Spotted with Age

Lentigines is the medical term for age spots. Unlike what the name suggests, age spots have nothing to do with age. The primary cause for age spots is actually exposure to the sun. When exposed to UV rays of the sun, our skin tries to protect itself by producing melanin (pigmented skin cells), which causes the brown spots. To a lesser extent, age spots can also be caused by smoking, poor liver function, a poor diet or a diet that is rich in oxidised oils.

The first thing to do is to try and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Protect your skin with sun screen. Also avoid coming into contact with a chemical substance called psoralen before exposing yourself to UV rays. A naturally occurring substance, psoralen is found in foods like parsley, limes and parsnips. Research has shown that skin that has come into contact with psoralen becomes more sensitive to UV rays, and thus burns more easily. Always keep your skin protected from the sun as much as possible, be it with sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or clothes that cover more of your skin.

Musk and bergamot oil should also be avoided. These are commonly found in perfumes and body lotions, and they also make the skin more susceptible to the sun. Certain types of medication, such as tetracycline (a kind of antibiotics), diuretics and chlorpromazine (antipsychotic medicine) will cause the skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure. If you are on any of these medications, it is imperative that you take extra measures to protect yourself from the sun.

A diet rich in calcium, iron and carotene will also decrease your chances of getting age spots. Foods like green leafy vegetables, carrots and nuts will be good additions to your diet in order to lower your risk of developing age spots. Exercising to improve your blood circulation will also help to prevent age spots.

Don’t risk looking older than you with unnecessary age spots. Put on that sunscreen before you get out in the sun!

Sources:
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/44/3.cfm
http://www.agespots.net/causes.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/how_2038900_prevent-age-spots.html