Skin Care Education

Age Spots

Flat, well-defined darker patches caused by cumulative UV exposure over many years. Also known as sun spots or liver spots.

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots are flat, well-defined areas of darkened skin that develop as a result of accumulated UV exposure over many years. They are most commonly found on areas of the body that receive the highest sun exposure: the face, hands, shoulders, forearms, and chest. Despite their name, they are more closely associated with UV history than with age itself, and can appear in people from their 30s onward depending on their sun exposure patterns.

The terms age spots, sun spots, and liver spots are all used to describe the same thing. The term liver spots is a misnomer that originates from an older, now discredited belief that they were related to liver function. They have no connection to the liver.

Age spots are entirely benign and require no medical treatment. However, any new or changing pigmented lesion should be assessed by a dermatologist to rule out other causes. The defining features of a typical age spot are a flat surface, well-defined borders, and a consistent colour within the spot itself.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Factor	Description
Cumulative UV exposure	The primary cause. Repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation over many years stimulates melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment, to become locally overactive. Over time this leads to the concentrated deposits of excess melanin that form visible spots.
Tanning beds	Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds carries the same pigmentation risk as natural sunlight and can accelerate the development of age spots, particularly with prolonged use.
Skin tone and type	While age spots can affect all skin tones, they tend to be more visible in people with lighter skin because there is less background melanin to mask the contrast of the concentrated patches.
Hormonal factors	Hormonal changes can increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation, making pigmentation more likely to form in response to sun exposure.
History of significant sun exposure	People with a history of frequent sunburn, high cumulative sun exposure, or outdoor occupations are at greater risk of developing age spots earlier and more extensively.
Age	As the skin ages, its ability to regulate melanin production evenly across the surface becomes less consistent, making concentrated spots more likely to form in areas of accumulated UV damage.

Frequently Asked Questions: Age Spots

No. Freckles are small, scattered concentrations of melanin that are largely genetic in origin. They tend to be most visible in fair-skinned individuals and characteristically fade in winter and with age. Age spots are larger, more clearly defined, and develop specifically from cumulative UV exposure rather than genetics. Unlike freckles, age spots do not fade seasonally and tend to become more prominent rather than less pronounced over time.

Age spots themselves are harmless. However, any pigmented lesion that changes in size, shape, or colour, develops irregular borders, contains more than one colour, bleeds, or appears suddenly should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out conditions that require medical attention. When in doubt, a professional assessment is always the right step.

Yes. Age spots can appear anywhere that receives regular sun exposure throughout life. The face, the backs of the hands, the forearms, the shoulders, and the upper chest are the most common locations, reflecting the areas that tend to accumulate the most cumulative UV exposure over time.

Consistent daily use of broad-spectrum SPF is the most effective measure for preventing new age spots from forming. By reducing the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin, regular sun protection significantly limits the cumulative exposure that drives their development. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding peak UV hours also contributes to prevention.