Know the truth
It’s true that aging is inevitable, but you can grow old gracefully when you know how to separate age spot facts from fiction. And, in a world where youth reigns supreme, even celebrities with age spots (also known as sun spots and liver spots) like Elle Macpherson and Nicollette Sheridan need to watch their backs – and shoulders, face and chest – when taking in the sun’s warm rays. Rather than suffering silently with these brown blemishes, shed some light on sun damage with these 10 age spots myths debunked.
Myth #1: Age spots are the natural part of getting older
Age spots have nothing to do with how many birthdays you’ve had; they’re caused by the sun. However, the older you get, the more susceptible your skin is to sun damage.
Myth #2: There is no way to get rid of age spots
Laser treatments and IPL PhotoFacials are effective treatments to remove or minimize age spots from your otherwise flawless complexion.
Myth #3: Tanning does not cause age spots
Regardless of the source, overexposure to UV rays from the sun or the tanning bed will equally damage your epidermis, leaving unsightly age spots, also known as liver spots, brown spots and sun spots.
Myth #4: There is no way to prevent age spots
By avoiding overexposure to the sun and practicing sun protection – even when you’re just driving – can help prevent much of the age spots you may otherwise foster.
Myth #5: Everyone’s skin is equally susceptible to age spots
It is actually the pigment in your skin that determines your ability to fend off age spots. Darker-skinned people have more melanin pigment in your skin to fight off the damaging effects of the sun’s rays, while lighter-skinned people have less melanin pigment in your skin and form age spots easily.
Myth #6: Age spots, also known as liver spots, are a sign of liver problems
Despite the fact that age spots are sometimes also called liver spots, neither are actually associated with the liver.
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Myth #7: Age spots are not cancerous
While many age spots are harmless, any changes to your skin in color or shape should be seen by a dermatologist to determine whether there is cause for concern. However, keep in mind that age spots are a result of overexposure to the sun, which could cause skin cancer itself.
Myth #8: Skin lighteners are the best way to get rid of age spots
While sun protection is your best defense against age spots, combating the brown spots that have already formed with skin lightening products will typically give you little benefit for specific age spots as the surrounding skin will also be lightened.
Myth #9: Age spots only appear after age 40
While your skin’s ability to deflect sun damage lessens with age, age spots– which are actually caused by sun damage – can occur at any age with overexposure to those warm rays.
Myth #10: Laser/IPL treatments are painful.
Laser treatments for age spots are not only effective, but are often rated by patients as quite tolerable. Sessions vary from treatment to treatment, but often last only 20 to 30 minutes and require little to no downtime.
More about Age Spots Removal
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