How To Remove Age Spots Naturally - An Expert Guide

Age spots are harmless, but they can toll on someone else’s self-esteem as they are often associated with ageing. They also appear as pesky marks in younger people who spend time under the sun without adequate sun protection.  

If you find age spots unsightly, we have consulted with top dermatologists on how to remove age spots naturally or reduce their appearance along with expert-backed ways to prevent and protect yourself. 

What are age spots? 

Age spots, also called sunspots, are the most common type of hyperpigmentation. Age and sun are both common reasons someone may develop this condition – hence the term.  

“Also known as liver spots – not because they were caused by the liver but because they are liver coloured,” explains Dr Jessica Krant, M.D. New York-based Board-Certified Dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Centre.  

Age spots are quite common, especially in people over 40 years, says Dr Anastasia Therianou MD, PhD, London-based NHS consultant dermatologist.  

Although harmless, it can take a toll on someone else’s self-esteem as age spots are often associated with ageing.  

What are the common causes of age spots?

“There are many types of age spots, each with different causes,” Dr Krant, an active member at the American Academy of Dermatology, says.  

1. Ageing and accumulated sun exposure

Dr Therianou says: “Age spots usually appear in areas with the most sun exposure over the years, such as hands, feet, face, shoulders, and upper back. But this depends on the amount of sun the skin has been exposed to over the years.”  

2. Extreme and unprotected sun exposure

Don’t be fooled by the term ‘age spots’: “Younger people can have them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun without the proper sun protection,” explains Dr Therianou.

Experts say sunspots can often be confused with freckles, given their similar appearance. However, freckles tend to fade away post-sun exposure, whilst age spots are permanent.  

3. After menopause (hormonal drop)

Age spots on the face, hands, and chest can look more evident around menopause. This is due to the decrease of oestrogen, leading to lower production of melanin. Skin can then become more susceptible to signs of sun damage, such as age spots and wrinkles. 

Word of Caution: If you spot any freckle, mole, or sunspot that changes in colour, shape, or size and may find it suspicious, it might be cancerous. A personal history of several sunburns increases the risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Early detection is key. Consult your dermatologist if you find any of these.  

How to prevent age spots   

The best way to protect age spots from happening in the first place is to limit sun exposure. You should use broad-spectrum SPF daily and reapply every two hours. A high SPF like Youth-protecting Sunscreen Very High Protection SPF50+ is perfect for summertime, protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and free radicals.

You should also wear sun-protective clothing, like a sun hat. Wide-brimmed hats that surround the head offer the most protection. 

What is the fastest way to get rid of age spots naturally?

A proper skincare routine with suitable and effective products is the answer. Below, we recommend the top picks for both treating sunspots and age spots.  

Treating sunspots for younger people

We recommend incorporating Vitamin C (also called L-ascorbic acid) skincare products into your beauty regimen. Vitamin C is best known for its brightening properties and fading hyperpigmentation abilities.  

Our pick: Check out the products at the Extra-Firming Range. They are all powered by a vitamin C derivative called acerola as its key ingredient. This is a plant alternative that is proven to target sunspots. The Extra-Firming Day Cream SPF 15 with a fresh and silky texture, puts the spring back into your skin while protecting it from the harmful effects of UV rays. 

A great addition is the cult favourite, turmeric-infused Double Serum. With 22 powerful plant extracts, including the iconic turmeric extract and 5 new pure active molecules to stimulate the skin's 5 vital functions, our star Double Serum will smooth out fine lines, refine skin texture and bring youthful-looking skin back to you.

Thus, you can apply Bright Plus Advanced Dark Spot-Targeting Serum to spots, which will also help fade away dark pigments.  

Age spots related to ageing, sun exposure and hormonal drops

Out top pick: Plant-based retinol skincare. 

Our Harugana nature's retinol collection with vitamin A, using the power of plants and nature's retinol, helps to stimulate collagen production, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and promotes a more even skin tone. From the Super Restorative Remodelling Serum that fades wrinkles while tightening and redefining the skin to the Super Restorative Night Cream, which is an innovation for menopausal skin, you can find suitable products for an anti-ageing skincare routine. 

We love the Nutri-Lumière Day Cream; it was crowned the winner ‘Better not younger’ by The Sunday Times Style Beauty Awards in 2020. With Organic horse chestnut flower extract and horse chestnut escin, this face cream maximises the penetration of nutrients in the skin, ensuring skin is nourished and luminous by improving its micro-nutrient network to deliver key nutrients more efficiently.

To diminish age spots on your hands, try the Super Restorative Age-Control Hand Cream.

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