What are Age Spots and Can I Fade Them Without Chemicals

by: Marcia Kruger

Have you ever imagined you'd be asking yourself what are age spots exactly? And, can you remove them without using harmful chemicals?

They go by various names. Names like: sun spots, liver spots, freckles or lentigines but what are age spots exactly? The brown discolorations are clumps of pigment-producing (melanocytes) cells called melanin.

Melanin is located in the deepest layer of the skin's epidermis. This is where new skin cells form to replace old dead cells that have shed. Largely made of keratin, the new skin cells constantly travel up to the epidermis’s outermost layer.

The very strong protein called keratin is the major skin component. Found in skin's outer layer, keratin helps create a protective barrier. But when the barrier is damaged, a patch of melanin accumulates in the upper layer of the skin. So, what are age spots?

Those patches of melanin, which have been stimulated by age or the most common cause... exposure to the sun's UVB rays over many years. Therefore, it's best you take the preventative route. Protect your skin by: avoiding the UVB rays, use sunscreen that blocks UVB rays and wear protective clothing.

These are fine and age spots will gradually fade, but the key is to use an effective cream with ingredients that inhibit melanin production. However, learning about what are age spots and knowing that inhibiting melanin production can reduce them, you now have a reason why you should read labels.

Manufacturers also know about melanin and this is why you have to look at the label. For example, beware of an ingredient called hydroquinone. Found in bleaching creams, hydroquinone is the primary ingredient that has been shown to be a potential carcinogen.

But, a safer and chemical-free substance to look for is called Extrapone Nutgrass. An extract from the root of a plant from India called nutgrass. Developed as an anti-irritant for the skin by a German company, it was only afterwards the discovery of its whitening properties came into play -- nutgrass root inhibits the formation of melanin in the skin!

Extrapone Nutgrass been shown in clinical trials (on human volunteers) to reduce melanin by up to 40%. Not only does it gradually whitens skin, your skin also becomes brighter and healthier without any harmful side effects. And, working in synergy is another natural ingredient called Functional Keratin, a substance that stimulates the production of new cells.

Make no mistake about it, realizing what are age spots is important since now you'll be able to take the necessary precautions to avoid them or use an effective natural whitening cream to fade them.

Visit my website today and learn much more about what nutgrass root, Functional Keratin and other natural ingredients can do to help fade your skin discolorations.