Avoid Getting Age Spots: 7 Tips

The most common places to find age spots are on the back of the hands, the face, the shoulders and areas around the neck. Age spots are also referred to as liver spots or sun spots. The main cause is excess exposure to the sun but the aging process can also cause age spots by increasing production of melanin.

Whatever the exact cause, the result is excess melanin production and the melanin then clumps together to create an age spot. Luckily, there are a few things that can be done to prevent or lessen the occurrence of age spots.

• Sunscreen

Be sure to use sunscreen during times when you are exposed to the sun. The sunscreen should be at least SPF 15. Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the body that are exposed to the sun including your face, neck, nose, hands and shoulders. It’s common to get age spots on your hands and some people only apply sunscreen to the arm region. You can also wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the sun. The UV rays are most intense between 10am and 2pm so you may want to avoid being in the sun during those times.

• Diet

A healthy diet is important to your overall health and it doesn’t play any less of a role in the prevention of age spots. Be sure to include lots of vegetables that are rich in calcium, carotene and iron. Some foods that contain those nutrients are broccoli, green leafy vegetables, carrots, nuts and yams. Iron is important because lacking in this nutrient can accelerate the appearance of age spots.

• Exercise

An exercise routine is important to keep your body in shape throughout the aging process. Exercises that improve circulation, like yoga, will help prevent age spots. Walking and jogging also increase circulation and would offer positive benefits for heart health. I’s also important to find ways to relieve stress, beyond exercising, because stress can cause free radical damage which could accelerate the development of age spots.

• Skin Care

Take care of your skin through the years and that goes beyond using sunscreen. Your skin has a natural exfoliation process but it doesn’t hurt to gently assist it with home care remedies such as clay face packs and gentle facial scrubs. But be careful because some exfoliating scrubs can be too harsh and break the capillaries in the face. There are certain creams available that can also help to prevent age spots from occurring.

• Reduce Alcohol Intake

If you want to avoid getting age spots, it’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it leaves one more susceptible to developing age spots. There are many health conditions that can result in reduced liver function, so be sure to get periodic checkups with your doctor.

• Antioxidants

These vital nutrients play a role in skin health. Antioxidants help protect the skin and stimulate the process of exfoliation. Citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are particularly high in antioxidants. They can also be taken in supplement form. Antioxidants that are particularly necessary for skin health include Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Even if you do take an antioxidant supplement, it is important to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants because most antioxidants are fragile and become less effective when in supplement form. Other food sources include blueberries, acai, broccoli and green tea.

• Hydrate

The skin needs to be properly hydrated to prevent it from becoming dry and losing elasticity. Hydration will help to prevent age spots by supporting the skin and keeping it vital. Being properly hydrated also helps to keep the skin strong and supple and supports its natural cleansing abilities. It is recommended to drink at least 6 glasses of water per day and not substitute those servings with other beverages.

Some people are more prone to age spots due to genetics or lifestyle factors such as smoking. Also, age spots aren’t limited to older folks and can occur in the 20’s or 30’s if the person has had excessive sun exposure. If you do have age spots and they bother you, there are several methods that you can do to treat them. You may want to seek the treatment of a dermatologist, who can offer a variety of treatments that include creams and peels.

Health expert’s agree that some of the best ways to prevent age spots is by proper hydration along with excellent skin care, including the use of sunscreen and a proper diet. The body, including the skin, needs proper nutrients to thrive. If you are lacking in nutrients, your body will age faster and you will be more likely to have wrinkles and age spots.

The liver plays a role in age spots as well, so it’s important to cut alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water to hydrate your cells. If you are very concerned about age spots, you can consider taking care of your skin (with creams designed to prevent age spots) or talk to your dermatologist.