Hyperpigmentation – What causes age spots and how can I reduce them?

Last Reviewed: August, 2026

Age spots are common areas of increased pigmentation that can develop on the skin over time. Also known as liver spots, sun spots and solar lentigines, they typically appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms¹.

They are generally harmless and can develop gradually over time. Understanding what causes age spots, how to identify them and the steps you can take to help care for your skin can help you make informed choices about your daily lifestyle habits and skincare routine.

Age spots are flat, well-defined patches of pigmentation that appear darker than the surrounding skin. They can vary in size and colour, ranging from light to dark brown and sometimes appearing darker on deeper skin tones. Unlike freckles, which may become more noticeable in summer and fade when sun exposure decreases, age spots tend to remain visible throughout the year and become more common with age².

Age spots develop when melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour, becomes more concentrated in certain areas of the skin. While several factors can contribute to their appearance, the most common causes are long-term sun exposure and the skin's natural ageing process³.

Common causes of age spots include:

• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulates melanin production as part of the skin's natural defence against sun exposure. Over time, repeated UV exposure can lead to localised areas of increased pigmentation, particularly on frequently exposed areas such as the face, hands and shoulders³.
• Tanning beds and sun lamps: Artificial sources of UV radiation can also contribute to the development of age spots⁴.
• Ageing: As the skin ages, natural changes in pigmentation can contribute to the appearance of concentrated areas of colour, making age spots more common in people over 40¹.
• Genetics and skin type: People with fair skin and those with a family history of pigmentation concerns may be more likely to develop age spots³.

Usually, age spots are harmless and are not a form of skin cancer. However, it is important to monitor any pigmented marks on your skin for changes³.

Seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist if you notice:

• Changes in size, shape or colour.
• Irregular or poorly defined borders.
• Multiple colours within the same mark.
• Itching, bleeding or crusting.
• A mark that looks noticeably different from others on your skin.

Age spots most commonly develop on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun³. Common areas include:

• The Face.
• The Backs of the hands.
• The Shoulders.
• The Chest and décolletage.
• The Forearms.

Although age spots most commonly appear after the age of 40, they can occur earlier in people who spend significant amounts of time outdoors, have a history of tanning or experience frequent sun exposure¹.

Age spots do not usually disappear completely on their own, but consistent sun protection and skincare products formulated for uneven skin tone can help reduce their appearance and support a more even-looking skin tone over time².

The following routine combines cleansing, targeted care, moisturisation and daily sun protection.

Step 1: Cleanse

 Begin your routine with Eucerin Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel to gently cleanse the skin and remove impurities. With 2% AHA Complex for gentle exfoliation, it helps support a more radiant-looking complexion.

Step 2: Apply a targeted serum

Targeted serums can help address specific concerns, such as the appearance of age spots. Choose the formula that best suits your skin’s needs:

• Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum: A dual-action serum with Thiamidol® and Hyaluronic Acid that reduces the appearance of age spots and supports a more even-looking complexion.
• Eucerin Anti-Pigment Skin Illuminating Serum: An ultra-light serum with Thiamidol® reduces the appearance of dark spots* and supports a more even-looking skin tone, with visible results in 2 weeks**.

_{*Due to sunlight exposure, hormonal influences, acne, & ageing.}  

_{**STDR-065056C (verum/vehicle/in vivo)}

Step 3: Apply targeted spot treatment 

Apply Eucerin Anti-Pigment Spot Corrector directly to individual age spots as part of your skincare routine. With Thiamidol®, it reduces the appearance of age spots, while the precision applicator allows for targeted application.

Step 4: Moisturise and protect

Complete your skincare routine with day and night care that helps target the appearance of age spots, while providing hydration and helping skin feel more comfortable.

• Moisturise and protect (morning): Eucerin Anti-Pigment Day Cream SPF30 provides daily hydration while helping to protect the skin from UV exposure that can contribute to the appearance of age spots. With Thiamidol® and SPF30 with UVA/UVB protection, it reduces the appearance of age spots and supports a more even-looking complexion.
• Moisturise (evening): Eucerin Anti-Pigment Night Cream provides overnight hydration while supporting the skin’s natural overnight renewal process. With Thiamidol®, it reduces the appearance of age spots over time and supports a more even-looking complexion.

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day SPF50 provides high SPF50 UV protection while helping to address visible signs of ageing, including uneven skin tone and age spots. With Thiamidol®, a dermatologist-approved ingredient, it reduces the appearance of age spots and supports a more even-looking complexion, alongside protection from UV exposure that can contribute to pigmentation. It is suitable for daily use as part of a skincare routine focused on maintaining a more even-looking skin tone. 

Age spots can also appear on areas such as the hands, arms, chest, and areas prone to friction like the elbows and knees³. Alongside daily sun protection, targeted body care may help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone in these areas.

• Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 30 is specially formulated for hands, which are frequently exposed to UV rays. Containing Thiamidol, a dermatologist-approved and Eucerin-patented ingredient, it reduces the appearance of age spots and supports a more even-looking skin tone. With SPF30, it also helps protect hands from UV exposure that can contribute to pigmentation, while providing 24-hour moisturisation.
• Eucerin Anti-Pigment Targeted Areas Body Cream is designed for use on areas such as the hands, elbows, and knees. With Thiamidol®, a dermatologist-approved, Eucerin-patented ingredient, it reduces the appearance of age spots and supports a more even-looking skin tone. It also helps gently exfoliate thickened skin in friction areas, while Lactic Acid supports exfoliation, Dexpanthenol supports skin comfort and Hyaluronic Acid helps maintain long-lasting hydration.

Age spots are often linked to cumulative sun exposure, so consistent sun protection and supportive daily habits can help reduce the risk of new pigmentation forming and existing spots becoming more noticeable over time³.

Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to help reduce the risk of new age spots becoming visible and support the appearance of a more even skin tone³. This includes applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, reapplying regularly (especially after swimming or sweating), seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, wearing protective clothing where possible, and avoiding tanning beds³.

For the face, Eucerin Sun Face Pigment Control SPF50+ provides very high UVA/UVB protection and HEVIS light defence while helping to reduce the appearance of dark spots. Formulated with Thiamidol, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots with regular use, while its high UV protection helps protect skin from UV exposure that can contribute to visible pigmentation.

In addition to skincare, there are more advanced dermatological procedures that may help reduce the appearance of age spots. These treatments should only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional.

A dermatologist may recommend procedures such as:

• Chemical peels
• Dermabrasion
• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy
• Topical prescription treatments
• Medication

While age spots are generally harmless, they can become more noticeable over time and with continued sun exposure. Daily sun protection, targeted skincare and supportive sun habits can help improve their appearance and help reduce the risk of new age spots developing. If you notice any unusual changes in a pigmented mark, seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.