Diseases and Conditions
Age spots (liver spots)
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Prevention
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Preparing for an appointment
Causes
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.