How Does an Age Spot Develop?

Sun Damage Causes Age Spots

Age spots, solar lentigines, are flat brown or gray spots that develop on skin after years of sun exposure. Age spots are also known as liver spots or sun spots. Despite its name, age does not cause an age spot. The spots develop as a result of sun damage. While age spots are more common in people over 40, younger people who spend a lot of time in the sun can also get age spots.

Age spots generally appear on the parts of the body that have received the most sun exposure--the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back of the hands, arms and the back. The spots range in color from gray or tan to dark brown. Age spots also vary in size from the size of a freckle to the size of a dime. While anyone can get age spots, people with fair complexions who freckle and burn easily in the sun are more prone to age spots.

After years of sun exposure, the ultraviolet (UV) rays sometimes damage the melanocytes, the skin cells that produce pigment or melanin. The melanocytes, located in the skin's outer layer, the epidermis, produce melanin to provide normal skin color. Ultraviolet light exposure triggers the melanocytes to create darker pigment to protect the deeper skin layer, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. Once damage occurs, the affected melanocytes may not produce normal skin color. The melanocytes stop producing the normal amount of pigment and create extra pigment. The extra melanin results in random dark spots scattered on the damaged skin. After age spots form, they may grow larger or grow in groups. Age spots are permanent and do not fade. Sun damaged skin usually shows multiple symptoms. Sun damage on the face can show thin, red veins on the cheek, nose and ear area. Age spots often appear on skin that is thin, dry, rough and wrinkled.

While sun damage is the main cause of age spots, other factors can lead to excessive melanin production. Artificial tanning methods, such as tanning beds and lamps, can also damage the skin over time and produce age spots. Some people are genetically predisposed to get age spots. While age alone is not the cause of liver spots, aging increases the risk of excessive melanin production.

Age spots are harmless and do not require medical attention. However, a person with age spots has experienced significant skin sun damage and may be at risk for skin cancer. It is important for a person with age spots to wear a sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when outdoors. Any skin change, such as an age spot, should be reported to a doctor to make sure the growth is normal. If an age spot has irregular borders, darkens or grows rapidly, consult a doctor immediately.