Age spots signify that your skin has been exposed to much sun. Therefore, the marks appear mainly on the hands, forearms, face, or décolleté. However, the spots are not a disease.  Like wrinkles and gray hair, they are part of the natural aging process. A naturally well-groomed skin underlines your type and expresses your personality – even with age spots.

From a medical point of view, there is rarely a reason to remove age spots. The spots are almost always harmless.

In rare cases, the harmless brown spot develops further, and dangerous skin cancer can develop. Observe any new skin change as a precaution. Especially if areas suddenly grow, change color, or “bleed” at the edges, you should have them examined by a dermatologist.

Remove age spots: Prevention is better

With good sun protection and skin care, you can do several things to reduce the stress on your skin from the sun.

Use a sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type. Remember: the lighter your skin is, the less time you should be in the direct sun, even with sunscreen on. Netdoktor gives a rule of thumb: depending on your skin type, you can stay in the sun without protection for between ten and 30 minutes.

You then add the factor of your sun protection to this. For example, if you use a cream with a factor of 20, you can stay in the sun for 30 to 50 minutes. It is better, however, if you do not exhaust this time completely. You are protected from sunburn for about 60 percent of this calculated time. By the way: UV rays also hit your skin in the shade.

Protect your hands and face with a  day cream or hand cream with UV protection. Natural cosmetic brands use natural active ingredients. Protect your skin from direct sunlight. Wear a hat or cap that casts shadows on your face. A long-sleeved blouse made of cotton or linen is pleasantly cool even in high heat and protects your skin from UV rays.

But you shouldn’t shield yourself completely either; your body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. The Apotheken Umschau states that a quarter of an hour in the sun is usually sufficient for the daily dose of vitamin D. For example, take a walk during your lunch break or ride a bike.

Eating a balanced diet is also essential to prevent age spots. This way, your skin gets all the nutrients it needs to regenerate itself.

Vitamins C and E mainly play an essential role as antioxidants.

Vitamin C  is not only found in citrus fruits but also in kale or currants, for example.

Vitamin E is found, for example, in vegetable oils such as sunflower or safflower.

The trace elements zinc and selenium are also part of a healthy diet. Nut muesli, for example, can provide you with them.