Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown spots that appear on the skin due to years of sun exposure. While age spots are harmless, some people wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons. Research suggests that certain vitamins and supplements may help fade age spots when applied topically or taken orally.
What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots are caused by an increase in melanin production in areas of skin that have received prolonged sun exposure over one’s lifetime. The medical term for increased melanin production is hyperpigmentation. Age spots typically begin to appear in adulthood and become more prominent with advanced age.
Vitamins and Supplements for Reducing Age Spots
Here are some of the top vitamins and supplements that studies have found to be effective at fading age spots:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can inhibit melanin production when applied topically. Look for serums or creams that contain at least 10% vitamin C concentration.
Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can reduce pigmentation. It’s often combined with vitamin C in topical treatments.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, is another antioxidant that may help lighten age spots when used consistently over time.
Vitamin A Derivatives
Prescription retinoids contain vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin and tazarotene. These have been shown to reduce age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Glutathione
Glutathione is an antioxidant that can be taken as a supplement or received intravenously. Oral and IV glutathione may help lighten skin over time.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant supplement that may help reduce sun damage when taken orally.
Licorice Extract
Licorice root extract contains glabridin, which may help inhibit melanin production and fade age spots when applied topically.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins. Both oral green tea supplements and topical green tea creams may reduce visible signs of sun damage like age spots.
Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a compound derived from fungi that inhibits melanin production. It is commonly found in lightening creams.
Arbutin
Arbutin is a skin-brightener found in the leaves of bearberry, cranberry, and blueberry plants. It works by suppressing melanin formation.
Home Remedies for Age Spots
In addition to vitamins and supplements, there are also some home remedies that may help lighten age spots over time:
- Lemon juice – Contains citric acid that may reduce pigmentation.
- Apple cider vinegar – Has mild exfoliating properties to fade darkened skin.
- Onion juice – Contains antioxidants that may inhibit melanin production.
- Buttermilk – Has skin brightening lactic acid.
- Yogurt – Lactic acid in yogurt may reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Aloe vera – An anti-inflammatory that may help repair sun damage.
When to See a Dermatologist
For more significant results, you may want to make an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can assess your age spots and determine the most effective in-office treatments, such as:
- Chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Dermabrasion
They may also be able to prescribe stronger fade creams like hydroquinone or tretinoin to use at home between treatments.
Preventing Future Age Spots
While vitamins, home remedies, and medical procedures may help reduce existing age spots, preventing new ones from forming is also important. To avoid increased melanin production from sun exposure:
- Wear broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses outside.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10am-2pm).
With diligent sun protection, you can help prevent additional hyperpigmentation and age spots.
Conclusion
While not harmful, many people seek to reduce the appearance of age spots for cosmetic reasons. Research shows vitamins C, E, niacinamide, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, and others may help fade age spots when applied topically or taken orally. Home remedies like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and onion juice could provide mild lightening benefits over time. For more significant improvement, see a dermatologist for professional treatments. Consistent sun protection can also help prevent the development of new age spots with advanced age.