particularly during childhood.

Appearance:

• Age Spots: Age spots are typically larger, darker, and flat, appearing mostly on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms. They tend to develop as people age, especially after 40.

• Freckles: Freckles are smaller, lighter, and more numerous, often appearing in clusters. They are more noticeable in the summer but fade in winter and can appear at any age.

Location:

• Age Spots: These spots typically appear on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

• Freckles: While freckles can appear anywhere on the skin, they are most common on the face, shoulders, and upper back, often in areas that are exposed to the sun.

Although both are pigmentation-related, age spots are typically associated with sun damage over time, while freckles are more genetically influenced and tend to fluctuate with seasonal sun exposure. At Mullally MedSpa, our experienced team offers expert evaluation of all skin concerns, including freckles and age spots. We provide advanced treatment options to help reduce the appearance of unwanted pigmentation and revitalize your skin. We can help you determine the best personalized treatment plan for your skin type and goals.

The time it takes for age spots to fade can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the spots, the treatments used, and how well you care for your skin. In general, if age spots are left untreated, they may take months or even years to naturally lighten, and they may not fade entirely on their own. The skin’s natural regeneration process can help to some extent, but significant fading without intervention is rare.

If you opt for treatment, such as topical creams or chemical peels, the fading process can be much quicker. Topical treatments like retinoids or vitamin C serums can start showing results in about 4 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over several weeks.

It’s important to follow up with proper sun protection throughout the fading process, as UV exposure can worsen age spots or cause new ones to form. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding direct sun exposure can prevent further darkening and help protect your skin, allowing treatments to be more effective for months. Professional treatments, such as laser therapy, may show noticeable results after a few sessions, typically 4 to 8 weeks apart, with full results visible within a few months.

At Mullally MedSpa, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise. Our experienced professionals specialize in treating age spots and a variety of other skin concerns, offering personalized treatments that are tailored to your unique skin type and needs. We understand the importance of feeling confident in your appearance, which is why we take the time to develop customized solutions that deliver natural, radiant results.

If you’re struggling with age spots and want to restore your skin’s natural, youthful appearance, Dr. Dayanara Jimenez, a licensed esthetician, and the team at Mullally MedSpa in Crown Point, IN, are here to help. With extensive experience in treating age spots and other skin concerns, Dr. Jimenez provides personalized care to address your unique needs. Using advanced treatments and customized skincare routines, our team can help you fade those stubborn spots and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin.

At Mullally MedSpa, we focus on creating a tailored treatment plan that delivers visible, long-lasting results. Dr. Jimenez, along with our skilled team, works closely with each client, providing expert advice and ensuring a comfortable, professional experience every step of the way.

Contact us for more information or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11275 Delaware Pkwy Suite C, Crown Point, IN 46307. We serve clients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schererville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations.