You may have noticed them first after the summer, or they may have crept up silently and persistently over the years – age spots. These small pigment changes on the skin are not pathological, but they can still take a toll on your self-confidence, especially if they appear on your face or hands, which you can’t just hide under a sweater. In the flood of filters, serums and miracle creams, it’s natural to look for ways to get rid of them. But before we try to erase them like a wrong line of eyeliner, it’s important to understand why they’re there – and what they’re actually telling us.
Despite the name age spots are not reserved only for those with a retirement society membership card. Their origin is often much more complex: hormones, liver, diet, genetics... In short, your body may be warning you that something is not working optimally. And if we want to really effectively eliminate them - not just cover them up - we need to start with the cause, not just the effect.
What are age spots and why do they occur?
Age spots, also known as hyperpigmentation or solar lentigines, are the result of excessive accumulation of melanin – a pigment that protects our skin from UV raysThey most often appear on sun-exposed areas: the face, hands, shoulders, forearms, and even legs. Although they are most common in people over the age of 40, they can also appear much earlier – especially if we are fair-skinned or simply too demanding with our skin.
Key causes of pigment spots:
- Genetics: Thank you, mom and dad – in addition to your nose, you also inherited a tendency towards pigmentation.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Pregnancy, menopause, hormonal contraceptives – when hormones take over, melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) can start to behave like they're on coffee without milk.
- Excessive sun exposure: UV rays trigger melanin production, and too much sun exposure leads to confusion and local accumulation of pigment.
- Avitaminosis, especially vitamin C deficiency: The skin lacks antioxidant protection, which leads to pigmentary anomalies.
- Liver diseases and endocrine disorders: The liver is the main detox organ, and when it is not functioning optimally, changes can first be noticed on the skin.
- Incorrect or aggressive skin care: Peels, waxing, low-quality cosmetics – sometimes less really is more.
- Medications (e.g. antibiotics): Some medications increase photosensitivity, which means your skin literally 'loses its compass' in the sun.
How to get rid of them effectively?
The approach to removal should be twofold: eliminating the cause and gentle but consistent skin care. And no – coconut oil, lemon juice and hope are not enough.
1. Dermatological diagnostics – start at the source
Before resorting to bleaching creams or laser treatments, consult a dermatologist. It is often a combination of external and internal factors, so treatment should be holistic. An examination may reveal a hormonal or liver background to the problem.
2. Pharmaceutical products that are proven to work
- Lightening creams (with ingredients like niacinamide, arbutin, azelaic acid or retinol)
- Bleaching ointments with hydroquinone or kojic acid – stronger effect, but medical supervision is necessary.
- Hydrogen peroxide – a traditional method that can help with smaller and shallow stains.
Regular use (at least 2-4 weeks) and sun protection (SPF 50+, every day!) are key.
3. Cosmetic procedures in the salon
These procedures give more noticeable and faster results – but only if performed by an experienced professional:
- Laser removal – it breaks down melanin in a targeted manner, and the skin then regenerates.
- Phototherapy (IPL) – light pulses destroy pigmented cells.
- Chemical peels with fruit acids (AHA, BHA) – accelerates skin exfoliation and renewal.
- Ultrasonic peeling – deep cleansing that does not damage the skin.
- Mesotherapy with vitamin C – direct infusion of antioxidants into the skin.
4. Prevention – because it is easier to prevent than to cure
- Using high UV protection every day, even in winter and indoors.
- Antioxidants in nutrition and care (vitamin C, E, coenzyme Q10).
- Gentle cleansing and skin care, without aggressive abrasives.
- Regular check-ups with a dermatologist, especially if the skin changes multiply rapidly or change shape.
Conclusion: Listen to your skin – it has more to say than you think
Age spots can be your body's first warning that something is not quite right. They can be just a cosmetic issue, or they can reflect an internal imbalance that is worth investigating. The best approach? A combination of expert diagnostics, targeted products, professional treatments, and consistent daily care.
Because skin deserves more than just a good filter – it deserves understanding, care and protection. And if we have to age, at least let's age gracefully – without a spotty pattern on our face.
