Age Spots (Solar Lentigines): A Scientific Overview
Age spots, also known as solar lentigines or liver spots, are benign flat brown to dark brown patches that develop due to long-term sun exposure and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Studies estimate that over 90% of people over the age of 60 develop some form of age spots, and their prevalence begins to rise sharply after age 40. These lesions form when UV light triggers an increase in melanin production and causes localized clustering of melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells of the skin. Histological studies show a 2–3× increase in melanin concentration in affected areas compared to normal skin.
The size of age spots varies from a few millimeters to over 1 cm in diameter, and while they are medically harmless, they are a visible sign of photoaging. Research also links chronic sun exposure and the presence of solar lentigines with an elevated lifetime risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Preventive measures include consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and avoidance of intense sunlight during peak hours.
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