As women over 50, our skin begins to show the story of our lives: sunny vacations, long afternoons in the garden, and years of laughter outdoors. One of the most common signs of ageing skin is the appearance of age spots, also known as liver spots or sun spots. While they’re harmless, many women want to learn how to fade them for a more even, radiant complexion. The good news? There are both at-home and professional treatments for age spots that can make a visible difference.
What are Age Spots?
Dr. Angie Seelal, a Certified Registered Physician Assistant specializing in Dermatology with Advanced Dermatology PC, explains, “Age spots (also called sunspots, liver spots or solar lentigines) are small, dark brown patches that are the result of long-term sun exposure that has triggered clusters of melanocyte skin cells to produce the protective pigment melanin.”
Age spots appear as flat, brown or dark patches on areas most exposed to sunlight—especially the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and arms. They’re caused by an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) after years of UV exposure.
Common Triggers
- Skin aging and slower cell turnover
- Sun damage from daily exposure
- Tanning beds
- Genetics (some women are more prone than others)
How To Prevent Age Spots
If you’re wondering how to prevent age spots—or keep existing ones from worsening—the first step is sun protection.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and UPF clothing outdoors
- Skip tanning beds
- Add antioxidants like vitamin C to your daily skincare routine
How to Treat Age Spots
Actual age spots are not cancerous or dangerous but can make people appear older and self-conscious about their appearance. Luckily, there are many ways to treat age spots.
Laser Treatments
Seelal says, “We have a range of laser treatments that offer different approaches. Certain wavelengths can penetrate the skin to destroy the melanocytes. Other instruments exfoliate the pigmented spots to trigger regeneration of new, unblemished skin.”
Age Spot Exfoliation
Seelal says, “Your skin specialist can provide a range of other exfoliation techniques, such as dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. As with certain laser therapies, these procedures remove the pigmented areas to allow for undamaged skin regrowth.”
Topical Treatments
The most common age spot over-the-counter (OTC) remedies include ingredients such as hydroquinone, glycolic acid, or kojic acid. While they can be effective, they can also irritate the skin, especially in people with dry or sensitive skin. There have also been some safety concerns regarding hydroquinone (currently, the FDA allows it to be sold OTC in 2% concentrations.) Best to do a patch test or consult your dermatologist before trying a new product. A dermatologist can also prescribe more potent topical treatments than what is available OTC, or you can skip the trip to the doctor’s office, and check out a great brand like Musely.
Musely The Spot Cream, $36 (1-month treatment)
From sun spots or melasma on the face to discoloration on the body or bikini line, Musely offers personalized dark spot treatments for every area. Powered by ingredients like hydroquinone and tretinoin, each prescription is tailored by a board-certified dermatologist and shipped directly to you.
Odacité Pa+G Serum Concentrate, $42
Multi-active serum that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while improving the look of uneven skin tone.
Papaya Seed Oil is rich in fruit enzymes that help reduce the appearance of brown spots and slough off dead skin, unveiling a fresh and even-looking glow. Geranium Oil combines with Lemon oil, encouraging a more evened-out appearance.
Fièra Multi-Effect Neck + Décolletage Cream, $40
Fièra Multi-Effect Neck + Décolletage Cream is scientifically formulated to target uneven tone, discoloration, and visible dark spots while restoring elasticity. Packed with peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants, it leaves the skin brighter, smoother, and more radiant.
Alitura The Gold Serum, $87
Elevate your skincare routine with The Alitura Gold Serum, a potent elixir hand-crafted to nourish, restore, and illuminate your complexion. Made with 95% Organic Ingredients, this powerhouse formula blends cutting-edge bioactive botanicals, antioxidants, and skin-rejuvenating compounds to deliver both instant radiance and long-term skin health. A vital addition to your skincare routine to help prevent wrinkles and diminish dark spots.”
Eight Saints Original Cin Niacinamide Face Serum, $48
This heavenly lightweight serum is designed to diminish fine lines and other visible signs of aging. Corrects uneven skin tone, blemishes, and excess oil while combating dryness and irritation. The niacinamide 10% concentration helps lighten dark spots and redness by easing inflammation, giving you a smoother, brighter complexion.
Concealing Age Spots With Makeup
Kelly Schultz, makeup artist and owner of JuLu Beauty, says, “In general, less is more. The simplest, quickest way to minimize age spots is to choose a medium foundation that will diffuse the appearance in one application.” If you have more time, Shultz suggests a four-step process of applying a color corrector, then concealer and foundation on top, followed by a setting powder to protect and secure the layers. She cautions against using concealer alone, explaining, “Whether you use a concealer or color corrector, you must lightly apply and blend into the skin and surrounding surface. If it is not blended, it will appear obvious in texture and density.”
For age spots on the hand or neck, Schultz suggests using an aerosol waterproof foundation that will cover lightly and keep you from transferring color to other materials and body parts.”
The Takeaway
There may be many ways to reduce the appearance of age spots, but the best option is to avoid getting them in the first place. Use a broad spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen year-round, wear sun-protective clothing when in the sun (including a hat with a visor), and avoid spending time outside during the peak sun hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Seelal says, “Remember, the incidental sun we get in the car adds up too.”
Learning how to take care of our skin as we age can be a tricky issue. But we have some good news — using niacinamide can help with multiple issues, and it’s even great for all ages.
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