Age Spots, Liver Spots, Sun Spots, Freckles & Pigmentation

Sun spots, also known as age spots and liver spots and general sun damage is the damage that is caused to the skin by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays can cause a number of problems, including:

Wrinkles: UV rays can break down collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give skin its strength and elasticity. This can lead to the development of wrinkles.
Age spots: UV rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, which can lead to the development of age spots.
Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is caused by UV rays.
Pigmentation: UV rays can cause the production of excess melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its colour. This can lead to the development of dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation.

Pigmentation is the natural process by which your skin produces melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its colour. There are two main types of pigmentation:

Eumelanin: This is the brown or black pigment that is responsible for giving your skin its natural colour.
Pheomelanin: This is the red or yellow pigment that is responsible for giving your skin its rosy or ruddy complexion.

The amount of melanin in your skin is determined by your genetics and your exposure to sunlight. People with darker skin tend to have more melanin, which is why they are less likely to develop sunburns. However, people with darker skin can still develop sun damage, including pigmentation.

Top tip: Prevention is better than cure

There are a number of things you can do to protect your skin from sun damage, including:

Wear sunscreen: Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from UV rays. Make sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
Wear protective clothing: Wear sunglasses, a hat, and long sleeves when you are outdoors in the sun.
Avoid the sun during peak hours: The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. Avoid being outdoors during these hours if possible.
Get enough vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for bone health, but it can also help protect your skin from sun damage. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin D you need.