Around What Age Do Sun or Age Spots Appear?

 


Sun spots and age spots tend to appear in older individuals. However they are not affected by a person’s age.

They do have a stronger causal relationship with the amount of sun exposure the skin has received.

 

Excessive sun exposure will reduce the skin’s ability to repair itself. A pigment in your skin called melanin acts as a natural sun screen. It will be secreted to help protect the skin from further damage.

Thank you for your question.  CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment is very beneficial for making acne scars diminish, removing age spots, increases collagen and elasticity production.  This is done by removing deeper layers of damaged skin and stimulating the regeneration of healthy skin underneath. This treatment is also beneficial for uneven pigmentation, photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, precancerous spots, and a host of other skin imperfections and benign lesions. If you believe you may be a candidate for CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatment, a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist can carefully analyze your skin and determine if the procedure is right for you

Hyperpigmentation can ruin your skin and can be caused by either PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), melasma, age or sun spots, and chronic inflammation.  Starting treatment is easy with topical creams; followed by laser and light therapy. I would use a combination skincare protocol that includes topical Melarase creams first, followed by a combination of light fractional laser, depigmenting lasers and IPL, vascular pulsed dye laser, and Covalent peels.

Recommended Creams: Melarase Brightening Kit

MelaClenz
Melarase AM
Melarase PM
Melapads
Replenish Retinoid Cream
Best, 

Dr. Karamanoukian

Realself100 Surgeon

Hi Texas,

Skin spots are a common complaint that can be treated.  Sun is the most common reason for spots to appear.  The use of sun screen as you have been doing has undoubtedly helped prevent the spots from being worse.  Sometimes, however, other factors, such as hormonal changes can cause spots to appear.  Treatment of these spots can be accomplished through skin creams (Retin-A, Triluma, and hydroquinone are some commonly used medications) or resurfacing procedures (chemical or laser peels).  I recommend you see a surgeon or dermatologist with expertise treating facial problems for a full evaluation.

Good luck!

Hi Texas.  Given your genetics (Mom's spots) and your location (sunny Texas), it's not impossible that the spot you are seeing is sun related and could occur by the age of 22.  Before considering any treatment, we would suggest you visit your physician to get a confirmation of the type of lesion.  

If the spot is sun related (solar lentigines), we would recommend two things.  First, for removal, consider q-switched Nd:Yg lasers.  These are the same lasers that remove tattoos and they are very effective at permanently removing sun spots.  The next suggestion would be to stop using your makeup as sunscreen.  Sunscreen is a separate and distinct product from makeup and should be worn under your makeup.  Regardless of the SPF of your makeup, it will never be enough to protect you.  Pick up a good oil free sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and use it diligently every day.  Good luck.

What you describe as an age or sun spot may not be one.  These lesions are usually darker than the normal skin-- not lighter.  Has a dermatologist looked at your spot?  Nonetheless, good job with the sun protection.  Good luck!

Lentigines (sun spots or age spots) are very possible to get in the early 20s. They arise due to genetics, aging, and/or sun exposure. They can be treated, but prevention measures such as utilizing a hat, and applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (& reapplying every 2-3 hrs) to face, neck, and back of hands are recommended.

Brown age and sun spots are due to genetics, aging, and sun exposure. While you can't change your genes or your age, you can protect yourself from the sun by avoiding mid-day sun, wearing a hat, and applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (& reapplying every 2-3 hrs) to face, neck, and back of hands.

The earliest sun spots we see are freckles.  Later come the spots that come and stay, instead of come in the sun then go away like freckles.  These are called lentigines.  They can appear as early as the twenties and keep coming through the decades.  Use an spf 30 or above sun screen, but most importantly where a hat when you are out in the sun.  Even a baseball cap will help, though a broad brim is much better for a really sunny day or beach trip.  Avoid tanning via booth or outdoors.  A tan is a sign of sun damage.  Make sure you get a skin check at the dermatologist if the spots do not look like your usual freckles, or if they change in size or color.

Thanks for the question. 

It is possible to develop visible sun spots in your 20's. Early photoaging is present, although not necessarily visible to the naked eye. There are several treatments available to manage sunspots including IPL, fractionated lasers, and topical treatments. Always use sunblock regardless of the treatment  you undergo, as this will protect from further sun damage.

Warmest Regards,

Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.