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Age Spots and Sun Exposure

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown or black spots that typically appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over a long period of time. They are more common in older individuals and can vary in size and shape.

Why do age spots often appear on areas exposed to the sun?

Age spots are primarily caused by the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving color to our skin, hair, and eyes. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, it triggers an increase in melanin production as a protective mechanism against the harmful effects of UV radiation.

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However, over time, excessive sun exposure can lead to an accumulation of melanin in certain areas of the skin, resulting in the formation of age spots. The areas most commonly affected by age spots are those that receive the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

UV radiation can penetrate the skin and cause damage to the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. This damage can disrupt the normal production and distribution of melanin, leading to the formation of clusters or patches of darker pigmentation on the skin.

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Additionally, the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself decreases with age, making it more susceptible to the effects of sun exposure. As a result, older individuals are more likely to develop age spots compared to younger individuals.

To prevent the formation of age spots and protect the skin from sun damage, it is important to practice sun safety measures such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.

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