Beauty myths

Rachel Marie Walsh debunks common beauty myths to help you make better choices for your skin.

1. Age spots are just part of getting older

Age spots, also known as liver spots or senile freckles(!), are caused by the faulty production of melanin (the pigment that colours the epidermis). This can be caused by hormones (especially in pregnancy) but is more often the result of UV exposure. Flat, brown spots (light or dark) can occur at any age, no matter what your skin colour. They are essentially harmless and common after 40 because of the skin’s depleted ability to repair sun damage. Products containing niacinamide or hydroquinone can help lighten them but only a doctor is certain to remove them. Even if the prospect of lasering or freezing them doesn’t faze you, it’s best to prevent them outright with broad-spectrum SPF30-50 products.