Why do age spots appear as we get older (and how can we prevent them)?

Can they be avoided? We'll explain everything.

What are age spots?

Brown spots, also known as age spots or lentigines when age-related, refer to areas on the face or body where the skin is hyperpigmented—that is, darker than elsewhere. These harmless spots are caused by an overproduction and/or irregular production of melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives the skin its color, but it also provides some protection against the sun’s UV rays.

Why do these spots appear as we age?

Exposure to the sun's UV rays

Sun exposure is the main cause of so-called “age spots.” Our skin does have a natural ability to protect itself against the sun’s UV rays, but this protection is not infinite—this is referred to as “sun capital.” Over time, this capital is depleted, and the skin becomes less and less able to cope with sun damage. It then begins to produce melanin excessively and irregularly. This explains why brown spots appear as we age, often starting around age 50, especially on the most exposed areas: the face, hands, and décolletage.

The skin's pigmentation mechanisms become disrupted

Over the years, the number of skin cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) tends to decrease. The remaining cells continue to produce melanin, but in a localized and irregular manner. This is why, as we age, the skin tends to become more pigmented in certain areas.

The skin renews itself more slowly

Throughout our lives, our skin naturally sheds dead cells from its surface and replaces them with new ones. However, as we age, this process of cell renewal slows down. As a result, melanin-rich cells remain on the surface longer and accumulate, leading to the formation of visible dark spots.

Hormonal Imbalances

In some people, hormonal changes (particularly during menopause) can lead to an overproduction of melanin and, as a result, the appearance of brown or tan spots.

Oxidative stress

Pollution, stress, smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep… Over time, our environment and unhealthy lifestyle habits can damage our skin cells, making them even more vulnerable to the sun. All of this further disrupts melanin production and leads to the appearance of dark spots or contributes to the worsening of existing ones.

Inflammation and irritation

Repeated friction, as well as certain types of skin irritation and inflammation (pimples, burns, cuts, etc.), can cause what is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is even more likely to worsen over time if the compromised skin is exposed to the sun without protection.

Can age-related brown spots be prevented?

Good news: Yes, there are steps you can take to prevent brown spots from appearing as you age. Here are our tips.

✔️ Protect your skin from the sun every day

This is THE ultimate anti-dark spot measure. Apply a broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 every time you go outside during the day, even on cloudy days… And even in the fall and winter! It’s also important to reapply frequently (every 2 hours) during prolonged exposure, and after swimming or sweating. Furthermore, even with a high SPF, it’s best to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, between noon and 4 p.m., as this is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. Finally, be sure to protect yourself with clothing, sunglasses, and a hat.

Recommended products:

• The Invisible Cream for effective, invisible daily protection against UVA and UVB rays.
• The Tinted Moisturizers SPF 50+ (available in 3 shades: light, medium, dark) to protect your skin while evening out your complexion.
  

✔️ What to Do If You Get Sunburned

If, despite all your precautions, you still get sunburned, a few simple steps can help relieve the discomfort and, most importantly, prevent it from leaving a mark. First, apply a fragrance-free, moisturizing, and soothing product to calm the inflammation and help the skin heal. It’s also advisable to drink plenty of water to counteract the dehydration caused by sunburn. Finally—and this is very important—avoid exposing the sunburned area to the sun again: be sure to cover it with a bandage or clothing, for example.

Recommended products:

• The Intense Repair Body Balm to intensely rehydrate and immediately soothe damaged skin. Fragrance-free.
• Aloe vera gel, an active ingredient known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

✔️ Use targeted anti-dark spot treatments

The key to preventing all types of dark spots—whether caused by aging or other factors—is to incorporate preventive anti-dark spot products into your daily routine. By regulating the production and distribution of melanin in skin cells, these products specifically help combat hyperpigmentation, even out skin tone, limit the formation of new spots, and even lighten any existing spots.

Recommended products:

• The Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate for intensive corrective treatment or as part of your daily skincare routine.
• The Anti-Dark Spot Power Factor 4 Serum is designed to target existing dark spots while preventing new ones from appearing.
• The Brightening Anti-Dark Spot Serum can be used daily to prevent dark spots and boost the complexion's radiance, or as a follow-up after the Anti-Dark Spot Power Factor 4 Serum.
  

✔️ Exfoliate your skin regularly

Exfoliate your skin regularly to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. Opt for gentle exfoliants, 1 to 2 times a week, depending on your skin type.

Recommended product:

• The Gentle Scrub, used alone or in combination with the Purifying Radiance Mask, for a gentle yet effective exfoliation that reveals the skin’s natural radiance.
  

✔️ Stay hydrated (and keep your skin hydrated)

Well-hydrated skin is more resistant to external stressors and retains a greater ability to regenerate. As a result, it’s less likely to develop age spots. Our tip? Start your day with a large glass of warm water with lemon—a great way to detox and get a vitamin boost. And of course, don’t forget to apply moisturizer daily, morning and night.

Recommended products:

• The Replumping & Unifying Care which intensely hydrates and targets visible signs of aging (wrinkles, loss of firmness, etc.), while evening out the complexion.
• The Pure Radiance Cream : for dry skin that needs high-performance hydration, while enjoying a radiant, even complexion.
  

✔️ Eat a balanced diet

What you eat also nourishes your skin. To combat the effects of oxidative stress and prevent the appearance of age spots, focus on foods rich in antioxidants—especially those containing vitamin C (berries, bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwis…), vitamin E (vegetable oils, nuts, whole grains…), and beta-carotene (carrots, green vegetables…).

✔️ Get enough (and good) sleep

Your skin regenerates overnight. Quality sleep helps optimize cell repair and renewal, thereby reducing the risk of dark spots. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night in a cool, dark bedroom.

✔️ Manage your stress

Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which disrupts melanin production. So try to take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, take a walk in nature, write, meditate, dance… or do any other activity that relaxes you and calms your mind!

The moral of the story: prevention is better than cure

The appearance of brown spots as you age isn’t inevitable. These spots are often the result of yearsof sun exposure combined with a slowdown in cell turnover and an unbalanced lifestyle. But by taking the right steps as early as possible, you can effectively prevent their appearance… and skin aging in general.