Photo: Joy Marino

What causes dark spots on face?

Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.

mayoclinic.org - Age spots (liver spots) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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Overview

Age spots on the shoulder and back Open pop-up dialog box Close Age spots on the shoulder and back Age spots on the shoulder and back If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you're more likely to develop age spots — areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are also called sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun. Age spots can look like cancerous growths. True age spots don't need treatment, but they are a sign the skin has received a lot of sun exposure and are an attempt by your skin to protect itself from more sun damage. For cosmetic reasons, they can be lightened or removed. You can help prevent age spots by regularly using sunscreen and avoiding the sun.

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Symptoms

Age spots on the hand Open pop-up dialog box Close Age spots on the hand Age spots on the hand Age spots may grow in size and group together, giving the skin a speckled or mottled appearance. They're very common in areas that get repeated sun exposure, such as on the back of the hand. Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they're more common in adults with light skin. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade with no sun exposure, age spots don't fade.

Age spots:

Are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation

Are usually tan to dark brown

Occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back

Range from freckle size to about 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) across

Can group together, making them more noticeable

When to see a doctor

Age spots don't require medical care. Have your doctor look at spots that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. It's best to have any new skin changes evaluated by a doctor, especially if a spot:

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Is black

Is increasing in size

Has an irregular border

Has an unusual combination of colors

Is bleeding

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Causes

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.

Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.

Risk factors

You might be more likely to develop age spots if you:

Have light skin

Have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn

Prevention

To help avoid age spots and new spots after treatment, follow these tips for limiting your sun exposure:

mayoclinic.org - Age spots (liver spots) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

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