Blotches in which small patches of skin appear to have a different color than the main skin area become common as we age. It is important for you and your dermatologist to watch your skin discolorations carefully.  For liver spots (also known as age spots), which are harmless, try cosmetics and skincare products containing one or more of these ingredients:

• Hydroquinone, an antioxidant that has been found to be helpful in breaking down and preventing the accumulation of browned pigment cells that form age spots (lipofuscin).

• Kojic acid, which is derived from mushrooms and soy, and has been used by the Japanese to fight age spots.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra, an herb that breaks up clumps of brown skin cells so that they can be shed by the body’s natural cycle of exfoliation, and fights free radicals, which contribute to the production of lipofuscin.

IMPORTANT:  Some skin discolorations can be harmful.  A small flat brown spot can become cancerous, especially if its shape changes or it starts to itch, which may be early signs of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms. The US National Cancer Institute addresses melanoma at its “What You Need to Know About Melanoma” webpage, www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/melanoma, where you can learn about the signs and symptoms.

The A4M encourages you to find an A4M specialty-trained physician to serve as your health coach and advocate.  Locate a specialist near you, by searching our Interactive Directory, at:  http://www.worldhealth.net/pages/directory/