Have you suddenly noticed small, dark patches appearing on your skin, but your doctor says it’s nothing to worry about? These aging spots or liver spots are a common occurrence as you age, along with sagging skin, fine lines, and deep wrinkles.
They’re all usually caused by prolonged sun exposure and the natural aging process. With aging spots, your skin tries to protect itself by forming those dark patches when UV rays penetrate the skin, triggering the production of melanin (a substance that causes skin pigmentation). Wrinkles are caused by a variety of bad habits ranging from smoking to sunbathing.
While these signs of aging are usually not a cause of concern, if you feel like they’re stealing your glow, here are 15 effective ways to reduce their appearance.
1. Sunscreen
Did you know that about 90% of visible skin changes related to aging are caused by the sun? The best defense from aging spots is wearing sunscreen every day. No matter if you stay home doing outdoor chores or spend more time outdoors for your job or hobbies, it’s always important to lather up.
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. It will protect you from getting dark spots and limit the risk of skin cancer.
2. Chemical Peel
A quick-fix solution to your aging problem is chemical peels. This dermatological procedure is the best way to get rid of aging spots. Dermatologists or aestheticians will perform this procedure by applying a chemical solution to the skin.
This exfoliates the top layer of the skin, making it appear youthful and blemish-free. As it buffs away the damaged skin cells, your complexion appears much brighter.
3. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is also called “freezing”. In this treatment, your aesthetician uses liquid nitrogen or any other freezing liquid on your skin. They dip a cotton swab in the substance and apply it to your dark spots.
As a final result, it lightens the aging spots on your skin. But, it may cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. If you have minimal dark spots, it is best to opt for this treatment.
4. Retinoid Creams
Retinoids are a derivative of vitamin A that helps to stimulate cell turnover. They boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and remove dark spots with time.
Excessive use of retinoids can make your skin dry and irritated. If you are a beginner, make sure you start with a lower concentration and gradually increase how often you use it.
5. Vitamin C Serum
Topical vitamin C serum is one of the safest preventative ways to keep aging spots away from your skin. It is an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays.
It neutralizes harmful free radicals and promotes skin renewal. A study showed that using Vitamin C daily for 3 weeks improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles.
6. Use Aloe Vera
If you do not want to use chemical options to treat your dark spots, try aloe vera as a natural remedy. It has a history of being used as a traditional medicine and has many benefits for common skin problems.
Aloe vera contains enzymes that promote cell regeneration and reduce the appearance of aging spots by promoting skin turnover.
7. Protective Clothing
Whenever you step out of the sun, make sure your body is fully covered. Clothes act as a protection barrier and stop UV rays from damaging your skin cells. Always wear hats, caps, long-sleeve shirts, and sunglasses with UV protection. Plus, consider wearing clothing with a UPF above 40 for an extra layer of security.
8. Stop Smoking
Smoking is the root cause of many health problems, including premature aging, and accelerating the production of dark spots.
Cigarettes and tobacco have a vasoconstricting effect, which means they reduce blood flow to the skin. This side effect can also lead to collagen damage, saggy skin, and deep wrinkles.
9. Maintain a Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet has a significant impact on radiant skin. It helps to improve brain function, and cell production, limits damage, and nurtures a blemish-free skin.
The intake of foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. At the same time, minerals like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids improve skin hydration to keep skin supple.
10. Eat More Fermented Food
Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and yogurt have a lot of beauty benefits as they contain probiotics which promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They also contain good antioxidants.
Consuming products with extracts from fermented foods is also beneficial. According to research, fermented pomegranate can make skin brighter, more elastic, and more hydrated in just eight weeks.
11. Limit Alcohol Intake
Apart from smoking, alcohol is also a reason behind premature aging. One research study concluded that excessive alcohol intake causes fine lines, wrinkles, and puffy eyes.
Other than skin problems, alcohol impacts overall health by slowing down the immune system. In the long term, it may damage the liver as well.
12. Drink Lots of Water
Make water your best friend and see what wonders it does for your skin and mental health. Adequate hydration will provide elasticity to your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This is your sign to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you live in a humid area or do strenuous activities often.
13. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep patterns change over time, and insufficient sleep can lead to health issues and signs of aging. Adequate sleep, often called “beauty sleep,” is crucial for skin health because your body goes into repair mode while you snooze, helping skin cells regenerate. That’s why you often wake up with soft, glowy skin!
14. Cut Down Sodium
Studies show that a high amount of sodium intake increases the chances of heart failure and diabetes. It also leads to fluid retention, making our skin appear puffy and bloated.
High sodium intake also causes high blood pressure, which constricts the blood flow around the body. It may result in a dull complexion and make aging spots more noticeable.
15. Start Exercising
Regular exercise is good for improving your overall skin texture and reducing the signs of aging. Getting 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week is recommended, including activities such as running, jogging, pilates, etc.
Staying physically active increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells and ultimately gives you that post-workout glow.
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Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that’s not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she’s not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
Aqsa is a passionate writer who loves spending her free time jotting down her thoughts. But that's not all. She is a devoted mom to two boys and a skilled pharmacist specializing in hematology. When she's not running after her energetic kids, you can find her lost in a good book or writing beautiful words. A nature lover at heart, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, staying active, and always seeking ways to learn new things.
