How to Get Rid of Age Spots on Your Face-Know the Causes First!

Age Spots, dark Spots, and uneven skin color is all caused by an uneven concentration of melanin. We hear about melanin, but what is it? Knowing what it is and how it functions can help us learn how to protect our skin and even remedy those age spots.

Melanin is the pigment that gives our skin color (or lack thereof). The difference in coloring is those who are lighter produce a lysosome that breaks down the melanin before it reaches the surface of the skin. Consequently, those who are darkest lack this break down process and the melanin easily occupies the cells that allow our skin to show color.

Melanin is actually a protective mechanism, responsible for the response known as sun tanning. It shields cells nuclei from UV rays, which can damage DNA and cause cancer. In all but the darkest of people, melanin can build up, giving our skin more color. However, lounging about in the sun to get melanin to build up is not ideal. Sun damage causes premature wrinkling and aging.

So how do we combat age spots and uneven pigmentation in our skin? The first defense is to use a sunscreen daily. However, this may not be enough for some people, especially if the damage is already done.

What you really need is a product that inhibits melanin from reaching the surface of the skin (as it is produced in the deeper layers). A product like this takes several months to be effective, and must be used 1-2 times daily in order to work. The result will give you a more even complexion and a brighter skin tone.

Why does it take so long? Part of the reason is the length of time it takes for our cells to regenerate. The other part is the time it takes to actually inhibit melanin from reaching the cells that allow the color to show (basal keratinocytes). The result is that if cells can regenerate without the melanin pigmentation affecting it, you will get a brighter, more even complexion.

For those who are plagued with age spots and uneven coloring, using a product to combat the problem is well worth it. Some may opt for a more harsh and expensive laser treatment. Some ingredients to look for when finding a product is glycolic acid (10-15%), hydroquinone, kojic acid, and retinoid. Look for products that contain descriptions such as “even complexion, brightening, bleaching, skin lightening,” etc.


For more information on how to get rid of age spots and learn other secrets to care for your skin, Subscribe to our Zap Wrinkles Blemish Free Skin Newsletter and get the Free Skin Care Guide by submitting your info to the right. Your info is always kept confidential and is never shared with 3rd parties...ever!

Remember, take care of your skin because your face is the first thing people see!