What Causes Brown Spots on Legs?
Aging brings with it a whole host of unexpected surprises, including the appearance of brown spots. Before this starts to happen, protect your skin by wearing sunscreen. If it has already happened, learn why and what you can do to prevent additional spots from appearing.
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Age, Sun, Genetics
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Brown spots (or age spots or liver spots) occur over time as we age. These spots are the result of sun exposure, as well as our genetic predisposition.
Melanin Overcompensation
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When our skin--or parts of our skin--is overexposed to the sun, melanin, which is the pigment in our skin, goes into overdrive to protect the skin's surface from damage. More melanin is produced, and it forms clusters where there are high concentrations of melanin, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. These clusters of melanin are the brown spots on your legs.
Lentigos
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The medical terminology for these spots is "lentigos" or "seborrhoeic keratoses."
Appearance
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As we grow older, these brown spots tend to multiply and come together, resulting in a freckled or speckled look to your skin.
More Melanin
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According to the Mayoclinic.com, as we age, we tend to produce more melanin (pigment) and age spots result.
Solution
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To reduce the appearance of brown spots, use creams that include hydroquinone or antioxidants that have vitamin c, azelias acid and retinol in them. You can also undergo a chemical peel or pigment laser treatment to remove the spots, according to Home-remedies-for-you.com. Remember to slather yourself in sunscreen when you go outside to protect your skin from further damage.
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