March 2023: Straight Answers on Age Spots, Sun Protection, and Acne

Ever notice a new spot on your skin and instantly worry if it’s something serious? You’re not alone. March 2023 on BMPHARMACY.COM was packed with straight-up advice about skin spots, sun safety, and everyday acne problems. No fluff—just honest answers to the stuff you actually wonder about, like whether age spots mean more than just getting older, or if you're really safe from sunburn underneath your shirt.

Let’s get to the bottom of age spots first. They show up after years in the sun: brown, flat, usually harmless—unless they change. Notice a spot that gets darker, itchy, painful, or starts bleeding? Don’t wait. That’s worth a doctor’s look. Some types of spots can look a lot like skin cancer, especially melanoma, and it's just not worth the risk of ignoring those changes. When in doubt, get it seen.

And what about those creams everyone swears by for fading dark spots? Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide come up a lot. They might help—but don’t expect overnight results. If you want something that really works for your skin tone, don't guess—ask your dermatologist. They can tell you which option actually fits your skin.

Now, the sun. We all want a little vitamin D, but too much time in the sun has a real cost. It’s not just wrinkles and spots. UV rays can actually wreck your skin’s DNA, leading to burns, discoloration, and in worst cases, cancer. People think dark skin is a free pass, but that’s not true—melanin gives some protection, but not invincibility. Everyone needs sunscreen. SPF 30 or more, every day you're outside. Long sleeves and hats still matter, especially in the middle of the day.

Ever heard that you can't get sunburned through clothes? Not exactly true. Some fabrics let UV rays through, especially if they're thin or wet. So, layer up or look for UPF-rated clothing if you're outside a lot. Oh, and don’t skip sunscreen just because you’re under a t-shirt.

Acne and breakouts weren’t left out. Is coffee making your skin worse? Maybe. If you notice more pimples after your third cup, try scaling back. Diet does play a part—junk food or lots of sugar won’t do your skin any favors. And don’t blame your shampoo alone if you get pimples after a haircut; sometimes it’s just hair clippings clogging pores. Wash up well after your appointment.

Feeling weird about acne scars? You’re not defined by your skin. Real connection goes deeper than a few marks. But if those scars bug you, or if you’re fighting stubborn oily skin, basic steps matter: gentle cleansing, exfoliate once a week, use the right moisturizer, and yes, daily sunscreen again.

Bottom line: Skin issues are normal. If something changes and you don’t have answers, check with your doctor. Keep your skincare simple, steady, and sun-smart—that’s what really counts for healthy skin, all year round.

When should I worry about age spots?

Age spots are a common sign of aging that can appear on the skin as a person gets older. While age spots are usually harmless, they can be cause for concern if they appear on a person's face or hands or if they become itchy, painful, or bleed. It is important to seek medical advice if age spots become bothersome or cause any other symptoms. Additionally, if age spots suddenly appear or change in shape or color, this could indicate a more serious skin condition and a doctor's consultation is recommended. Ultimately, if age spots are causing worry or concern, it is best to seek medical advice.

Written by

Paul Davies, Mar, 21 2023

Can age spots turn into cancer?

Age spots, or solar lentigines, are dark, flat spots on the skin that can occur in people of all ages. But could they turn into cancer? While age spots are usually harmless, there is a risk that they could become skin cancer. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has been linked to age spots in some cases. If an age spot changes shape, size, or color, this could be a sign that it has become cancerous. It is important to monitor age spots for any changes and to visit a doctor if any suspicious symptoms arise. Ultimately, age spots are usually harmless, but it is important to be aware of the potential risk of skin cancer.

Written by

Soren Fife, Mar, 21 2023

What does an age spot look like?

Age spots, also known as sun spots, are dark, flat patches of skin caused by excessive sun exposure. They are usually round or oval and can range in color from light brown to black. They are typically found on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Age spots can appear in clusters or singularly and tend to be smaller than a quarter inch in diameter. Sun protection such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are the best way to prevent age spots.

