A Guide on Liver Spots: Causes, Symptoms, & Skincare for Liver Spots

What Are Liver Spots?

Liver spots refer to the brown, small patches of darkened skin, typically appearing on the sun-damaged parts of the body, including the face, hands, back of the hands, arms, and shoulders. Age spots or liver spots can develop in varying sizes. It can range from tenth of an inch (one-quarter centimeter) to half an inch (one centimeter) across. Contrary to the name, liver spots have nothing to do with liver function. These are named considering the brown color of liver tissues.

Before looking for the best liver spots cream or liver spots face treatment, it is essential to learn what causes this skin woe.

What Causes Liver Spots?

Wondering what causes liver spots? Here are the most frequent causes:

• Sun exposure & Excess Melanin Production: Excessive UV exposure triggers uncontrolled melanin production. Over time, this excess melanin gathers or clumps together to form liver spots or sun spots.
• Genetics: If there is a history of severe sunburns, you are more likely to develop liver spots.
• Fair Skin Tone: People with fair or light skin tone are at higher risk of developing liver spots.

What Are the Symptoms of Liver Spots?

You may confuse freckles with liver spots. Hence, before selecting any skincare for liver spots, you must have a clear understanding of the tell-tale signs of liver spots. Here’s how you can identify liver spots or age spots.

• Flat, circular, or oval patches of heightened pigmentation
• Have a tan to dark brown color
• Can group together, similar to freckles
• Non-itchy and non-painful
• Appears on face, hands, back of the hands, arms, and shoulders

Now that you know what are liver spots, its causes and symptoms, let’s find out how to find the right ingredients and skincare for liver spots.

Skincare Ingredients That Work for Liver Spots

Your battle against liver spots can be tough, but not impossible. Choose the best ingredients for hyperpigmentation treatment and achieve spot-free skin.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is renowned for its exfoliating power, ability to break down the bonding between dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Most importantly, it goes deeper into the skin where melanin build-up occurs and removes the excess melanin cell by cell. It helps fade away hyperpigmentation and reveal bright, even-toned complexion. Add glycolic acid-infused products to your skincare for liver spots.

Vitamin C

This antioxidant fades away discoloration, brightens skin, protects against further sun damage, and most importantly, helps resist melanin formation.

Retinoids

This vitamin A derivative is known for its ability to promote cell turnover, reduce pigmentation, and enhance skin texture.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that reduces inflammation, improves skin tone, and minimizes hyperpigmentation. Build your skincare for liver spots with niacinamide-infused products and see the results in no time.

Kojic Acid

Inhibits melanin production, helping to fade existing spots and prevent new ones.

Melasyl^TM

Melasyl^TM is a multi-patented molecule introduced by L’Oréal Paris that helps target localised pigmentation like dark spots, age spots, and post-acne marks.

Skincare For Liver Spots: Morning and Evening Routine

Morning Skincare Routine For Liver Spots

Here's a basic beginner-friendly skincare routine for liver spots:

Step 1: Gently Cleanse

Start your morning skincare for liver spots with a mild, exfoliating cleanser to banish impurities and achieve an even-toned complexion .

Step 2: Exfoliate (2-3 times per week)

Indulge in a weekly exfoliating process to remove dead skin cells and uncover glowing skin. You can use actives for exfoliation based on your skin’s tolerance level.

Step 3: Toner

Apply toner with a cotton pad to cleanse the last traces of impurities, balance, and improve hydration.

Step 4: Apply a Face Serum

Apply a face serum for liver spots on your cleansed face to fight pigmentation and boost glow. Gently tap the product for better absorption.

Step 5: Day Cream

Follow it with a day cream for liver spots, formulated with strong actives like glycolic acid to reduce spots and unveil beaming skin.

Step 6: Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen with SPF 50

This is the most important step! Liver spots occur primarily due to sun exposure. Hence, you must know how to use sunscreen thoroughly for maximum protection. Finish your daily AM skincare for liver spots with a sunscreen with SPF 50. Reapply every 2-3 hours when outdoors.

Read our guide on layering skincare products to ensure better absorption!

Night Skincare Routine For Liver Spots

Following a night skincare routine is equally important for people struggling with liver spots. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleanse your skin with the same gentle cleanser you used in the morning to prep your skin.

Step 2: Use Targeted Serum

Layer a face serum to address dark spots, age spots, etc, while you beauty sleep. If you are struggling with under-eye circles, you can also use an eye serum for dark circles and wake up to bright, awakened eyes.

Step 3: Apply Night Cream

Your skin enters into recovery mode at night. Hence, give your skin a helping hand with a glowing night cream. This liver spot cream is your ultimate answer to even-toned skin and a radiant complexion.

Additional Tips for Liver Spots Treatment

Along with a tailored liver spot face treatment, you must follow certain tips for best results.

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Apply sunscreen every single day be it rain or shine, even indoors!
• Treating liver spots takes time 8 - 12 weeks for visible results. Be patient and consistent.
• Start slow while using strong actives like glycolic acid and increase frequency once your skin builds tolerance.
• Wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat or scarf to protect your skin from sun damage.
• Stay hydrated and eat antioxidant-rich foods.

Liver spots usually appear after 50, but they can affect people of all age groups. Remember, liver spots or age spots are temporary. With the proper skincare for liver spots with the potent ingredients and products, you can restore a brighter, more even-toned complexion.

For further skincare-related assistance, browse through the L'Oréal Paris skin care products range and skin care blogs to achieve healthy and spotless skin. Need help with your skincare routine? Navigate through the L'Oréal Paris Skin Genius tool to get personalized skincare routine and product recommendations in no time.