After a lifetime of being exposed to the sun, you’re bound to have multiple consequences, including brown spots on your hands and face. Age spots, technically known as “solar lentigines,” are well-defined, uniformly colored areas of brown or grayish pigment that generally show up on the hands, face, neck, and chest. Despite the name, these spots are not caused by age. Rather, they come from sun damage.

Solution 1: Up your antioxidants
“Antioxidants are always good internally for the antiaging effect, but we can also benefit externally from these free radical–scavenging ingredients,” explains Myra Michelle Eby, founder of MyChelle Dermaceuticals, a bioactive skincare line. “Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid in particular, is very good for reversing hyperpigmentation due to its bleaching effects.”
Try: MyChelle Perfect C Serum ($42, 0.5 oz; mychelle.com)

Solution 2: Try beta-glucan
According to Johnson, age spots typically signal a buildup of debris between the dermis and epidermis. He recommends using topical beta-glucan (a soluble fiber found in oats that stimulates skin-cell renewal) to clear the debris, boost circulation, and repair the damage at the dermal layer.
Try: Enkido Pure Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($60, 60 ml; enkido.com.au)

Solution 3: Raid the refrigerator
Look no further than your fridge for age-spot fighters. Stephanie Tourles, a holistic aesthetician and author of Organic Body Care Recipes (Storey Publishing, 2007), has had success using several food-based concoctions to lighten skin, even though studies on their efficacy are lacking. Yogurt, for instance, contains lactic acid, which lightens and exfoliates skin. Tourles recommends applying 1 tablespoon plain, organic yogurt to your clean face, neck, and chest and letting it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Do this once or twice a week, and follow with moisturizer. Warning: Don’t apply the yogurt mask to sunburned or windburned skin, or if you’ve recently waxed your face or had a chemical peel, because it could cause further irritation.
Try: Amala Hydrating Yogurt Mask ($58, 1.7 oz; amalabeauty.com)

Solution 4: Use enzymes
“Natural food enzymes, when applied to the skin over time, accelerate exfoliation of dead cells on the skin’s surface, which then stimulates the formation of new skin cells,” Tourles explains. “Existing age spots will gradually fade away over time.” These enzymes are found in raw papaya–pulp masks and raw pineapple juice, which you can dab on your skin with a saturated cotton ball. You can also buy enzyme-rich skin creams and masks. Tourles suggests looking for products with enzyme derivatives from not only papaya and pineapple, but also cherry, pumpkin, grape, pomegranate, and raspberry.
Try: Lily Organics Rejuvenating Enzyme Mask ($29, 1.7 oz; lilyorganics.com)

Solution 5: Avoid the sun
This may seem obvious, but guarding your skin from the sun becomes increasingly important after age spots appear. “Once your skin hyperpigments or clumps melanin, you must always wear sun protection, otherwise the spots will return again and again,” Eby warns. “Wear hats and lightweight clothing when out in the sun for extended periods, and always use a natural sunblock that contains minerals to reflect the UV rays.”
Try: Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen ($20, 2.8 oz; soleousa.com)

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