Age spots are not caused by aging. The skin’s primary enemy is too much exposure to the sun. As its natural defense against harmful UV rays, the skin produces pigmentation. This is according to the president of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, Ranella Hirsch. Although aging may influence the appearance of age spots, sun exposure still triggers where they show. This explains why age spots only appear on the areas that are frequently exposed to the harmful rays of the sun such as the face, shoulders, arms and upper chest. People who frequently go to the beach without sufficient sun protection may see more age spots on their body that those who don't.

Even though age spots are more common in adults ages 40 and above, younger people can still experience the appearance of these age spots with too much exposure to the sun. This particular skin condition is not harmful and does not call for treatment or medical attention. But it would still be better to have flawless skin as we age. Nowadays, cosmetic procedures that lighten and remove age spots through bleaching and other non-surgical procedures are very popular. The market is also filled with products that promise to get rid of age spots with frequent usage. However, these procedures and commercial products pose a possibility of unwanted side effects.  At times, instead of getting flawless skin, users actually get the opposite result. But more than any other methods, the best way to deal with age spots is by taking precautionary measures against its appearance. After all, preventions is always better than cure.

Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is beneficial to the body to some extent. But the present conditions of the earth's atmosphere have made prolonged exposure to the sun potentially damaging. The sun emits UV rays that trigger the skin to produce dark discoloration we often refer to as age spots. And as the person grows older and the skin becomes less efficient in protecting itself from extreme weather conditions, it is better to use some protection like such as wide-brimmed hats that help in blocking too much UV rays from reaching the skin. Without enough protection, the skin will be forced to find a way to protect itself by producing more melanin and undergo a process called hyper-pigmentation.

If you decide to use sunscreen lotion, go for natural products since these do not contain toxic chemicals.  My personal recommendations would be Caribbean Blue from Natmed Limited and  Aubrey Organics’ Natural Sun.  Also, make sure that you cover your face, neck, arms, hands and chest to help filter than sun's UV rays. It may still be important to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day since the clouds will not be able completely block the UV rays. As much as possible, avoid going out in the afternoon when the sun is at its peak. You can also use an umbrella with UV protection in case sunscreen is not available.

Cope with Stress

Stress can make you look older and increase the appearance of age spots by weakening the skin’s natural ability to repair and maintain its elasticity and tone. When faced with too much stress, it is important to find healthy ways to overcome and manage stress. You start by practicing mindfulness meditation or joining yoga classes. The choice of activity is actually up to you as long as it helps you fight stress and it makes you feel better. And if these techniques do not seem to work for you, you can altogether try to avoid the things that make you feel stressed. Stressors can include rushing to catch the train daily, unsolved personal issues with your best friend and other things that always make you feel drained at the end of each day. Try to wake up early so you won’t have to rush, or go have a heart-to-heart talk with your friend. These simple tips can actually lessen the load that you are carrying upon your shoulders and make life stress-free.

Observe Proper Diet

Diet plays a very important role in keeping your skin healthy and flawless. Foods rich in beta-carotene like cantaloupe , mangoes, apricots, yellow winter squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, lettuce and kale help fight and treat age spots. Beta-carotene is transformed into retinol in the body and increases the skin's ability to repair and protects it from the damage caused by free radicals.

Vitamin E helps in promoting healthier skin by acting as an antioxidant and regulator of vitamin A. You can directly apply vitamin E on the skin to treat age spots. But the way of taking advantage of the health benefits of vitamin E is by eating foods that are packed with the nutrient. Some of the richest natural sources are wheat germ, peanut butter, pine nuts, tomato paste, turnip greens, almonds and sunflower seeds. You can also take vitamin E food supplements to ensure that you are meeting your body's needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids are most abundant in fish oil, hemp oil and flax oil. These help the body fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage in skin cells that can increase your likelihood of having age spots. The best way to increase your body's omega-3 fatty acid levels is by taking supplements or eating foods rich in the nutrient.

Avoid, or limit, Alcohol Intake

Too much alcohol can promote the appearance of age spots. Although it may be hard to totally abandon alcohol, make sure to limit your consumption to a few glasses or bottles in a week.

Regular Exercise

Lack of sufficient exercise is a risk factor for the development of different health conditions including age spots. Exercising helps detoxify the skin by inducing the release of sweat and in maintaining its natural tone and elasticity. You don't have to spend so much time or money in order to give the body a good workout. A simple run around the park or a few minutes of biking on your spare time will help in keeping age spots at bay. Keep the habit and consider it a lifestyle change for a healthier and more beautiful you.

What seems to be a harmless age spot can be a more serious skin condition. So when you notice the appearance of darkly pigmented dark spots that has an irregular border and which increases in size rapidly, it would be best to have it evaluated by your physician to determine a more suitable treatment. Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can have similar characteristics as that of age spots.

Sources
webmd.com
mayoclinic.com
dermatology.about.com
skincare.lovetoknow.com
ehow.com