Age spots, sunspots, sun lentigines, or age marks are small black flat patches that can appear on the skin. They usually vary in size and occur in areas of exposure to the sun, such as the face and hands. Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation speeds up melanin synthesis, a natural pigment that gives skin its colour. When melanin clumps or is produced excessively on skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear. Age spots typically start to appear in people over the age of 50, and they become more common as we age. Typically they are often grouped and are generally harmless. Still, often people don’t like their appearance, so for cosmetic reasons, they can be removed or lighted by various treatments.