(WXYZ) - Summer has faded into a distant memory, but you may notice some things on your skin that didn’t fade with it. Age spots. You may think they're a sign of growing old, but dermatologists warn they're showing up on younger and younger people all the time.
Barbara Sullivan loves the sun. "I'm outside all the time, as much as I can. I walk my dog. I play tennis, just working in the yard."
Short of staying indoors, she does what she can to protect herself, putting on sun block daily. But she's still spotted something unwelcome on her arms and legs.
She started noticing age spots about four, five years ago and she just turned 40!
Dermatologist, Dr. Ranella Hirsch says despite their reputation, age spots don't just hit the over 60 set. In fact, they really have nothing to do with your age. Shocked? She sees them on people in their 20's these days."We're seeing them these days younger and younger and younger as more and more people go out into the sun without protection."
Unlike freckles, which are genetic, these small to medium brownish spots are a product of exposure to the sun and appear on certain areas of the body more than others.
Age spots most commonly appear on places that get a lot of sun: the backs of your hands, your chest, and your face."
Medically, they're harmless, but if you don't think you'd look good with spots, Dr. Hirsch has some advice.
She says, "They can either prevent them, which costs something along the line of ten dollars for a bottle of sunscreen or spend many more zeroes than that with me after they arrive."
Lather up daily to keep them away or treat them after the fact. Dr. Hirsch says you can find some effective over the counter topical treatments to both hide what you have and prevent more.
"There's a coverage makeup called Dermablend available widely at drug stores around the country that provides wonderful coverage and sun protection."
Other drugstore options Dr. Hirsch suggests- products with soy, or neovadiol which contains retinols. Hydroquinone is a popular bleaching agent available over the counter or by prescription depending on the strength. The American Academy of Dermatology says it is safe when used properly, however the FDA is currently re-examining the safety of hydroquinone. If you prefer to avoid it, there are other options.
According to Dr. Hirsch, "The most specific therapy is to use a laser which very specifically, like a smart bomb targets the brown spots in the skin, destroy only those areas that are damaged by the sun and leaving the remaining skin intact."
You can also use prescription retinoids that exfoliate and lighten the skin. Or, you get a chemical peel which is what Barbara does. She sees her dermatologist three times a year, and now she uses more sunscreen.
If you notice something new on your skin and you're not certain if it's a freckle or an age spot, see your dermatologist to be sure it's not something more serious.
