Best ever beauty tips: age spots

Age spots can be brown, black or even grey in colour, and are caused by exposure to the sun. Although most common in women over 40, they can also appear earlier. Wearing sun protection can prevent age spots worsening, as it's the UV rays that accelerate the production of melanin within the skin that cause these spots to appear. Although age spots can be removed using various techniques, such as dermabrasion and laser removal, there are several less drastic ways of reducing their appearance.

‘You can help reduce the visible effects of skin pigmentation by using products that contain ingredients to assist the skin's natural repair function. This will encourage healthy skin cell renewal,' says Catherine de Groot,  co-founder of skincare brand Trilogy.

Products to try

Trilogy's Age Proof Replenishing Night cream (£30.95, www.trilogyproducts.com) contains a high level of antioxidants that help preserve the skin's structure, while its Age Proof Nutrient Plus Firming Serum contains liquorice and mulberry extract, which can help lighten pigmentation by brightening skin tone.

Darphin's Orange Blossom Aromatic Care essential oil (£40.50, www.feelunique.com) can also help reduce dark spots, thanks to a skin-clarifying combination of orange blossom, lemon and chamomile essential oils.

Fade Out Original Active Fade Cream (£6.95, from most pharmacies) is also worth a try - the combination of liquorice, mulberry and bearberry can help reduce the appearance of sun spots while evening out the complexion.

Finally, remember to keep an eye on any dark spots that suddenly change size or shape. And most importantly of all, keep slapping on that sun screen!