What is Senile Lentigo?
Age spots are changes in skin color from light brown to black, which increase in number and intensity over the years and are often referred to as "age spots." In most cases, they are pigmentation spots that occur during the course of skin aging and due to years of sun exposure.
Age spots on the face:
Age spots on the face are very common as it is an area that is very exposed to the sun, which is one of the main causes of age spots. They are dark spots on the skin that usually appear in areas such as the cheeks, forehead and nose.
Senile lentigo on the hands:
These spots usually appear on the back of the hands and, like those on the face, can grow and merge.
Age spots on the hands may be flat and “brownish” in color, which can make them look like brown spots. In some cases they may appear as seborrheic keratosis.
Age spots on the body:
Age spots can also appear on other parts of the body, usually on the arms, shoulders and legs. They are the most common cause of discolouration and, as on the face, are caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, pregnancy or certain medications.
Whether on the face, hands or body, age spots usually appear after the age of 40, and are a natural sign of aging and can affect people with all skin types, although they are more common in adults with light skin tones.
What causes age spots?
Age spots are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. And here are the 4 main factors that contribute to their development:
1. Sun exposure:
The main cause of age spots on the face, or other parts of the body, is excessive sun exposure over the years. UV rays trigger the production of melanin, which leads to darkening of the skin, and this causes the well-known age spots.
2. Age:
As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to developing age spots. The skin's ability to regenerate and repair itself decreases, which makes it easier for melanin to build up in certain areas.
3. Genetics:
Genetics can play a major role in the development of age spots. If your parents or close relatives have a history of age spots, you may be more prone to them, too.
4. Hormonal changes:
Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can trigger the appearance of age spots.
How can we prevent age spots?
The most important thing is to protect your skin and minimize your hours of exposure to the sun. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:
Use sun protection EVERY DAY:
Use SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours, after swimming or sweating. Why? Because sunscreen creates a barrier that helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Look for the shade:
Limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight, especially during peak sunlight hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Seek shade under trees or umbrellas.
Clothing to protect you from the sun:
Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tight-knit fabrics, and protect your skin from the sun. By taking these steps and making sun protection your priority, you can reduce your risk of developing senile lentigo and maintain healthier, younger-looking skin over time.
Stay hydrated:
This will help you maintain your skin's moisture barrier, which acts as a protective shield against external factors such as UV radiation, pollution and free radicals. In fact, a strong moisture barrier can help prevent the damage that causes age spots.
And how can we reduce them?
Removing age spots can be quite difficult, but we have some tips that can help you reduce them. Keep in mind that some of these solutions can be invasive, so consult your dermatologist if you feel it is appropriate.
Skin care routines:
Choose a skincare routine that includes all the steps: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (suitable for your skin type). All of these can help fade and reduce the appearance of age spots over time.
Laser therapy:
Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional laser therapy, can target and break down the melanin in age spots, reducing them. These treatments are usually performed by dermatologists or qualified professionals.
Chemical peel:
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the surface layers, which encourages the growth of new skin and reduces the appearance of age spots.
Cryotherapy:
In this procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy excess melanin in age spots, helping them to fade.
Microdermabrasion:
This treatment removes the top layers of the skin using very fine crystals that are applied to the skin at high speed and then aspirated again. The result? The deepest discolourations are removed and the skin is regenerated.
Home remedies:
Some natural remedies such as lemon juice, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and green tea extract can help lighten age spots when applied to the skin. If you decide to try these remedies, do so with caution and test them on a small area of skin to avoid irritation.
Before considering any invasive treatment (laser therapy, chemical peels, cryotherapy or microdermabrasion), consult a dermatologist to see which approach is best suited to your skin type and age spots.
Sun protection is very important to prevent the formation of new age spots.
When should you see a doctor?
Age spots don't require medical attention, but you should periodically check to see if the spots are black or have changed in appearance. These changes may be signs of melanoma , a serious type of skin cancer.
It is best to have any new skin change evaluated by a doctor, especially if it is a spot that:
It's black
It is increasing in size
It has an irregular edge
It has an unusual color combination
Presents bleeding
Elsevier. Community Pharmacy Journal. Photoexposure and disease. Hyperpigmented lesions . Adela Emilia Gómez Ayala. PhD in Pharmacy. Vol. 22, No. 7. July-August 2008. Pp. 56-58.
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