Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown, gray, or black spots that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin. They are most common in adults over 50, but younger individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun can also develop them. Age spots are caused by an excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Factors such as prolonged sun exposure, aging, and genetic predisposition can contribute to their development.
The Role of Minerals in Skin Health
Minerals are essential for maintaining healthy skin. They participate in various biological processes, including cell regeneration, protection against oxidative stress, and supporting the skin’s structural integrity. Essential minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium are particularly important for skin health because they help protect the skin from damage and support its natural repair mechanisms.
What Is Selenium and Why Is It Important?
Selenium is a trace mineral vital for several bodily functions, including maintaining healthy skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to premature aging and skin damage. Selenium also supports the immune system and plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism.
Selenium’s Role in Skin Health
Selenium has been shown to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation. This protection helps prevent premature aging of the skin and may reduce the formation of age spots. Although selenium’s role in skin health is well-established, it is important to note that factors like sun exposure, aging, and genetics play a more significant role in the development of age spots than selenium alone.
