Age spots are patches of skin that have become darker due to a higher concentration of melanin pigment. Unlike moles or raised lesions, they are completely flat to the touch with well-defined edges. They can be round, oval, or irregular in shape and often appear in clusters, creating a speckled appearance.

Several key differences distinguish age spots from other pigmentation issues:

• Age Spots vs. Freckles: Freckles typically appear in childhood and tend to darken with sun exposure but fade when sun exposure decreases. Age spots, however, usually develop in adulthood and do not fade significantly when sun exposure diminishes. They are more persistent accumulations that develop over years.
• Age Spots vs. Melasma: Melasma appears as larger patches of brown or gray-brown discoloration, often triggered by hormonal changes combined with sun exposure. Unlike melasma's broad, symmetric patches, age spots tend to be discrete individual spots directly tied to cumulative sun damage.
• Age Spots vs. Precancerous Lesions: True age spots are smooth patches of increased pigment. In contrast, actinic keratoses feel dry or scaly to the touch. Age spots are benign and purely a pigment issue, whereas actinic keratoses represent a different type of sun damage. If a spot is very dark, changing, has irregular borders, or is raised, medical evaluation is warranted.

Age spots are essentially a cosmetic record of long-term sun exposure. The scientific name "solar lentigo" reflects this: "solar" meaning sun, and "lentigo" meaning a pigmented spot. These spots result from a combination of external UV radiation and internal factors like natural skin aging and genetics.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of age spots. Years of exposure to UVA and UVB rays prompt the skin to produce excess melanin as a defense mechanism. Over time, this repeated cycle leads to localized deposits of pigment or clusters of melanocytes that form persistent dark spots. An age spot essentially marks an area where the skin has responded to significant UV exposure by overproducing pigment.

The process often starts subtly with tans or extra freckles after sun exposure. While some pigmentation normally fades, with enough cumulative exposure, certain areas of skin don't fully return to their even base color. Ultraviolet light accelerates melanin production, and on skin that has seen years of sun, melanin begins to clump together or accumulate in high concentrations in particular areas. Using tanning beds is equally problematic, as tanning lamps emit concentrated UV radiation that can cause age spots to develop at younger ages.

Your genetics and natural skin type play significant roles in how likely you are to develop age spots. People with fair skin that burns easily have less melanin to begin with, and their skin is more prone to sun damage. They tend to develop sun-induced pigmentation like freckles and age spots more readily than those with darker skin under the same sun conditions.

However, having more melanin doesn't provide immunity. Individuals with medium or dark skin tones can also develop age spots, though they might appear later or look different. The surrounding contrast may be less noticeable, so spots might not stand out until they're fairly large.

Genetics extends beyond baseline skin color. Even among people of similar complexion, some families seem more prone to developing lentigines. Genetic predisposition influences how robustly melanocytes produce pigment under stress and how the skin repairs UV damage. If you have a family history of numerous age spots, you might want to be extra vigilant with sun protection.

Those who freckled as children often show a strong pigment response to UV. As they age, childhood freckles may fade, but larger sun spots might develop in their 30s, 40s, or 50s if sun exposure continues. Your skin type and genetics help determine when and how much sun exposure will lead to age spots, though everyone can develop them with sufficient UV exposure.

Age spots become far more common as people age, with the majority of adults over 50 having at least a few if they've spent significant time in the sun. By a person’s 70s or 80s, having numerous spots on the face, hands, and arms is quite common. However, the onset varies widely.

Many people first notice sun spots in their 40s or 50s, particularly with light skin or extensive sun exposure history. Age 40 is often a turning point; sun enthusiasts or outdoor workers might see beginnings in their late 30s or early 40s, while those careful about sun protection might not develop them until much later.

It's a myth that only older people get age spots. Younger people can absolutely develop them with sufficient UV exposure. Dermatologists treat patients in their 20s or 30s with early solar lentigines, especially those who used tanning beds frequently or had high-sun occupations. These early spots might start as faint tan marks that gradually deepen.

For most people, mid-adulthood is when age spots first appear noticeably. Differences become more pronounced by the 50s and 60s, often reflecting different lifestyles and sun exposure habits. The appearance can accelerate; someone with one or two spots in their 40s might have quite a few by their late 50s, partly because once the sun damage threshold has been crossed, new spots form more readily.

Preventing age spots largely comes down to protecting skin from UV damage and maintaining healthy habits. Since sun exposure is the major cause, a preventive approach focuses on sun protection. It's never too late to start these habits—whether you're 15 or 50, your skin will benefit.

• Apply Sunscreen Daily: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting against UVA and UVB rays) with SPF 30 or higher every day on exposed skin. Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours outdoors, more often if swimming or sweating.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: UV radiation is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower. If you must be outside during peak hours, be extra diligent with protection.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover arms and legs with lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. Fabrics with high UPF ratings offer the best protection. Wear a broad-brimmed hat to shield your face, ears, and neck, and use sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Do not use tanning beds—they bombard skin with concentrated UV and are a fast track to age spots. If you desire a tanned look, consider sunless tanning products that provide color without UV exposure.
• Use Antioxidant-Rich Skincare: Topical antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide provide extra defense against free radical damage from UV and pollution. While sunscreen is your first defense, an antioxidant serum applied underneath can help neutralize oxidative stress.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidant foods—colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and green tea—helps bolster your skin's ability to fight oxidative stress. Vitamins C and E help protect skin from UV damage. Stay well-hydrated, as healthy skin is more resilient.
• Don't Smoke: Smoking introduces free radicals and constricts blood vessels, accelerating skin aging. Smokers often develop more uneven skin tone. Quitting smoking improves circulation and reduces oxidative burden on skin.
• Establish Gentle Skincare: Use gentle cleansers and keep skin moisturized to maintain barrier function. Consider incorporating retinoids at night, which boost cell turnover and can help reduce signs of photoaging, though they must be paired with diligent sunscreen use.