What are the causes?
Age spots are caused by changes in the skin that alter its pigmentation. This pigmentation (melanin) is composed of enumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. Skin colour is dependent on these three elements and the amount of each that is present. Changes in the skin cause variations in the levels of melanin, resulting in the occurrence of age spots. But what causes these changes?
Sun damage
Sun damage is a major contributor to age spots, as the sun’s UV rays alter the skin’s pigmentation. The spots are therefore most prevalent in areas of the body more frequently exposed to the sun. Sun damage is the major reason for younger people requiring age spots removal.
Age
As skin ages it undergoes natural changes and begins to show the effects of environmental factors. Natural changes include lower levels of collagen production, decreased elasticity and diminished plumpness. Environmental factors such as diet, smoking and alcohol consumption contribute to and accelerate these changes. Age spots (as their name suggests) are partly due to the natural ageing process, as the skin loses its ability to regenerate effectively and melanin production is altered.
