Liver spots were once thought to be associated with liver problems, but they actually don’t have anything to do with your liver at all. They’re actually better known as “age spots.”
The hyperpigmentation from age spots can be known by a host of other different names too: senile lentigo, lentigines, or sun spots. These dark spots appear on the face, arms, and hands as we age. They can be a major result of sun damage, appearing on the areas of our skin that get the most exposure to UVA/UVB rays.
Where Do Liver Spots Come From?
Your genetics and skin color are factors contributing to how you’re affected by these age spots. People with red hair and light skin are more likely to develop them than darker-skinned people, but sun exposure is the biggest factor. When your skin absorbs too much sun, it produces extra melanin. That’s the pigment that gives your skin color and makes you tan. Melanin’s purpose is to help protect your skin from harmful UV damage. Over time, melanin clumps together, forming age spots. Uncontrolled free radicals instigate that process.
While anyone can develop them, liver spots are typically more common in people over 40. Sun exposure accumulates over time, and there are some people that just produce more melanin as they age.
“Damage due to inflammation, UV exposure, and other environmental insults causes the cells to produce more pigment to protect themselves,” says Carl R. Thornfeldt, M.D., a dermatologist in Fruitland, ID. Changes in estrogen levels (due to birth control pills or pregnancy) can also play a role.
This results in uneven pigmentation, a common condition that can affect any skin tone, “but in different ways,” says Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at George Washington University. Lighter skin tones tend to develop freckles and sun spots, while darker skin looks shadowed or patchy, she explains.
Can You Prevent Liver Spots?
You can!
The best way to prevent those pesky spots from forming is to protect your skin from the sun. Wear protective clothing when you’re outside in the form of long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Many clothing companies utilize materials with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). UPF 40 to 50 offers the best protection. Of course, it’s always best to stay in the shade when the sun’s at its highest and most intense, between 10am and 2pm.
Any exposed skin should be covered with a generous portion of sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. That should protect you from UVA rays, which cause burning, and UVB rays, which cause aging and sun damage. You’ll want to be sure to apply it 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside to give it enough time to absorb. Re-apply it every two hours (or more if you’re swimming or perspiring).
Skin Care to Combat Liver Spots
Since free radicals are contributing factors to age spots, utilizing an effective skin care regimen that incorporates beneficial antioxidants (which neutralize free radicals) can be a great way to slow the process down. Vitamin C is a popular ingredient for treating skin pigment issues, as it brightens skin naturally and can help to fade out hyperpigmentation. It can also help to prevent your body from creating too much melanin.
SciaEssentials has developed a revolutionary oil, derived from the seeds of conifer trees. It has skin healing properties and the ability to turn back the clock, calming inflammation that can lead to many skin aging changes, including liver spots. Just place a small amount of oil on the affected area(s) up to three times a day. This oil is versatile enough that you can incorporate it into your favorite skin care products. Mix a drop or two in with your moisturizer or foundation to apply evenly over your entire face.
Other Factors to Help Prevent Liver Spots
Diet is a contributing factor, too. Cut out the polyunsaturated fats like vegetable oils, margarine, and nut oils and trade them for saturated fats like coconut oil, real butter, and animal fats. Get rid of excess iron in your diet. Most processed foods like grain products are fortified with iron. You shouldn’t need that multivitamin if you’re eating a good, balanced diet full of variety. Your body stores more iron when it’s low on copper, so eat lots of foods like shellfish, liver and dark chocolate.
A diet rich in antioxidants can strengthen your body’s defense system to combat the damage caused by free radicals. Ripe fruits and easy-to-digest veggies are great sources.
Excess estrogen levels have been linked to age spot formation, and multiple factors can contribute. Be aware if you take synthetic hormones like the pill, have increased stress, or a protein deficiency, because all of these are known to contribute to increased estrogen levels.
