Whether we like it or not, our bodies change when we age. Some age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, have no cure as of this writing, but others have greater rates of success. Also known as liver spots, age spots occur regularly in people over 40 and may be a result of sun exposure. Here are some suggestions on how you can hide these blemishes, which can unfortunately help to reveal your true age.

1. Hide in the shadows

While age spots tend to develop over the years, they are often the result of sun exposure. That means that the less time your skin is exposed to the damaging effects of direct sunlight, the less chance there is that age spots will appear.

Try to limit your time in the sunlight when it is the strongest (between 10AM and 2PM) and use a sunblock with an appropriate SPF rating (we recommend 20 and above) when you are outside and know that you will be in the sun for an extended period.

2. Castor Oil

Notorious for its terrible taste, Castor Oil is actually very beneficial to your health, and is also good for your skin when it comes to getting rid of age spots. Try rubbing some Castor Oil directly on to the areas of your skin that are affected.

Do this once in the morning and in the evening before bed, and you should start noticing positive results in about one to two months’ time.

3. Aloe Vera

Celebrated for its healing properties, Aloe Vera is great at helping your skin heal after a burn, and can also be beneficial when it comes to dealing with age spots. As with Castor Oil, apply to the affected areas of your skin twice a day.

For Aloe Vera, be sure to leave it on your skin for 45-60 minutes. Watch for signs of clearer skin in about 30-60 days’ time.

4. Lemon juice

It turns out that lemon juice is not only a refreshing beverage on a hot summer’s day, but its citric acid component also has positive affects for your skin as well. Follow the same directions as we outlined for Castor Oil and be sure to leave it on your skin for 30-45 minutes.

Note: lemon juice is fine to leave on for extended periods, but it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Be sure to wash it off before going outside.

5. Buttermilk

Also good for your outer layer, buttermilk’s lactic acid helps to bleach your skin, which aids in disguising those pesky age spots. Follow our above recommendations for how often it should be used and how long to leave it on your skin.

For additional effectiveness, try mixing some lemon juice into your buttermilk and vice versa.

6. Check your pharmacy

There are several over-the-counter products available at your local pharmacy and retailer that help to combat age spots. Look for skin creams that feature glycolic acid. This component helps to exfoliate the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Apply them to your skin for the time recommended in the instructions and then rinse the cream off.

Retin-A also works in the same way by exfoliating the skin. Jam-packed with Vitamin-A, it comes in various strengths and is only available by prescription, so you will need to see your doctor first. On the plus side, it is not as harsh on your skin as glycolic acid.

You can also try Hydroquinone cream, which is available in both over-the-counter form and a stronger, prescription only formulization. Note, however, that Hydroquinone cream is banned in several European and Asian countries where authorities considered it be a possible cause of skin cancer. Because of this, we advise you to use Hydroquinone cream at your own discretion and seek a second opinion from a physician before doing so.

7. Laser treatment

If you’re not confident enough in your ability to stick to our above suggestions or would just rather have a professional handle it, laser treatment might be the best choice for you. The laser penetrates your skin and disrupts the skin pigments, which helps to reduce the discoloration caused by age spots.

The discomfort caused by each treatment is comparatively minor, aside from some residual redness that may occur and will fade after a few hours. However, you will need to have 2-3 treatments for this method to be effective and they can really make a dent on your wallet.

8. Chemical peel

We have mentioned products that mimic the effect of a chemical peel, but you can also make an appointment with your local spa to have one done. A mildly acidic substance is applied to your skin, which is then neutralized after the prescribed time.

This helps to eliminate dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, clean and clear skin underneath. As with laser treatments, you will experience some redness that will fade after a few hours. You will generally need two sessions to get the best results.

9. See the doc

If you have followed our suggestions and remain concerned about your age spots, make an appointment with your doctor. In addition to making your skin less attractive, age spots can also be a sign of cancer or impaired liver function if you find spots that are a darker color than usual or are changing size.

Your physician will be able to tell if any such age spots are signs of concern and, if so, get you started on the appropriate treatment. If have any doubts at all in this area, play it safe and check with a medical professional for their opinion.

We all age and the effects of aging can be challenging on both a physical and psychological level. Any efforts we make to look youthful in middle age can be defeated by the appearance of age spots. Follow our suggestions on how you can fight this common problem, but also remember that these can sometimes be signs of greater problems within your body. If you have any doubts about your age spots, make an appointment with your doctor to make sure that they are not a sign of a more serious issue.