Liver spots are patches of darker coloured skin, ranging from light to very dark brown, most commonly present on your face, hands, and legs. They’re usually rounded and may stand alone or in a group of many scattered across the surface of your skin (much like large freckles). They are flat and may be barely distinguishable in texture from the surrounding, unaffected skin.
Many believe liver spots are an indication of liver disease, or some other disorder of the organ. This is not true and is just a myth. Liver spots are not caused by a disfunction of the liver, but rather are related to two things: long term sun exposure and genetics. You’ll develop these discolourations, technically known as lentigines, if you are genetically prone and don’t protect your skin from the sun. UV rays contribute to their formation, which is why they tend to appear in areas that are most exposed to the sun.
Solar lentigines can be prevented, or at least delayed, by applying a good sunscreen and staying out of direct UV exposure. Once they develop, however, you may minimize or remove their appearance by a number of treatments, including photofacial Toronto. This noninvasive treatment is specially designed to address the damage caused by chronic sun exposure.