by Lynn Chua

Created on: January 08, 2011

Do you have unwanted brown spots, melasma, dark spots or dark patches spreading on your face or other places that are bothering you?

Brown spots, also known as age spots, dark spots, sun spots, liver spots, lentigines, lentigos are concentrations of melanin triggered by unprotected exposure to the sun over a long period of time. They may also appear on the face and neck because of hormonal changes (which are often due to pregnancy) and also appear after cuts and blemishes heal on darker skin.

In fact, a lot of dermatologists prefer to use the term skin sun spots, as these brown spots on skin are directly associated with skin damage from sun exposure. Sun radiation is one of the factors responsible for most of the unpleasant skin conditions as appearance of brown spots, appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, sagging of the skin, premature aging, enlargement of blood capillaries on the face.

While most people see brown spots as old age spots, actually it is because older people had more time exposed to the damaging rays of the sun, and are more likely to have harmed their skin.That is why brown spots may appear on the face, back, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands of the older peoples.

And do you know that those darker skinned people have higher melanin production and, therefore, suffer less sun damage. People with light skin, that easily burn, are more likely to need to get rid of age spots. If you have light skin, you are likely to suffer from sun spots much younger than most of your peers.

What causes brown spots?

Pollution, stress, sunlight, pregnancy, fatty foods, genetics, hormones, menopause, weak liver, cigarette smoke together with improper skincare compromise the skin’s appearance of brown spots.

Sun exposure is responsible for most of the unpleasant skin conditions as appearance of brown spots, appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, sagging of the skin, premature aging, and enlargement of blood capillaries on the face. When your skin is exposed to sun, the UV rays break down the collagen and elastin and it makes the skin rougher and causes the formating of brown or reddish spots due to the excess melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair; it helps to protect our skin from the harmful sun’s ray but the increase of melanin pigment can result in formation of brown spot.

Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy play a role in discolored skin. Improper skincare like some over-the-counter skin lighteners can actually

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