**Age spots develop mainly from years of ultraviolet exposure that causes patches of increased pigment as your skin ages.**
You usually notice these flat, painless brown spots on your face, hands, shoulders, or forearms. True age spots are harmless and do not mean you have liver disease. However, skin cancer can resemble an age spot, so a new or changing mark needs a clinician's assessment. Protecting your skin with sunscreen, clothing, and shade helps limit further sun damage.
Why aging spots appear
Common questions
Why does Aging spots - should you be concerned? happen?
Age spots develop mainly after years of ultraviolet exposure changes pigment in your skin. They become more common as you get older and usually appear as flat, painless brown patches on sun-exposed areas such as your hands and face. True age spots are harmless and usually need no treatment. You need a clinician to assess a spot that grows, changes color or shape, has uneven edges, itches, or bleeds because other skin conditions can look similar. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, cover exposed skin, and seek shade to reduce further sun damage.