Introduction
The signs of aging are not limited to dull, wrinkle-prone skin. Unexpected patches and spots can mar the once-smooth, blemish-free complexion, revealing the passage of time. Age spots, also known as liver spots, are these subtle imprints of aging. When small, light brown blemishes start appearing on the face, chest, hands, or even shoulders, it signifies that the skin is undergoing the aging process. To avoid appearing older than one's years, it is essential to take good care of the skin.
Symptoms of Age Spots
Age spots typically emerge after the age of 40, but they are not exclusive to those over 40. Excessive sun exposure can lead to age spots even in people in their 20s. These pigmentation spots, medically referred to as seborrheic keratoses, are primarily associated with older individuals, hence the name "age spots."
How they form
​Age spots are formed due to an overgrowth of epidermal keratinocytes and tend to appear on areas such as the face, back, chest, hands, and other exposed parts of the body.
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What they look like
In their initial stages, age spots manifest as small, flat, light yellow or light brown spots with well-defined borders. As time progresses, these spots gradually enlarge, become thicker, increase in number, and may even darken to a deep brown or black. Alongside this enlargement, a layer of oily, thick crust forms, and there may be signs of keratinization around the hair follicles, leading to the formation of follicular plugs.
How it feels
Age spots are typically painless and itch-free in most cases, resembling common pigmentation issues, and they develop slowly. However, if there is a sudden, rapid increase in the number of age spots, darkening of existing spots, or if they become painful and itchy over a short period, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
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Cause of Age spots
The causes of age spots are complex, but they are primarily related to skin aging and may also be influenced by internal circulatory metabolism and cellular free radicals.
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Skin Ageing: The formation of pigmentation spots involves the secretion of melanin, a pigment-producing substance within skin cells. The primary cause of pigmentation spots is photodamage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which accelerates skin aging. Consequently, individuals who spend prolonged periods in the sun without sunscreen protection are more susceptible to severe pigmentation issues, including age spots. This explains why age spots often appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, and chest.
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Slowed Metabolism: As the body ages, its metabolism slows down, and cellular functions begin to decline. Blood circulation also tends to decelerate, leading to the accumulation of lipofuscin, small brown granules resulting from oxidized lipids, in the basal cells of the skin. Because aging cells cannot efficiently metabolize lipofuscin, it accumulates in localized areas of the skin, leading to age spots.
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Reduced Antioxidant Capacity: In youth, cells possess a degree of antioxidant capacity, offering protection against oxidative damage. However, as individuals age, the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase decreases, leading to an increase in free radicals within skin cells. Free radicals can cause damage to cellular structures, leading to the production of more lipofuscin, which deposits in the skin and contributes to the formation of age spots.
Treatments
Aging is not merely a surface phenomenon; it begins within the body and slowly progresses outward. Therefore, internal anti-aging treatment is crucial. The Anti-Aging IV Drip combines essential antioxidants such as glutathione, various vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in a complex nutrient solution. Administered through intravenous infusion, this approach directly introduces multiple anti-aging elements into the body. The nutrients are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, combating oxidative stress, eliminating free radicals, and rejuvenating cellular activity. Additionally, this therapy can reduce melanin, lightening age spots and uneven pigmentation. Regular sessions of this infusion maintain the body's youthful vitality.
Chemical skin peels are effective for early-stage age spots. These treatments involve applying a medical-grade chemical solution to the affected areas. The solution blocks melanin production and exfoliates melanin, gradually lightening pigmentation spots and achieving a more even skin tone. With multiple sessions, this approach can eliminate superficial pigmentation. Chemical peels also clear the old epidermal layer, soften accumulated keratinocytes, stimulate collagen production in the dermal layer, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, shrink pores, and restore a smooth, flawless complexion.
Mesotherapy involves the direct injection of a combination of skin nutrients, such as hyaluronic acid, glutathione, vitamins, and trace elements, into the dermal layer of the skin. This targeted approach addresses age spot pigmentation and provides hydration to the skin's dermal layer. Notably, vitamin C and glutathione act as potent antioxidants and contribute to the reduction of original melanin. This process effectively lightens age spots and promotes an even complexion. Additionally, vitamin C and glutathione serve as robust antioxidants, aiding skin cells in neutralizing free radicals, thereby revitalizing the skin. Moreover, various injection techniques are employed, targeting both the epidermal and dermal layers to deliver dual-layer hydration. Beyond skin hydration, the remarkable water retention capacity of hyaluronic acid locks in 500 to 1000 times its own weight in water, ensuring intense skin moisturization in addition to hydration.
Laser treatment for age spot removal utilizes specific light spectra to induce a thermal effect on the skin's melanin. This effect selectively breaks down melanin deposits, facilitating their subsequent removal through metabolic processes. Concurrently, the thermal energy from the laser stimulates the reorganization and tightening of collagen proteins and elastic fibers in the dermal layer, promoting the generation of additional collagen. This process not only eliminates age spots but also results in firmer, uplifted skin. After several treatment sessions, age spots typically exhibit noticeable lightening and can even be completely eradicated.