Sunspots most often develop on skin that’s often exposed to the sun, like your shoulders, neck, back, and on the backs of hands.
WHAT CAUSES SUNSPOTS ON SKIN?
Melanin, a natural pigment that regulates the color of skin and hair, produces sunspots on the skin. The skin produces more melanin when exposed to UV radiation as a defense mechanism against harm, giving rise to a darker complexion or tan.
Sunspots are mostly caused by lifetime sun exposure, including synthetic UV radiation from tanning beds and nail paint lights. Sunspot susceptibility can be increased by factors including heredity, light hair and eye color, excessive tanning without protection, and a history of severe sunburns.
Certain chemicals and medications can further boost the growth of sunspots:
- Tetracyclines
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
- Antimalarial treatments
Despite that sunspots are common and harmless, it is crucial to have them checked regularly by a dermatologist to make sure that they did not develop into melanoma or skin cancer.
WHEN DO SUNSPOTS START APPEARING?
If you experience too much sun exposure without adequate protection, they can develop at almost any age, but sunspots are most often seen on the skin after the age of 40.