Q.What causes age spots, and is there anything that I can do to make them go away?

A. As we get older, large, freckle-like discolorations appear on the skin. These blemishes—commonly called age spots—result from the build-up of a dark substance produced by your cells, known as lipofuscin. This material is mostly debris from molecules that have been partially destroyed by free-radical damage. It may be easier to prevent age-spot deposits than to reverse them. If you are prone to age spots, eat dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, yams, and other foods high in carotenes. You can also take 50,000 IU of beta-carotene per day, preferably from a mixed-carotene source such, as palm oil or Dunellia algae. However, cigarette smokers should not take carotene supplements.

If you are really bothered by age spots and want to try a more cosmetic approach, you can use creams containing the bleaching agent hydroquinone or a special form of vitamin C known as magnesium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate. Also, if you have age spots, it’s good idea to take Ginkgo biloba extract. As a powerful antioxidant, ginkgo may prevent build-up of lipofuscin “age spots” in the brain. Read the label carefully and choose a ginkgo product standardized to contain 24% ginkgo flavonglycosides. Take 40 to 80 mg three times daily. Consult a healthcare professional before using these treatments.