Age spots are marks that commonly appear on the skin after prolonged sun exposure. They are harmless, but some people wish to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Other names for age spots include solar lentigines and liver spots, though they are not related to the liver. These marks are flat and darker than the surrounding skin. They can be tan, brown, or black, and they may resemble freckles.

In this article, we explore the causes and symptoms of age spots and describe safe ways to get rid of them.

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Age spots result from the body producing excess melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces extra melanin to protect it from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The more melanin produced, the darker the skin becomes. Age spots appear when excess melanin in the skin becomes clumped together.

Age spots usually appear in areas of skin that are commonly exposed to the sun, including the:

  • face
  • backs of the hands
  • shoulders
  • back
  • arms
  • tops of the feet

Age spots can develop singly or in clusters. They vary in size, ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 centimeters in diameter.

Age spots tend to form in people ages 40 and over, though they can also develop in younger people who frequently get sunburns or use tanning beds.

These spots can form on anyone’s skin, though they are more common in people with lighter skin, which is more sensitive to the sun.

A doctor can identify age spots with a visual examination. They may also use dermatoscopy, a hand-held magnifying tool for examining areas of skin.

In some cases, it can be difficult to differentiate an age spot from melanoma, a type of cancer that forms in pigment-containing cells.

If a doctor is unsure, they may order a skin biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of the affected skin and sending it to a laboratory, where a technician will perform tests to determine the type of growth.

Age spots are harmless and do not require treatment. However, because they can resemble skin cancer, a doctor must check them out.

If a person wants to remove a confirmed age spot for cosmetic reasons, they have various options.

Topical creams can lighten age spots. However, avoid mercury lighteners, as they may pose a serious health risk. A healthcare professional can prescribe a product that is safe.

A prescription topical cream for lightening age spots may contain:

  • retinoids, such as tretinoin
  • cortisone
  • hydroquinone

These creams lighten spots gradually over time. They can sometimes irritate the skin, so discussing side effects with a doctor before deciding on the right cream is best.

Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten or remove age spots. Before undergoing a procedure, discuss options with a dermatologist or a doctor specializing in skin care.

The dermatologist may suggest one of the following procedures:

  • cryotherapy, which involves removing the spot with a cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen
  • laser surgery or intense pulsed light therapy, which involves using high-intensity beams
  • microdermabrasion, a non-invasive treatment that involves exfoliating the skin
  • a chemical peel, which involves brushing a chemical solution onto the skin to exfoliate it, then peeling away the dead cells

These procedures all carry risks and can scar the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a specially trained dermatologist should perform them.

These removal techniques can also make the skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Anyone who has undergone one of these procedures should take extra precautions in the sun and follow their doctor’s advice.

It is often possible to prevent age spots from forming.

The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with a minimum protection of SPF 30. It should be water-resistant and have UVA and UVB protection. Apply the sunscreen to exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.

Results of a 2018 studyTrusted Source indicate that using an SPF 30 cream daily can also prevent age spots from getting darker in the spring and summer.

Other ways to protect the skin and prevent age spots include:

  • reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours or after sweating or being in the water
  • covering the skin with a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, long trousers, and sunglasses
  • staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • refraining from using tanning beds
  • wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher
  • wearing gloves when cycling or gardening for an extended period in the sun
  • taking extra precautions around water, snow, or sand, as these surfaces reflect the sun’s rays
  • wearing clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, of 40–50

Avoiding overexposure to the sun will also reduce a person’s risk of skin cancer.

Age spots are not cancerous. However, they can sometimes resemble types of skin cancer, so it is important to be aware of the differences.

Skin cancer is more likely to developTrusted Source in areas exposed to the sun over a prolonged period.

Age spots can look like actinic keratosis (AK) growths, which are precancerous. However, age spots are flat, while AK growths usually feel rough.

Other issues to look out for include:

  • rough patches of skin that may be painful when rubbed
  • dry, scaly, pink or red patches of skin
  • white, scaly marks that look like warts

If a person suspects that they have AK growths, they should visit a doctor for an examination.

It is generally a good idea to consult a doctor about any unusual changesTrusted Source to the skin. If a doctor diagnoses skin cancer early, treatment has a high success rate.

Age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment. Some people choose to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Anyone concerned about the appearance of new marks or other changes to the skin should visit a doctor for an examination.