Prevent, Not Remove Age Spots

Age spots are also referred to by many as “sun spots.”  The reason for this is because age spots are more likely to be formed from over exposure to the sun than just maturity alone.  So getting older does not mean that you have to get age spots.  Age spots or sun spots can be more easily prevented than trying to reverse them once they have already formed.  This is why it is crucial to protect your skin from the sun and its ultraviolet rays when you are younger to help prevent age spots as you get older.

Age spots can also be caused by smoking, lack of vitamins, or a diet that has large amounts of refined sugars or fats.  These factors added to over exposure to the sun will almost definitely speed up the process of age spots.  The age spots are formed when the body produces too much Lipofuscin.  Lipofuscin is a substance that is darker in color and helps color your skin pigment.  Too much Lipofuscin in one area and your skin starts showing the spots of buildup on the outside.  Age spots are thought to be very unsightly and can form in anyone as early as their late twenties.  But most commonly sun spots or age spots occur after the age of 55.

Habits to prevent age spots can be easily set in stone if implemented into your current diet or daily routine.  First and most import is to protect yourself from the sun.  Wearing long sleeves and pants can be an easy way of absolute protection.  But let’s be realistic, summer time means a bathing suit and nothing more.  So wearing lots of strong sunscreen is an excellent line of defense.  Try to use a SPF that is at least 30 or higher to get the most out of sunscreen.  Although your tan might not be your darkest ever, you will be very thankful of this as you get older.

Second is watching your diet and food consumption.  Limit the amount of refined sugars and fats while adding in some orange vegetables will do the trick.  Orange vegetables like carrots or yams are high in antioxidants and vitamin A which help your skin fight back against ultraviolet rays.  Also try and throw in some leafy greens like collard greens or watercress as they too can help your skin protect itself.

Last is, of course, smoking or drinking alcohol.  Smoking and drinking can be hard to quit, but cutting back on the amount could help some on the long term effect.  This reduction combined with the tips above will help in your quest to prevent age spots.  Prevention can help substantially but maybe not completely.  Some people develop age spots solely on an imbalance of the skin as it matures, but luckily there are a few remedies for age spots.

A popular chemical for age spots is called hydroquinone and can be found in many over the counter products.  Hydroquinone is a mild bleaching agent that can help fade or dull the overall appearance of age spots.  A more natural approach is lemon oil or lemon juice.  Lemons have rejuvenating properties that help brighten dull skin as well as remove dead skin from the surface causing dark spots to appear lighter.

There are other medical ways to addressing age spots like laser resurfacing or professional chemical bleaching but these are expensive and could cause long effects.  Please consider more natural approaches to age spots and start preventing them now.  Also be aware that some dark spots could be the first sign of skin cancer, so contacting your dermatologist first before taking action is highly recommended.

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