As we age there are number of changes that our skin undergoes. One common condition that develops is dark skin spots. Dark spots, also known as age spots or hyperpigmentation. They range from freckle size to one centimeter in diameter and are often associated with dry skin, deep wrinkles, red veins and various types of pimples.

Repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can lead to dark spots or other conditions like freckles. They begin to occur after the age of forty and are most often found on the face, forehead, shoulders, forearms and the back of the hands. Fair skinned individuals are affected more often than those with darker complexions.

Various skin diseases which include acne, melasma and post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation can leave dark spots after the disease has healed.

Certain medications can also cause dark spots. These medications include phenothiazines, tetracyclines, estrogens and sulfonamides. Health conditions that can lead to dark spots include liver disease, pregnancy, Addison’s disease, pituitary tumors. If age spots become excessively dark or change in appearance see your doctor to evaluate whether any of these conditions may be the underlying cause.

There are several step that can be taken to prevent dark spots from developing. Applying a healthy sunscreen lotion (spf 15) capable of blocking UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before sun exposure to give the skin time to absorb it. Remember to avoid overexposure to the sun. The suns rays are most damaging between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Natural skin treatment systems are available effective at preserving the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. If you are presently using a skin treatment system take a close look at the ingredients.

Ninety eight percent of the products available in North America contain mineral oil which prevents absorption of nutrients and exfoliation of toxins. To learn more about what to look for in a healthy skin treatment system read the article Aging Skin: Natural Treatment and Prevention. Natural lightening creams can be used fade dark spots and even skin tone. To learn more read the article How to Lighten Skin Naturally.