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What are age spots and what can we do about them? Those are questions that will ponder many people, if they are not careful about spending too much time, unprotected in the sun. They are caused by exposure to sunlight, although the reason that some people get them and others do not is unclear.

You might say, “But, I always use sunscreen.” That may be true, but most sunscreens are ineffective. There is a great deal of controversy surround these compounds. Most of them were never fully tested before they were released on an unsuspecting public.

News reports that sunscreens could reduce your risk of skin cancer drove the sales of these products. Suddenly, companies had a new compound to push and push they did. Now, practically every skincare product that you pick up, even those intended for use at night, contain a sun-screening compound. It’s ridiculous.

The only sun-blocking ingredient that has a proven record of safety and effectiveness is zinc oxide. But, let me get back to the question of what are age spots.

They are actually melanin clusters. The medical term for them is lentigos. They may vary in shape, size and color. Some are brown. Others are reddish. They may even be black. If you see these areas appear suddenly, you should consult your doctor. They are usually unrelated to skin cancer, but it is always wise to have any sudden change in the skin’s texture or appearance evaluated by a professional.

So, what, you may ask is melanin. It is a pigment produced by the body with the help of the amino acid tyrosine. UVB radiation from the sun stimulates melanin production in the stratum basal layer of the epidermis. That’s four of five layers beneath the surface. The UVB exposure that causes the spot to appear would have probably happened several months ago.

Now that you know what are age spots, you probably want to know if there is anything that you can do about them. There are actually several approaches that you can take. Eventually, if you avoided exposure to the sun, it might disappear on its own. Often times, the part of the body that they appear on has been exposed to the sun time and again. It may take a little patience to get rid of them, just as it took time for them to develop.

Knowing that what are age spots has to do with melanin production, it stands to reason that inhibiting melanin production would cause them to fade. The cells in the outermost layer of epidermis are replaced over time. Depending on your current age, the entire layer may be replaced every month or so.

It is beneficial to use creams containing ingredients that are proven to stimulate skin cell production, in order to speed replacement. If you also use a cream that inhibits melanin production, the new cells will be lighter in color. Now, that you know what are age spots, you might want to learn more about ingredients that can make them go away.

Check out my website to discover more on what you need to know in selecting effective skin care products.

Let’s face it, many people want to get rid of age spots but it can be confusing with all the treatments available.

But, I, for one don’t want to go to extreme measures like chemical peels and expensive laser therapies to get rid of them. I want a more natural solution. Maybe you do too.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First let me explain what causes age spots. These brown spots are officially called solar lentigines and are caused by too much sun. The brown spots are patches of tanning pigment or melanin–the same process that causes all over tanning and they’re most evident in light skinned people.

Age spots are safe but their presence means you’ve probably had a few sunburns in your day so you might be at risk for skin cancer. It doesn’t hurt to be checked out for this by your doctor.

Now that you know what causes age spots, you can prevent more from forming by protecting yourself with a good sunscreen, large hat, long sleeves/pants and avoid the mid day sun.

To get rid of existing age spots you can find a good cream with safe and effective ingredients to fade age spots. I’ll get to that in a minute, but first, why don’t I like the chemical peels and laser therapies?

Well, besides the expense in time and money, they destroy valuable skin cells near the age spots which can result in scarring and cell damage. And, you have to repeat the treatments as new age spots form.

Research shows you can get rid of age spots with a convenient and natural approach. By reading the labels on your skincare products, you can learn what ingredient will fade your age spots by up to 40% without harsh side effects.

This ingredient is called Extrapone Nutgrass Root. Don’t let the funny name fool you. This substance fades your age spots and gives you younger looking skin by blocking melanin production in your cells so those ugly brown spots just fade away.

Another ingredient I like to prevent wrinkles and skin sagging is called Phytessence wakame. It strengthens your collagen and elastin fibers which give your skin shape and elasticity. The Japanese have used it for centuries as part of their skin care and eat it in dishes like miso soup. This is one of the most powerful antioxidants available today in skin care.