While vacationing in Hawaii this summer, my five-year-old asked me why my legs were polka-dotted. At first, I thought maybe he had been coloring on me while I snoozed in the sun. But on second glance, I realized that, seemingly overnight, my legs had more freckles than Lindsay Lohan without makeup.
Soon I became obsessed with them. Where had they come from? How do I get rid of them? Was this what it was like to start getting OLD?
It didn’t help that I discovered that they are also called sun spots, liver spots(Gross!) and AGE spots.(Really? Do they need to rub it in?) And it’s hyperpigmentation caused by long-term skin exposure(oops! totally dropped the ball on that one) or a loss in hormones. Hyper pigmentation can also be caused by skin damage, such as remnants of blemishes, wounds or rashes.(Another reason not to pop that zit!)
Okay, so I know I knew what had caused it. But the real question was how the hell do I get rid of them?
Upon doing some research, it seems like the best way to improve them is to exfoliate(I’m beginning to think this may be the answer to everything!), use a lightening cream or an alpha-hydroxy. You can also use laser therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Feeling au natural? You can also try putting some lemon juice on them.
The best way to avoid them? Sunscreen, of course. Wear a hat as much as possible and don’t forget your face isn’t the only part of your body that needs a daily slather of 50spf-make sure your arms and legs are getting the anti-aging treatment too.
