Age Spots
Age spots develop when years of sun exposure trigger excess melanin production, creating flat brown marks on the skin that can be effectively lightened with professional treatments.
At a glance
Age spots are flat, brown, grey or black marks that usually appear on areas of the skin most exposed to the sun - such as the face, hands, shoulders and décolletage. Though harmless, many people find them cosmetically bothersome. The good news is they respond very well to treatments that encourage healthy new cell turnover.
Causes
When active breakouts extend deeper into the skin, the inflammatory response can damage collagen. During healing, too little collagen can leave an indentation; too much can create a raised scar. Early professional care, controlled resurfacing and collagen-stimulating treatments help guide this healing more evenly over time.