As we age, it’s not unusual to look in the mirror and notice small dark spots appearing on our hands, face, or shoulders. These harmless but frustrating marks are called age spots—or sometimes “liver spots” or “sun spots.” While they’re most common in people over 60, they can begin appearing earlier for those who’ve spent years enjoying the outdoors without sun protection.
These spots may feel like just another reminder of time passing, but there’s good news: there’s a natural, science-backed way to help prevent and reduce them—and it starts with what you eat. That’s right: one mineral, selenium, may be the key to healthier, clearer skin, especially for seniors looking to maintain a youthful glow without expensive creams or harsh treatments.
What Are Age Spots and Why Do They Appear?
Age spots are flat, pigmented patches that can range in color from tan to deep brown or even gray. You’ll usually see them show up on skin that has been exposed to the sun for decades: the tops of hands, forearms, face, shoulders, and chest.
The main reason they form is excess melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. Your body produces melanin as a natural defense against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, repeated sun exposure causes melanin to accumulate in certain spots—especially if your skin has less ability to regulate it as you age.
In other words: the more time you’ve spent in the sun, the more likely you are to develop these spots later in life.
But it’s not just the sun. Other factors play a role, including:
- Getting older – As we age, skin loses some of its ability to regenerate, making it more prone to pigment changes.
- Genetics – If your parents had age spots, chances are higher you’ll get them too.
- Environmental stress – Pollution, smoke, and chemicals can speed up skin aging and damage.
The Mineral Your Skin Needs: Why Selenium Matters
