What Are Liver Spots (Age Spots)?

Liver spots are more common in individuals older than 50 but can also appear in younger adults who have experienced significant sun exposure. They tend to develop gradually over time and don’t fade on their own. While liver spots aren’t harmful, it’s critical to distinguish them from more serious skin conditions such as melanoma, a dangerous skin cancer.

• Flat, oval-shaped patches
• Light to dark brown in color, which may vary depending on skin tone and sun exposure
• Common on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and upper back
• Painless and nonitchy, with no accompanying symptoms such as redness, swelling, or discomfort
• Freckle-size to over a centimeter in diameter
• Clustered together, forming larger pigmented areas over time

Liver spots are usually harmless, but it’s essential to monitor them for any changes in shape, size, or color. If a spot becomes irregular, grows rapidly, or changes in pigmentation, it may be a sign of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Regular skin self-examinations and dermatological checkups can identify any concerning changes early.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure The primary cause of liver spots, sun exposure stimulates melanin production, leading to pigmentation changes over time.
• Aging As the skin matures, its ability to regulate melanin diminishes, leading to pigmentation irregularities.
• Genetic Predisposition Some individuals inherit a higher likelihood of developing liver spots.
• Tanning Beds Artificial UV exposure can contribute to the development of liver spots the same way sunlight does.
• Skin Type People with lighter skin tones are more prone to liver spots because they have less melanin to protect against UV damage naturally.
• Frequent Sunburns A history of repeated sunburns increases your likelihood of developing liver spots later in life.

It’s important to see a professional to have the spots on your skin examined in order to distinguish benign patches like liver spots from potentially dangerous skin conditions.

• Visual examination, assessing the size, shape, and color of the spots
• Dermoscopy, a magnified skin examination to differentiate liver spots from malignant conditions
• Skin biopsy, a small skin sample taken if there’s any concern about potential skin cancer

Medication Options

Topical bleaching agents are most commonly used to reduce the appearance of liver spots. Your dermatologist may recommend:

• A prescription bleaching agent, such as a hydroquinone cream, to lighten liver spots
• A retinoid cream, paired with a bleaching agent, to promote skin cell turnover and further reduce pigmentation
• A steroid cream, usually only paired with a bleaching agent, to reduce potential skin irritation caused by the bleaching agent and support the lightening of the skin
• Over-the-counter fade creams that contain hydroquinone, glycolic acid, or kojic acid

Dermatological Procedures

Liver spots can also be treated with the following dermatological procedures:

• Chemical Peels These procedures exfoliate the top layer of skin, allowing for new, less pigmented skin to emerge.
• Laser Therapy Concentrated light is used to target excess melanin. This technique reduces the appearance of liver spots over multiple sessions.
• Cryotherapy This procedure involves freezing the pigmented skin cells, which then peel off and reveal new skin underneath.
• Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion These skin resurfacing techniques remove the outer layer of skin to improve pigmentation.

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) daily, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats to shield the skin from the sun.
• Stop any use of tanning beds, which expose the skin to artificial UV rays.
• Integrate antioxidants into your skin-care regimen with vitamin C and vitamin E serums to support overall skin health and reduce oxidative stress.

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You can further support your overall skin health with these steps:

• Incorporate gentle exfoliants like glycolic acid to promote skin cell turnover.

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• Consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, green tea, and leafy greens, to protect skin cell health.

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• Stay hydrated to maintain skin elasticity and promote cell regeneration.

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Liver spots are permanent and won’t go away without treatment. They typically don’t get larger after first forming, but liver spots may slowly continue to darken with age and additional sun exposure.

• Liver spots or age spots (solar lentigines), a common skin condition caused by exposure to the sun, are harmless.
• You may be able to prevent the formation of liver spots with proper sun protection and skin care.
• While liver spots don’t require treatment, it’s possible to lighten their appearance with a variety of topical treatments and dermatological procedures.
• Liver spots should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure they aren’t a sign of a more dangerous skin condition. If any spot changes in size, shape, or color, seek dermatological evaluation.