Published: January 2015
Last Reviewed: May 2025
Age spots on the skin are a common skin concern that many people experience as they grow older. They can appear on the face, arms and legs among other parts of the body and while harmless, they can have an impact on confidence and self-esteem.
Age spots, sometimes known as brown spots, are small, flat patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding area. They may appear brown on those with lighter skin tones and black on those with darker skin tones. This form of hyperpigmentation is also known as sun spots, lentigines, solar lentigines and liver spots due to the now-disproved belief that they were caused by liver problems.
Age spots can often be mistaken for freckles due to their similar appearance. However, the key difference between the two is that freckles are usually lighter in colour and are more apparent at a young age, where as age spots or brown spots are larger, darker and appear in adulthood. Another difference is that freckles are typically more prominent in summer or hotter months, while age spots do not fade during any season.
Overexposure to UV light and ageing are both factors in determining if, and when, someone may develop sun spots on the skin, hence the names sun spots and age spots.
Sun exposure
Sun spots on the skin are mainly caused by sun exposure. The sun's UV rays trigger melanin-producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) to produce melanin to absorb UV radiation.
Exposing the skin to UV rays by using tanning beds and tanning lights can also cause and increase the risk of sun spots developing.
Ageing
While sun exposure is the main factor behind age spots developing, age is also a factor. As skin ages, the number of melanocytes decreases but the remaining ones become bigger and their distribution becomes more focused, resulting in concentrated patches of melanin and an uneven skin tone. Age spots are most common in those over 40.
Age spots are harmless but can be a cosmetic concern. However, there are a few ways to reduce them on different areas of the body.
Reducing liver spots on the face
Reducing liver spots on the face is almost impossible, however a serum specially formulated to target hyperpigmentation can help reduce their appearance. We recommend Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum to reduce the appearance of liver spots. This powerful serum combines Thiamidol, with concentrated Hyaluronic Acid, which deeply hydrates and revitalises the skin. Its gentle formula makes it suitable for all skin types.
Alongside the Anti-Pigment Dual Serum, clinical studies have shown that when used in conjunction with the Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel, 98% confirmed a reduction in spots* and visible spot reduction in 1 week**. The Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel is designed to reduce dark and brown spots for instant radiant and renewed skin.
*Product in use test with 120 volunteers using Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel and Dual Serum. Agreement after one week **Clinical study over 4 weeks with 64 volunteers using Anti-Pigment Cleansing Gel and Dual Serum.
If you are looking for a serum that tackles signs of ageing as well as liver spots on the face, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity 3D Serum. This light and moisturising anti-ageing serum has been specially formulated for mature skin. It contains high and low molecular Hyaluronic Acid and Arctiin to plump up deep wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Reducing brown spots on the hands
Brown spots on the hands are very common as we age. To lighten brown spots on the hands, we recommend Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 30. This hand cream is ideal for mature skin, by tackling brown spots on the hands, increasing skin elasticity and providing long- lasting moisturisation.
Reducing age spots on the body
As mentioned previously, brown spots can appear anywhere on the body. To reduce the appearance of brown and dark spots on the skin, the Anti Pigment Targeted Areas Body Cream helps to gently exfoliate thickened skin on friction areas such as knees, elbows and small areas. The cream includes ingredients such as Thiamidol, which effectively reduces dark spots and brightens skin tone. Lactic Acid and Dexpanthenol gently exfoliates and regenerates the skin, with Hyaluronic Acid providing long lasting hydration to the skin.
Thiamidol is a dermatologist approved, Eucerin-patented ingredient which is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce dark spots and pigmented areas.
As sun spots on the body are mainly caused by sun exposure, protecting yourself from UV rays is the most significant way you can prevent sun spots from forming. Eucerin’s Sun Protection range is formulated with advanced Broad Spectrum SPF technology, providing effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent the skin damage that leads to the formation of sun spots and other premature ageing. Learn how much sunscreen to use.
Liver spots were once incorrectly believed to be caused by liver problems, but now we know that they are just patches of pigmentation and a visual examination is usually all that a doctor needs to identify liver spots. Nevertheless, other, more severe conditions manifest as hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Age spots and cancer
Age spots and cancer can be mistaken for each other. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears as dark patches on the skin and can resemble the appearance of age spots. If your doctor is unsure of whether you have age spots on the face or skin cancer, they will order a skin biopsy.
If you are concerned about whether you have age spots or cancer, there are a few symptoms you can look out for. You should consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:
There are other, more invasive ways to get reduce the appearance of liver spots on the skin which should only be done by a dermatologist or doctor:
How does Thiamidol help age spots?
Thiamidol is a patented ingredient, developed by Eucerin, and works by reducing melanin production as it blocks the enzyme tyrosinase which converts the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. With Thiamidol, Eucerin Anti Pigment range is clinically proven to reduce age spots caused by sun exposure and prevent them from reappearing.
What are the different types of age spots?
Age spots are common as we get older, and they usually manifest as small, flat patches of skin that may appear darker than the surrounding area. They can also appear as brown, grey or black spots on the skin.
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