Understanding the Difference Between Age Spots and Sun Spots

06/24/2024

What are Age Spots? 

Age spots are highly prevalent across the globe and look similar to a large freckle on the skin. Age spots, commonly known as liver spots, are flat black or brown color spots on the skin that happen as we continue to age. Age spots are more common in areas that are exposed to the sun a lot, such as hands, arms, and hands. These spots mostly occur due to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment that plays a crucial part in giving skin its color.

Middle age and older people are prone to age spots. The chances of getting age spots increase if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Children and adolescents can also develop age spots, but the chances remain low in these age groups.

Age spots do not transform into cancer and are not cancerous. Still, you should consult a dermatologist if you see new spots on the skin coming. 

What are the Possible Causes of Age Spots?

Age spots, commonly known as liver spots, are caused by the excessive release of melanin or skin pigment in the skin. Researchers and experts still have not figured out the precise cause of melanin, but certain people have a hereditary predisposition to these spots. You are more prone to come across age spots if they are inherited.

The following are the other potential causes of age spots, UV light exposure, and skin aging. The chances of getting age spots get increased if your body’s areas like the face, back of your hand, shoulders, forearms, and upper back get the most sun exposure.

Who is Prone to Developing Age Spots? 

As listed above, age spots can happen to anyone, irrespective of age. However, if you stand in line with any of the below-listed risk factors for age spots, you are more prone to develop it: 

• Having a fair skin

• Having sun exposure frequently

• Having a record of using the tanning bed

• Being aged above 40 years 

What are the Symptoms of the Age Spots?

The following are the symptoms that may help you to recognize age spot:

• Having a spot on the skin with a color that ranges from black to light brown

• The spot on the skin has the same texture as your whole skin.

• Age spots may have different sizes across the sun-exposed areas.

• They can appear individually or in a group anywhere on the body.

How to Treat Age Spots?

Medical science has enabled a wide range of treatments for age spots. The following are the most reliable and effective treatments for age spots: 

• Prescription medications such as creams with retinoids and hydroquinone

• Medical procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments

• Over-the-counter treatments such as creams with glycolic acid, kojic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid 

What are Sunspots?

Sunspots, commonly renowned as solar lentigines, are beyond common, affecting millions of people every year across the world. Anyone, irrespective of their age, can develop sunspots. However, they are more common in people having fair skin and are aged above 40 years.

Sunspots look like brown spots on the skin that are caused by sun exposure. As compared to age spots, sunspots are much lighter in color. The body parts exposed to the sun are more likely to get sunspots. Sunspots may differ in size and color and appear in the areas that have had the most sun exposure.

True sunspots are considered noncancerous and harmless and can be addressed for cosmetic goals. In order to minimize the chances of getting sunspots, wear sunscreen and proper clothes whenever you head out in the sun. 

Who is more Likely to Get Sunspots? 

Sunspots are way more common than age spots. Anyone having daily sun exposure can develop sun spots irrespective of age. However, the following people are more susceptible to it: 

• Who stays in the sun for long hours

• People aged above 40 years

• Men/women with fair skin tone

• Having a history of using a tanning bed

Please get in touch with your health provider if you observe a spot that:

• Has changed its color

• Is growing in size

• Is itching, red, and painful

• Has an irregular border 

How to Reduce the Chances of Getting Sunspots?

In order to reduce the chance of developing sunspots, stick to the guidelines mentioned below. Adhering to these preventions firmly will reduce the possibility of coming across sunspots:

• Make sure you apply sunscreen thoroughly before you head out.

• Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours in case of continuous sun exposure.

• Avoid getting out between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Covering your skin with a hat and clothing

• Go for makeup products that possess sunscreen

Note:

Sunspots are common and don’t carry any risk to your well-being. The doctor will let you know the difference between a sunspot and something serious like skin cancer just by having a glance at it. Before you opt for any medical or home treatments, please check with your doctor.

How to Tackle Sunspots on the Face at Home?

There are multiple treatments available in order to treat this condition. Before you execute any treatment, you must check with your doctor to see whether it is actually suitable for you or not.  The treatments for sunspots on the ace are divided into two categories: home treatments and medical treatments. 

The following falls under the home treatments:

Aloe vera: Aloe vera comes with active ingredients like aloin and aloe that are effective in treating sun spots and other hyperpigmentation on the face.

Licorice extract: The skin discoloration and sunspots on the skin caused by sun exposure can be addressed by the active ingredient of licorice extract.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C comes as a natural antioxidant with uncountable benefits for the skin. Topical L-ascorbic is effective in lightening the dark spots caused by the sun.

Takeaway:

Sunspots and age spots can happen to anyone, irrespective of their age. Age spots are more common in people who are exposed to the sun regularly for long hours. Age spots usually occur in the areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face and hands. On the other hand, sun spots can occur anywhere throughout the body, and it is more common in people who spend long hours in the sun. Both of these skin conditions are treatable. There are surely many treatments available to address these conditions; just see your doctor to find the one that stands with your health status. Stick to the precautions mentioned by your doctor to reduce the chance of getting sunspots and age spots.

FAQs: 

1.   How do you get rid of age spots or sunspots? 

Age spots and sun spots occur due to prolonged sun exposure. However, there are some major differences between them. Various treatments are available to get rid of them, but consult your dermatologist to find the best one for you.

2.   How to remove age spots naturally overnight?

It is not possible to completely remove age spots overnight. However, there is a multitude of natural remedies that can help you to get rid of it. Try these natural remedies before you resort to any expensive medical treatment for age spots. In case you don’t get any fruitful outcomes, you can get a consultation with a dermatologist.

3.   What deficiency causes age spots?

Liver spots, commonly known as age spots, are not brought on by specific nutrient deficiencies. Age spots are usually caused in the area that receives the most sun exposure for an extended period of time. However, certain medical conditions and skin problems can also trigger dark spots on the skin, such as vitamin E deficiency and liver disease.

4. Is coconut oil good for age spots?

Coconut oil is a traditional yet effective method of dealing with dark spots and blemishes. Regular use of coconut oil can reduce the size and appearance of age spots, but it may take a long period of time to lead to fruitful results. In addition, coconut oil encompasses fatty acids that help keep the skin hydrated and decline the appearance of age spots.