Many of the aging crowd are looking for the secret miracle product for age spots. As we get older, we tend to think we will develop age spots and there isn't much that we can do about it. Fortunately, it is not age that causes these age and liver spots, but over exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays over the years eventually causes dark spots the skin.

Age spots are also known as sun spots or liver spots, both being the same and causing skin blotches known as hyperpigmentation. There are some basic factors to think of that go along hand in hand with age spots: smoking, over exposure to UV rays or light, diet, sugar, saturated fats, and lack of vitamins. Age spots are caused by the rise in lipofuscin your body creates which eventually changes the color of ones skin pigment.

Age spots are most common after the age of 55 years old but sometimes start developing as early as 35 years old. Other names and nicknames for this disorder are liver spots, brown spots and sun spots. Age spot are much easier prevented then cured by ensuring that you have a well-balanced diet in your younger years. Eating a diet high in orange vegetables -- carrots and yams -- and green leafy foods can help your body fight the effects of aging skin. Foods high in antioxidants will also help by aiding in the fight to kill free radicals.

If you are already suffering with age spots, don't worry, there are several over-the-counter products today that can help you fade away the look of that age spot or spots. Hydroquinone is a common ingredient that can help you fight against age spots, but it can cause problems with certain skin types. Be on the look out for a over-the-counter products with this active ingredient. Hydroquinone can help with age spots, freckles, scars and help lighten dark skin, but because of the known problems, you should be careful unless you know how your skin will react. For some, it may be better to try a different active ingredient first. If you have drastic cases of age spot practically covering your face or hands that leave you uncomfortable and embarrassed, chemical peels may be the next level of treatment. These peels contain anywhere from 70% to 80 % glycolic acid or other acids and remove layers of skin to reduce the appearance of the spots. Another more expensive option is laser resurfacing. In this procedure the age spots are literally burned away using a sophisticated, targeted laser. However this treatment only works well on very white skin with very dark age spots.

Age spots are one of the signs of aging, but you don't need to live with them. In addition to the more expensive medical treatments, there are over-the counter products for age spots that can help. Using these products can bring back a healthy glow to your skin and will help you avoid the embarrassment of those unsightly age spots.