What Causes Age and Sun Spots

Age spots, sun spots and liver spots are three different names for the same skin problem. When you’re skin get more sun than it needs, it creates age or sun spots. They usually don’t appear until you reach middle age. It doesn’t matter what skin type that you have age spots occur in all types of skin. Age spots are collections of pigment that accumulates in the top layer of the skin. And while sunspots are more common in people who freckle, age spots are different from freckles in that they don’t fade in the winter like freckles. They stay the same dark color, year round.

There are no symptoms to warn you that you are developing age spots. However, if they change or get bigger after they appear then you need to see a doctor in order to rule out the possibility of precancerous or cancerous lesions. These spots are flat and vary in size, from very small to the size of a dime. More often than not they are round with irregular borders.  These spots develop on the shoulders, upper back, face, forearms and the back of the hands. Read more

Understanding the UV Index and SPF Ratings

Some exposure to sunlight is okay. It  is even good for you because the sun is our main source of  Vitamin D. However, too much exposure is dangerous and can lead to rapid aging and skin cancer, if you don’t protect yourself. UV stands for ultraviolet radiation which can lead to immediate sunburn, and long term problems like cancer and or cataracts. The UV index was actually developed by the National Weather Service with input from the Environmental Protection agency to help citizens safely plan outdoor activities, thereby controlling UV exposure. Read more