Age Spots (Liver Spots): Prevention and Removal

Age spots — also called liver spots or solar lentigines — are flat, harmless brown spots that develop on sun-exposed skin. They are caused by the overproduction of melanin stimulated by cumulative UV radiation over years. They are not related to liver function despite the name.

Who Gets Age Spots?

Age spots are most common in adults over 40 with fair skin, but can affect anyone who has had significant sun exposure. Most common locations: face, hands, shoulders, décolleté and forearms.

Are Age Spots Dangerous?

Age spots are benign and do not require treatment for medical reasons. However, it is important to distinguish them from lentigo maligna (a type of melanoma) and seborrhoeic keratoses. Any spot that changes in colour, size or shape, bleeds, or has irregular borders should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

Treatment Options

Q-Switched or Picosecond Laser

Gold standard. Selective photothermolysis targets melanin without damaging surrounding skin. 1–3 sessions typically needed. Results: near-complete fading in most cases.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Effective for diffuse sun damage and multiple spots. Less precise than laser but covers larger areas.

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen applied to individual spots. Low cost, simple.

Topical Agents

Hydroquinone (2–4%), kojic acid, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid — used for prevention and mild improvement, not standalone removal.

Prevention

SPF 50+ sunscreen daily — even on cloudy days. This is the single most effective measure to prevent new age spots and prevent existing ones from darkening.