What are “age spots?"

So-called age spots are one consequence of long-term overexposure to the sun, even with no past sunburns.  Watch the animation to learn more about protecting your skin from the sun.

Age spots, also called liver spots or lentigines, are brown, flat spots on the skin that are usually harmless. Some might look like a melanoma and need to be evaluated by a doctor. The brown spots usually develop slowly over years of exposure to the sun, but they may develop faster without sunscreen. They commonly develop on areas of high sun exposure, such as the face, hands, feet, and back.

Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing to safeguard your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.