Age spots. A number of people develop them, but nobody wants them. They show up in all the annoying places: your face, hands, arms, shoulders, back, and basically anywhere that’s prone to sun exposure. Sometimes age spots are just unavoidable and develop as you get up in years. However, those who spend a lot of time in the sun and have paler skin, despite their age, are also prone to developing age spots. Many people have a hereditary predisposition to them too. Delta-5 is here to help! If you are already experiencing trouble with age spots, Delta-5 has skin healing properties that can de-age and lead to younger looking skin. It is truly the best oil to use in the case of skin discoloration and age spots. Delta-5 is an oil by SciaEssentials derived from the seeds of conifer trees. Place just 1 to 3 drops of Delta-5 on the affected area up to three times daily to see younger, more even-toned skin.
What Are Age Spots?
Mayo Clinic states that age spots are small, darkened areas of pigmentation on your skin, and are sometimes known as liver spots (though they have nothing to do with your liver). They are caused by overactive skin cells, and U.V. lights found in tanning beds, as well as the sun can accelerate the production of melanin. Areas of skin with prolonged sun exposure cause this melanin to clump, causing the appearance of “age spots”. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, age spots occur with the expansion of skin with more pigment – often looking like a large freckle. In a medically reviewed article in Everyday Health, Madeline R. Vann, MPH, describes the three different categories of age spots:
- Cherry hemangiomas – These are very common, and not at all linked to skin cancer. They are tiny red dots that appear on the surface of the skin, caused by the overgrowth of blood vessels.
- Lentigines – This is typically what people think of when they think of age spots. They are tan, brown, or black in color, and are flat, freckle-like marks on the sun-exposed areas of the skin. Though they usually aren’t very large, they can appear up to the size of a dime.
- Seborrheic keratoses – These marks can develop from sun-exposure, age, or even hereditary predisposition. They often look raised, or wart-like, and can range anywhere from pale to dark brown or black in color. There is no cause for alarm with this type of age spot, but when melanoma develops on a pre-existing mole, it looks very similar to seborrheic keratoses.
Symptoms of Age Spots and When They Are A Problem
Generally, age spots are harmless, despite their unsightly appearance. If they become darker, change shape or appearance, are painful, itchy or red, you should see a dermatologist. Age spots are not cancerous, nor do they lead to cancer, but sometimes age spots are confused with melanoma which is a form of skin cancer. Some of the physical, emotional, and social reasons for treating age spots include improved appearance, enhanced self-esteem, and promotion of better skin health. (Source).
How to Tell the Difference Between Age Spots and Melanoma
While age spots are completely harmless, some of them may look a lot like melanoma, a fatal form of skin cancer. It’s always a good idea to check with a dermatologist if you are unsure, but there are some warning signs and differences between the two that you can spot yourself. John Wolf Jr., M.D. says that he recommends “a full-body dermatological check up to anyone over the age of 50 years old, and maybe even younger, depending on their family medical history and predisposition to skin cancer. In its early stages, melanoma will sometimes resemble lentigines or seborrheic keratoses.” Dr. Wolf explains that if melanoma develops on normal skin, it appears flat, and black or brown, and will grow out or down. He also says to check for the “ABC’s of melanoma”:
- Asymmetry – the spot keeps growing irregularly, one side often appearing larger than the other.
- Border – an irregular border of the mark is often a tell-tale sign of something more sinister than just a regular age spot.
- Color – marks with multiple colors are usually more suspicious. The darker the color is something to be wary of.
- Diameter – melanomas are generally larger in diameter, but Dr. Wolf warns that this does not always matter; they can be very small in size as well.
- Evolution – sudden changes in the spot, such as pain, bleeding, or irritation, are all causes for alarm. Age spots are painless, while melanomas have the potential to cause pain or itchiness.
How To Avoid Age Spots and Get Rid of Them
Avoiding age spots is all about how much sun exposure your skin gets. Be cautious of what times you are exposed to the sun. The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. It is also important to consider wearing clothing for sun protection. There is clothing specifically manufactured for this – labeled UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). You can avoid sun spots with sunscreen and by avoiding prolonged sun exposure. Some dermatology websites recommend a method of skin bleaching, but there are better, more natural, holistic options rather than exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. The quickest and easiest way to get rid of age spots is through chemical peels and laser therapy, but these procedures are costly and have a high risk of side effects. (Source). Delta-5 provides a clinically proven, all-natural solution to the harsher alternatives. This organic oil will result in younger looking, even-toned skin, and is safe to use on any area with age spots.
