Age Spots

Sometimes called liver spots, age spots are small dark areas on your skin. They are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation that vary in size and usually appear on parts of the skin that have a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are produced by overactive pigment cells which, in response to repeated and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, produce melanin in high concentrations. They tend to arise in individuals over 50 (hence the name), but can also occur in younger individuals who have spent a lot of time in the sun or under other ultraviolet light, especially those with pale skin.

Luckily, true age spots are harmless, from a medical standpoint. You may still want, however, to lighten and reduce their appearance for cosmetic purposes. If so, Essentique is here to help!

Vitamin A (and its derivatives) is known in the skincare world for fading hyperpigmentation, evening skin tone, and repairing sun damage. It does all of this by exfoliating away the hyperpigmented skin to reveal fresh skin underneath. Products with high concentrations of vitamin A, therefore, will do an excellent job at reducing age spots. For similar reasons, products with alpha hydroxy or other exfoliating acids also can be used to lighten age spots.

Many of Essentique’s products fall under this category. The vitamin-A rich rosehip oil in R3 makes this serum a perfect spot treatment for age spots and other dark spots. The exfoliating enzymes in Pumpkin Peel help to lighten and brighten the skin. Petale’s carrot oil and aloe vera juice give the serum its brightening effect. And Lumin8’s rosehip seed oil makes this cleanser another excellent choice.

If you are looking for something simpler, both include rosehip and pomegranate seed carrier oils contain high concentrations of vitamin A. 

In any case, don’t let age spots get in the way of your youthful beauty!

By Gabrielle Candes