How to: banish age spots in 3 steps

With Sun Awareness Week upon us, we have teamed up with leading Harley Street skin repair expert Lorena Oberg to share her top tips for treating age spots

Small brown patches – known technically as hyperpigmentation – age spots are bought on by long-term exposure to the sun and ultraviolet light, causing an over-production of the skin pigment melanin, which clumps together forming noticeable spots. Diminish their appearance with these simple strategies:

1 Increase your antioxidant intake

Enhance your diet by eating the foods that help defend your skin from within. Foods loaded with age-fighting antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, are a must. Melons, for instance, are loaded with antioxidants and can boost your natural SPF. Green tea can also protect against age spots, as it contains active antioxidant compounds which make your skin resistant to premature ageing.

2 Raid your fruit bowl

If you already have age spots there are a number of natural home remedies you can use to diminish their appearance. Raw pineapple, for example, contains essential enzymes that can help fade them. Take a fresh pineapple chunk (not canned) and gently dab it on to your age spot – do this once daily for a few months and watch it disappear. Fresh lemon juice, due to its citric acid properties, acts as a natural bleaching agent that will help reduce their appearance.

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3 Remember your sun protection

Ensure you apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before stepping out. If you’re exposed to the sun for more than a few hours, be sure to top up your SPF to protect yourself from ultraviolet light. Avoid the sun as much as possible during peak hours. Apply your sunscreen before all other skincare to allow it to absorb properly. After you’ve been out in the sun, apply vitamin E oil to your skin, as it may help prevent the appearance of age spots.

Find out more about Lorena Oberg’s skin repair services at lorenaoberg.co.uk.