What Are Liver Spots?

Learn more about why you get liver spots and how to reduce their visibility.

Liver spots are the result of excess melanin in your skin, which is increased pigment resulting in brown, flat spots commonly found on people over 40 or those who have frequent sun exposure. Read below to find out more about those who are most vulnerable, what causes liver spots, and how to get rid of liver spots.

What Are Liver Spots?

Liver spots are also known as age spots, sunspots or solar lentigines - small, flat, dark areas of the skin with increased pigment. They are often mistaken for freckles due to their similarity in appearance, however, the difference is freckles are common for children and tend to fade away as they get older.

In contrast, liver spots become visible as you get older and are the result of frequent sun exposure. Liver spots appear on areas of your body which are most exposed to the sun:

Liver spots on face: often assumed to be freckles, new liver spots on face can be prevented by using SPF. Daily face moisturisers can be infused with an SPF, a brilliant way to prevent skin pigmentation and premature ageing. Sun protection should be worn daily, even during the winter months providing a shield of protection.
Liver spots on hands: the back of your hands are normally always exposed to the sun when it is shining, making them very receptive to UV rays and in turn liver spots.
Liver spots on forearms
Liver spots on shoulders
Liver spots on the tops of feet

What Causes Liver Spots?

So what are the liver spots causes? New liver spots are developed due to excess amounts of melanin in the skin, which becomes concentrated together after prolonged sun exposure resulting in brown, grey or black liver spots. The creation of melanin in our skin is induced by the sun and is how our skin tans in the summer months.

People most receptive to liver spots and who may ask ‘why do you get liver spots’ are those who are over 40 years, however, they can appear on younger skin as a result of frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light such as sunbed users. Additionally, those with fair skin who often burn easily may also develop liver spots.

How To Get Rid Of Liver Spots

Liver spots are not harmful or dangerous to your health so do not require medical attention. However, some individuals desire to reduce the visibility of liver spots for cosmetic reasons, in which case there are methods to lighten the shade, evening skin tone. For example, you can purchase lightening creams and dark spot correctors which will lighten the liver spots on face over the coming months.

Pigmentation is on the base of the epidermis - the top layer to the skin. There are dermatologists who offer treatments especially for fading liver spots, however, they tend to be more dear.

Things To Look Out For

Although liver spots are not dangerous to your health, if you notice a change in appearance such as:

Darkening of colour
Increase in size
Bleeding
Multi-coloured

We recommend visiting a doctor and seeking medical advice in case this is skin cancer.

Whether you want to embrace your liver spots or reduce their visibility, be prepared this summer with a protective moisturiser enriched with SPF.

NIVEA Products To Help With Dark Spots Treatment

Cellular Luminous630 Anti Dark-Spot Face Treatment Serum

This powerful serum has been proven to be highly effective at treating dark spots - after only 4 weeks of using the treatment, spots are visibly lightened, and after 8 weeks of use, spots intensity is reduced by up to 50%.

The Advanced Treatment Serum acts on existing pigmentation to lighten spots and reduce their size, while balancing new melanin production to prevent new dark spots appearing.

Buy Luminous630 Serum

Cellular Luminous630 Anti Dark-Spot Day Moisturiser SPF 50

Try the NIVEA Cellular Luminous630 Anti Dark-Spot Day Moisturiser to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots. This face cream balances new melanin production to prevent the appearance of new spots and LUMINOUS630 Acts on existing pigmentation to lighten dark spots and reduce their size.