Written by

Alex Lee, Mar, 21 2023

How do sunspots affect insolation?

Sunspots are dark, cooler regions on the surface of the Sun caused by intense magnetic activity. They are known to affect the amount of insolation - the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth's surface - in a variety of ways. Firstly, sunspots can absorb some of the solar radiation, reducing the amount of insolation that reaches the Earth's surface. Secondly, they can also contribute to the scattering of solar radiation, resulting in a decrease of insolation. Lastly, they can also act as a shield, blocking some of the solar radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, leading to an overall decrease of insolation. Therefore, sunspots can have a significant effect on the amount of insolation that reaches the Earth's surface.

Written by

Alex Lee, Mar, 16 2023

What are the dangers of UV light?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an invisible form of radiation that can be harmful to humans and the environment. Exposure to UV light can cause skin cancer, eye damage, and even weaken the immune system. Additionally, UV light can damage materials, such as plastics and fabrics, as well as cause fading and discoloration of artwork and photos. To protect oneself from the dangers of UV light, it is important to wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses when outdoors, and to limit the amount of time spent in direct sunlight. It is also important to avoid tanning beds and use protective filters on electronics to reduce exposure to UV radiation.

Written by

Alex Lee, Mar, 14 2023

How do we protect our skin from the sun?

Protecting our skin from the sun is important for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. The best way to protect our skin is with a combination of avoiding sun exposure, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen. To avoid sun exposure, try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest and wear a hat to protect your face. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunglasses can also provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Lastly, sunscreen should be applied liberally before heading outside and reapplied every two hours. With a few simple steps, we can protect our skin from sun damage and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

Written by

Soren Fife, Mar, 13 2023

Do dark skin people go darker if exposed to too much of sun?

Dark skin has a natural protection from sun exposure, but too much of it can still cause damage. Dark skin people can go darker if exposed to too much of the sun's UV rays due to the production of melanin in the skin. Long-term exposure to the sun can cause darkening of the skin, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, age spots, and other skin conditions. Sunscreen and protective clothing are important for anyone, but especially for dark skin people to avoid hyperpigmentation or permanent skin darkening. Taking precautions, such as wearing a broad-brimmed hat or sunglasses, can help dark skin people protect their skin from the sun.

Written by

Paul Davies, Mar, 13 2023

What will happen if you only wash your face once a week?

Washing your face is an essential part of any skincare routine, but what if you only washed your face once a week? If you only cleanse your skin once a week, your pores will become clogged with dirt, oil, makeup and other impurities, leading to problems like acne, rashes, and irritation. Additionally, your skin will become dull and lacklustre due to the buildup of dead skin cells. Finally, your skin won’t be able to absorb the beneficial ingredients of your skincare products, leaving you with lackluster results. If you want to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, it’s important to wash your face at least twice a week.

Written by

Paul Davies, Mar, 13 2023

How do I get rid of acne and marks for oily skin?

Acne and oily skin can be a frustrating combination to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the appearance of acne and marks. Start by cleansing your skin twice a day with an oil-free cleanser, followed by a moisturizer specifically formulated for oily skin. Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of acne and marks. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or an exfoliating brush to get the job done. Additionally, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Finally, consider seeing a dermatologist for more intensive treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. With dedication and the right approach, you can get rid of acne and marks for oily skin.

Written by

Paul Davies, Mar, 13 2023

What is the best cream that can reduce melanin?

Melanin is the pigment that gives us our skin color and age spots can be caused by too much melanin production. Finding the best cream to reduce melanin production can help reduce the appearance of age spots and give you a more even skin tone. There are a variety of creams and serums available that contain ingredients that are known to reduce melanin production. These may include retinol, hydroquinone, vitamin C, kojic acid, and niacinamide. It is important to consult a dermatologist to ensure you are using the right cream for your skin type. With the right cream, you can reduce the appearance of age spots and enjoy a more even skin tone.

Written by

Alex Lee, Mar, 13 2023