Causes And Risk Factors Of Age Spots

Tanning Lamps And Beds

The use of tanning lamps and beds over a long period can cause age spots to develop because of the continuous exposure to UV rays. These rays can cause damage to the skin and lead to various forms of skin cancer. Indoor tanning is very popular among young individuals and many start using tanning lamps and beds during adolescence and early adulthood. Also, these individuals may use tanning equipment more frequently and increase their risk of sun damage such as wrinkles and age spots. The use of this equipment can cause many years worth of sun damage prematurely, especially for frequent users. Tanning beds emit UVA rays, which are more dangerous because they penetrate deeper into the skin. Age spots caused by sunshine are usually due to UVB rays and typically affect the top layers of the skin. Skin damage from tanning beds can cause much more extensive damaging changes in the skin.

Get to know a major risk factor for age spots related to an individual's appearance next.

Red Hair And Light Skin

Individuals with red hair and light skin have a higher risk of age spots and other damage from ultraviolet light because they have less melanin available for protection against sun damage. Redheads have an increased risk of sun damage because of their genetics. The same gene that causes their red hair contains a mutation that also interrupts communication between the skin cells responsible for protecting itself from UV radiation. Individuals with red hair and light skin are more likely to develop age spots and other blemishes like freckles because of their pigment pattern and the miscommunication of their melanin-forming cells. Redheads and those with light skin tones are also more vulnerable to getting sunburned faster than the rest of the population.

Learn more about the various risk factors of age spots now.