Why do age spots occur? These are the most dangerous causes…
What are age spots?
Age spots are flat, dark areas on the skin and often occur in people over 50 years of age. They are often harmless, but in some cases they can be a sign of more serious illness. However, much like your skin changes when it scars, a special pigment begins to collect in areas of your skin that are injured or damaged by increased sun exposure, sun damage, and other factors. Over time, markedly darker spots and discoloration can form on the surface of the skin. Because it can take time for this pigmentation to appear, age spots are most commonly seen in men and women aged 55 and over, although younger people can also get age spots if their skin is damaged enough. The only symptom is the appearance of spots on the skin that are darker than the rest of the skin. These places do not cause any pain, nor itching.
What are the main causes of age spots?
The main causes of age spots are vitamin c deficiency, zinc, medications, excessive sun exposure and lipofuscin accumulation in the body! Lipofuscin is a buildup of waste in your body that shows up on your skin. In other words, age spots can be a sign on your skin that you have too many toxins and free radicals in your body. If you have a poor diet, are overweight, do not exercise, smoke, drink, have poor liver or digestive function … Your age spots will be pronounced. While people of all ages, genders, lifestyles, and backgrounds are at risk of developing sunspots on their skin, there are a few specific risk factors that can increase your chances of developing sun-related discoloration on your face, hands, and other areas of your body:
People with fair skin are more susceptible to sun-related skin damage. The darker your skin, the more melanin (skin pigment) you have, which helps to block out some of the ultraviolet rays that would otherwise damage your skin. You’re at a higher risk of getting sunspots and other signs of UV-related skin damage after you turn 50 or older. This is because the older you get, the more sensitive your skin is to stress and damage. For example, your skin begins to begin to lose elasticity; blood vessels that carry healing blood and nutrients to the surface of your skin become more fragile; And the layer of fat under the skin is diluted, and all this increases the risk of skin injury.
People who enjoy hobbies and pastimes that expose them to UV rays are likely to see more sun damage than those who don’t. If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, some of the active ingredients in common medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, leaving you more prone to sun damage. Examples include some allergy medications, pain relievers, and acne treatments. Even products that are supposed to improve the appearance of your skin and reduce signs of skin damage can actually increase the risk of age spots. For example, some anti-aging skincare treatments contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a common anti-wrinkle ingredient. But in studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people who used AHA creams saw their skin become 18 percent more sensitive to the sun.
Your immune system is a key component in the process of healing wounds and damage not only in your body, but also in your skin. In fact, there are specific immune cells in the skin itself that respond to exposure to sunlight. However, if your immune system is weak or compromised, or if you suffer from a chronic disease that constantly taxes and depletes your immune response, your skin is less able to resist and repair superficial damage that can cause sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
And I would like to go back a little more to excessive exposure to the sun… Too much exposure to sunlight will significantly worsen the health of your skin, and you will feel this especially in old age. And not only do age spots on your skin make you look older than you are, but they can also be signs of an increased risk of cancer and health risks associated with UV radiation. In a study published in the medical journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers followed 298 women. They found that even if you factor in other factors like stress, diet, and tobacco use, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still responsible for approximately 80 percent of the visible signs of aging in your skin. In another study with twins and identical genes, a twin who was significantly more exposed to the sun than another twin looked 11 years older…
For more information about age spots, visit the mariolab youtube channel!
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