Most of the aging skin is caused not by the passage of time and chronological aging, but from the sun. Over time they appear on the top of our hands, the face and the cleavage as a result of overexposure to the sun. As we age our skin is subjected to more and more sun damage.

But don't feel old. You may meet 30-year old women with brown spots.

According to Dr. Sarah Vickery, as we age, damage from UV exposure, stress, pollution and late nights can all start to add up and contribute not only to fine lines but also to uneven skin tone and discolouration.

Now more than ever, discolourations like age spots are among factors that strongly influence perceived age and health of skin. In fact, among women who expressed concern with the signs of aging, 77% of these women cited discolouration as a key concern.*

“Our skin is like an open diary exposing all of the dark little secrets we’d like to forget.” While you may no longer go into the sun without sunscreen, Dr. Sarah Vickery says that over the years skin becomes thinner and discolouration that creates contrast is closer to the surface and begins to show through. Skin also begins to reflect light differently, which can result in a perceived dull complexion.

As the sun damages our skin over time, we will develop melanin deposits, causing sun spots.

Julie Chamoun, Scientific & Medical Relations, Vichy Canada explains:

UV rays penetrate the skin.

Melanocytes respond by producing and distributing melanin in the epidermis. If the exposure is excessive, large amounts of melanin are released.

This results in a high concentration of melanin within skin cells, which eventually rise to the surface, and appear as dark spots.

Preventing age spots requires sun protection. Wear sunscreen all the time. Even if you already have sun damaged skin, it’s never too late to start. This will help prevent further damage and age spotting.