Why do young people still have age spots?

Age spots are a form of hyperpigmentation related to skin aging, manifesting as flat macules, light brown to dark brown, a few millimeters to a few centimeters in size, with clear boundaries and a normal skin surface. Lesions are often distributed in exposed skin areas, exposed to a lot of sunlight such as the face, back of hands, forearms, shoulders and neck area. Age spots do not cause pain or itching, are persistent and tend to become darker with prolonged sunlight exposure.

According to Dr. Thach Thi Hoang Dung, Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics Unit, Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7, age spots appear in young people mainly due to early and prolonged accumulation of ultraviolet rays, along with genetic factors and modern lifestyle. This condition does not affect health but can have a significant impact on the patient’s aesthetics and psychology.

Sunshine is the most important cause in the formation of age spots. UVB rays directly stimulate melanin production through melanocyte activation, while UVA rays cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and promote chronic skin aging. Prolonged exposure to UV rays leads to localized proliferation and increased activity of melanocytes, accompanied by increased melanin deposition in the epidermis, thereby forming hyperpigmented macules typical of age spots.

Hereditary also plays a significant role in the risk of premature age spots. Dr. Dung cited studies showing that people carrying gene variants related to the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) tend to be more sensitive to UV rays, reducing the skin’s natural photoprotective ability, thereby increasing the risk of age spots and photoaging, even at a young age.

Skin phenotype also affects the identification and clinical manifestations of age spots. This condition can occur in all skin types, but is more noticeable in light-skinned people. For people with darker skin, the lesions are more difficult to detect or are masked by other forms of hyperpigmentation.

According to Dr. Dung, in mild cases or shallow lesions, topical products containing pigment-regulating active ingredients such as vitamin C, azelaic acid or melanin biosynthesis inhibitors can be used. These active ingredients are also anti-oxidants, contributing to protecting skin cells from the effects of UV rays.

Chemical peeling is one of the treatment support methods, helping to remove the layer of keratin cells containing melanin in the epidermis, promoting skin regeneration and improving hyperpigmentation. This method requires a dermatologist to prescribe the appropriate concentration to limit the risk of irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

In cases where age spots are obvious, widespread, or respond poorly to local treatment, additional laser technologies are needed. Pico laser breaks melanin clusters into smaller particles, which the body gradually eliminates, effectively improving skin pigmentation. However, laser indications need to be carefully considered to reduce the risk of complications, especially in patients at risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Protecting your skin from sunlight is a key factor in preventing and supporting the treatment of age spots, especially in young people. Patients need to use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, apply adequate amount and repeat every 2-3 hours when exposed to sunlight. Limit sun exposure during strong UV hours (10am-4pm), wear a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Maintain a scientific skin care regimen, fully moisturize, use safe skin-lightening active ingredients and gently exfoliate with appropriate frequency, contributing to strengthening the skin protective barrier and reducing the risk of pigmentation disorders. A diet rich in antioxidants, getting enough sleep, controlling stress and limiting alcohol and tobacco help slow down the skin aging process and improve the effectiveness of preventing age spots. When signs of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone or premature aging appear, patients should go to medical facilities specializing in Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics for appropriate examination and treatment.