most common in adults over 50, but younger people who spend a lot of time in the sun or use tanning beds can also get them.
Age spots are generally harmless. They do not cause pain, itching, or discomfort. Some people prefer to live with them, while others choose treatments such as creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, or cryotherapy to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
When are they normal?
If your spots are:
Flat, smooth, uniform in color (light brown to dark brown)
Regular shape — usually oval or round
In areas exposed to the sun – face, hands, shoulders
…it’s probably benign age spots. In this case, they’re just a natural sign of aging and sun exposure.
When is it cause for alarm?
While most age spots are harmless, some changes should not be ignored. It is important to distinguish between normal pigmentation and potentially dangerous signs of skin cancer, especially melanoma. You should consult a dermatologist if you notice:
Rapid changes the spot increases in size or darkens quickly (over weeks or months)
