Liver Spots On The Face
A liver spot on the face is a reflection of increased melanin (a pigment produced by the body) to attempt protection of the skin. This is all that a suntan is – increased melanin in the skin. As with liver spots on the rest of the body, liver spots on the face are caused by ultra violet damage, either from the sun or from UV exposure as with tanning beds. Despite the current coverage in the media, there are many people who use tanning beds regularly or sit out in the sun without facial protection.
Aging is a factor in the production of liver spots on the face, as the elderly have had more years of UV rays exposure. Prevention is always better than cure, and protecting the face from liver spots is not difficult. One should apply sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 minutes, half an hour before going outside and it should be reapplied frequently during the day. There are tinted moisturizing creams containing SPF 15 available from several companies. Putting this over your SFP 30 gives some protection while giving the skin a universal tint, covering the lighter liver spots on the face.
A hat is good protection too, and men who are balding should apply sun cream to their scalps and wear a cap. Liver spots on the face look a little like a freckle. They are usually colored from light brown to black, and can be unsightly, particularly if they are on a prominent position of the face. Women tend to be more distressed by liver spots on the face than men and may try treatments to remove them, although women are lucky that they can use makeup to cover their blemishes. Having siad that, more men are using beauty products such as concealer nowadays.
There are many ‘home recipes’ on the internet for treating liver spots on the face, and many beauty products claiming to reduce the colour, but the best treatment is to see a dermatologist. He can carry out a chemical peel on the face, or use laser treatment or cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen). Liver spots on the face are not painful or harmful, but care should be taken to note any changes in colour, size, or outline. If a liver spot on the face itches, then, as with any other changes, a dermatologist’s advice should be sought.
Sometimes liver spots on the face fade with time. They may be less noticeable in the winter when the skin is lighter. Naturally, if the face is not protected during the summer, the liver spots on the face will begin to darken once again.
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