Age spots also referred to as liver spots or solar lentigines are black or grey colored spots that are commonly seen on the shoulders, hands, face and arms. The primary cause of age spots on arms is exposure to the sun and it usually affects adults older than the age of 40 years.
While age spots are harmless and often don’t require any treatment. Several simple home remedies and natural treatments that can help remove age spots on the arms. This article provides all the relevant information about age spots and how to remove age spots on arms.
Age spots on the arms are commonly seen in older adults and are primarily caused due to exposure to the sun. Age spots vary in size and shape and are usually harmless in nature.
Age spots appear like small freckles or can be larger than a centimeter in size. They may appear as solitary spots or appear in clusters. While they are most commonly seen on the arms, they can also be seen on the shoulders, upper back, face and neck.
Age spots on the arms are primarily caused due to exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that age spots develop gradually over several years due to exposure to ultraviolet radiations of the sun. Melanin, a pigment found in the skin produces tan, which attempts to protect the skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiations. Age spots are basically the result of extra melanin pigment being clumped together.
Some experts suggest that age spots may also run in families and usually appear as one starts growing older.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Age Spots
While age spots are harmless and don’t require any treatment, some individuals seek treatment for age spots primarily for cosmetic reasons. While there are several over the counter medications and lotions available to treat age spots, here are some simple home remedies and natural treatment options that may prove beneficial.
- Apply a mixture of fresh lemon juice and honey on the age spot. Honey has a soothing effect on the skin while lemon acts as natural bleach and helps reduce the darkness of the age spots.
- Local application of vitamin E and A is also considered helpful. Both these vitamins are vital for skin health and local application can help reduce the accumulation of melanin around the age spot.
- Local application of milk cream can also be useful in rejuvenating the skin and preventing melanin accumulation.
- Protect your skin from undue exposure to the sun. Wear long sleeves especially when you expect to be outdoors. Use sun screen lotion with an SPF of 15 or more.
- Remain well hydrated. Water helps keep the skin healthy and prevent premature aging of the skin.
It is always prudent to get yourself examined by a dermatologist to rule out cancerous lesions. Consult the dermatologists if you observe sudden change in color or shape or sudden increase in growth of these spots.