The morning I counted over twenty dark spots across my hands was the day I finally decided to take action. At 53, I had accepted many changes in my body, but these multiplying brown spots on my skin had begun to bother me. They weren't harmful—just souvenirs from decades of gardening under the summer sun without proper protection. But I wanted to understand them better and perhaps find ways to fade them.

When I First Noticed Them

I remember noticing the first few spots in my mid-40s. Small, flat, and light brown—like tiny freckles scattered across the backs of my hands. My doctor casually referred to them as "age spots" during a routine check-up, explaining they were simply clusters of pigment triggered by years of sun exposure.

"Your skin produces melanin as a protective response to UV radiation," she explained. "Over time, especially in fair-skinned people like yourself, that pigment can clump together forming these spots."

I learned that while they're most common in people over 50, these spots can appear much earlier depending on sun exposure. My decades of outdoor activities without proper sun protection had accelerated their appearance.

Why My Skin Was Changing

What fascinated me was understanding the biology behind these changes. As we age, our skin's ability to regenerate slows down considerably. In my younger years, my skin could more easily disperse these pigment clusters, but now they were becoming more permanent fixtures.

My dermatologist explained that my fair complexion was another risk factor. People with lighter skin naturally have less melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage and the subsequent development of age spots. Those weekend tanning sessions in my 20s certainly hadn't helped either—those tanning beds emit the same harmful UV rays as the sun.

While genetics and certain medications can play a role, in my case, the primary culprit was undoubtedly those countless hours spent in the garden without sunscreen.

My Personal Approach to Fading My Spots

Rather than immediately opting for intensive clinical treatments, I decided to start with a more natural approach. Here's what worked for me:

1. Revamping My Moisturising Routine

I began researching and learned that proper hydration is crucial for skin cell turnover. When skin is well-hydrated, it's better equipped to repair and regenerate itself—including breaking down those stubborn pigment clusters.

I switched to a deeply hydrating body cream rich in natural ingredients. My favorite, Candlenut Body Creme, contains candlenut oil, which I've found particularly effective due to its high omega fatty acid content. I've noticed that consistent application has not only improved my skin's overall texture but has gradually started to fade some of my lighter spots.

For areas with more prominent spots, I follow up with Candlenut Body Oil containing turmeric. Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and provides antioxidant protection from free radicals that can damage the skin. 

2. Making Sun Protection Non-Negotiable

The hardest habit to change was my casual approach to sun protection. I now understand that continuing sun exposure would only darken my existing spots and create new ones, essentially undoing any treatment efforts.

I invested in a high-quality mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 50 that I apply religiously every morning—rain or shine. Working in the orchard now means wearing a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight long-sleeved shirts, even on milder days.

My dermatologist emphasised that persistence with sun protection is key, as brown spots tend to recur without it. It's been almost a year of consistent protection, and I've noticed fewer new spots appearing.

3. Consulting with Professionals

While I prefer natural approaches, if you're concerned you could consult with a dermatologist about professional treatments. Eg

• Cryotherapy (freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen)
• Laser treatments to target the pigmentation
• Dermabrasion to exfoliate the upper skin layers
• Chemical peels
• Prescription creams containing retinoids

For most people, the right choice depends on the severity of the spots and personal preference.

4. Incorporating Vitamin C Into My Routine

The game-changer in my journey has been incorporating Radiance Vitality Oil with stabilised vitamin C. This antioxidant visibly brightens skin and improves the appearance of discoloration.

I started using a vitamin C serum each morning before sunscreen, particularly on my forehead and on my hands where the spots were most visible.

The antioxidant properties help protect against further damage while lightening existing spots. After about three months of consistent use, I noticed a significant difference in the intensity of my spots, and my skin has never looked better.

5. Evening Anti-Aging Treatments night

Every night I apply Clove Flower and Turmeric Anti-Ageing Serum. You are best to find an anti-aging serum containing natural ingredients like turmeric and clove to the areas with the most prominent spots. These botanicals are rich in antioxidants and have natural brightening properties that have helped fade my spots over time.

What I've Learned Along the Way

The most important lesson from my journey with age spots has been patience. Unlike the quick-fix culture we're accustomed to, treating age spots naturally requires consistent effort over months, not days. But the benefits are fabulous and many! 

I've also come to appreciate that while medical procedures can offer faster results, gentler natural approaches have provided benefits beyond just fading spots—my skin's overall texture and resilience have improved dramatically.

Most importantly, I've learned that prevention is truly the best approach. Had I known in my younger years what I know now about sun protection, I might have fewer spots to contend with today. But I'm passing this wisdom on to my daughter, who now diligently applies sunscreen before even the briefest outdoor activities.

My spots haven't disappeared entirely—and perhaps they never will—but they've faded significantly. More importantly, I've developed a deeper appreciation for my skin and all the stories it tells about the life I've lived under the sun.