Age Spots

Age spots are flat areas of increased pigmentation that commonly develop on sun-exposed parts of the skin. Also known as sun spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines, they typically appear as light- to dark-brown patches with clearly defined edges, occur individually or in clusters, and become more common with age.

Despite their name, age spots are not caused by ageing alone; they result primarily from cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other sources such as tanning beds. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its colour, and repeated UV exposure over many years can make pigment-producing cells more active in certain areas, creating concentrated patches of pigmentation. The face, backs of the hands, décolletage, shoulders and arms are particularly susceptible because they receive regular sun exposure throughout everyday life.

Established age spots are unlikely to fade completely on their own, and continued UV exposure can darken existing pigmentation and create new spots. Typical age spots are benign, but not every brown lesion is an age spot: some skin cancers, including melanoma, can initially resemble other pigmented lesions. Any change in size, shape or colour, irregular borders, bleeding or itching should be medically assessed before aesthetic treatment.

At 111 Harley Street, we always assess pigmentation first to confirm it is consistent with an age spot and to select the right treatment approach.