Looking spectacular is very important to many people in a culture that is obsessed with youth and good looks. So a brown skin spot on our face or hands is a source of horror for many folks. There is a misconception that brown spots are the result of 'getting old', so our first panicked thought is, "How can I get rid of this horrible age spot?" But the passing years are not the villain, and knowing this crucial fact is critical to know if we want to prevent a dark skin spot from damaging the beauty of our skin. Actually, those hated and dreaded brown spots are the result of extreme, repetitive exposure to the sun. Too much sun will bring about dark spots over time, but it's the continual exposure - not simply living a lot of years - that causes brown spots on the skin. It's possible (although rare) to find twenty and thirty year olds who have brown spots on their otherwise young-looking skin. Another reason brown spots are likely to appear in our 40's-60's is that our skin isn't as efficient as regenerating as we age. Now that we understand the "why" of our scorned spots, we will know how to: * Prevent more of the wretched brown discs, (if we already have some) ... * Ensure that we avoid any of the ugly little things in the future ... The famed 'southern belle' was very wise ... she was fanatical about staying out of the sun so that she could keep her skin milky white. We can be pretty sure that she didn't have sun spots in her later years. Dark Skin Spot Prevention 101 #1. The fundamental rule, the Numero Uno rule, is obviously: Stay Out Of The Sun! Sorry for all of you who love to sun bathe for that beautiful tan, but it's unquestionably true that the spots on your skin are are result of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you avoid those rays in your youth, you will never have to inquire about how to get rid of sun spots 20 years (or two years!) later - because there won't be any! #2. If giving up sun bathing and other outdoor activities is just way too painful, then choose your hours carefully because if you genuinely want skin sun spots, then spend long hours outside during the peak danger hours: 10AM - 4PM in the spring, summer and fall 10AM - 2PM in the winter #3. If you're invited to an outdoor event that is simply irresistible, head straight for the shade. An umbrella, a pergola or a shady tree is a marvelous substitute for full sun and might prevent skin spots treatment in your future. #4. For best sun protection, choose lightly colored clothing made of fabric that's a tight weave, rather than a loose one, even if the temperatures are high, higher and highest. A pale color reflects the sun's rays, rather than absorbing them, and tightly woven cloth keeps out the sun's hazardous UV rays, unlike loosely woven garments. #5. Whatever outdoor chore you tackle, consider always applying sunscreen. I haven't personally found a sunscreen I'm happy with because of the risky chemicals they contain. Still, it's preferable to cover yourself with the chemicals - and rinse them off as soon as you get out of the sun - than to bake your tender skin. Two more advantages of sunscreen is that you will prevent any more sun spots on your body - and keep the ones you already have from getting darker. Simply remember to periodically re-apply your sunscreen because sweating or water will wash its protection away. If you'll only be outside a half hour or less, then an 15 an SPF [Sun Protection Factor] is probably sufficient. For a all-day visit to the beach, tennis court or golf course, choose a minimum of a 30 SPF cream. Don't forget to apply your sunscreen a half hour or so before going outside #6. Don't forget about your head! I've recently recognized that my baseball cap is a pretty dreadful choice. You must have at least a four inch brim on your hat for best protection. Straw hats or hats with a porous or wide-weave fabric don't do the job because the sun can shine right through them. Actually, there are hats made with a liner of 'sun protective' material and if you choose one of these, along with a wide brim, that will be the best protection you can obtain from a hat or cap. #7. Remember your lips: dark skin spots on your lips aren't attractive and surely don't make you more kissable. Lipstick or lip cover is minimal protection, but unless it has a high SPF - and some do - it truly isn't that much help. When we become active our lip cover wears off, eliminating even its slight protection. Some lip balm is helpful, but never forget this vulnerable area when in the sun. Since we can now understand the cause of the dreaded dark skin spot, it's simple to avoid looking "spotted" as we age, because the remedy is simple: brown skin spots are caused by too much sun ... avoid sun, avoid spots.
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