Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are small, dark areas on the skin that typically appear on sun-exposed areas, including the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These spots are flat, vary in size, and usually develop in people over the age of 50, though they can occur in younger individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun. Age spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, which can be triggered by prolonged and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While age spots are usually harmless and don't require medical treatment, they can be a cosmetic concern for some people.
