Lentigines (age spots) and ephelides (freckles) are frequently tan, brown or black spots that appear over time on sun exposed areas of the skin. These spots are commonly on the back of the hands, face and legs. People who tan extensively may also have them on the shoulders, back, chest and several other areas of skin.

Markings such as lentigines are external collections of the skin pigment named melanin that have accumulated within the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis.

Ephelides occur mostly in lighter skin types, particularly in people who get skin burns quickly when exposed to the sun. Lentigines typically appear later in life and can develop on all skin types.

Certain skin marks and age spots medically known as lentigos are usually called "liver spots" or "age spots". However, both of these terms are misnomers. While freckles do commonly appear over time, they are not by themselves a sign of old age. Rather, they show up on the sun-exposed areas of people who have a genetic tendency to develop them.

When exaggeratedly exposed to UV rays, whether from a tanning booth, a sun lamp or years of going out without sunscreen, unprotected skin protects itself by producing an overabundance of melanin, producing uneven patches. Age spots or lentigos and seborrhoeic keratoses are brown patches that commonly appear on the back of the hands, face and the back. This pigment is accumulated as a type of response to injury, just like a scar is a response to a wound.

Even while this condition is inoffensive, it should not be confused with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Lentigo impacts both sexes equally. Ethnically, the majority of cases happen in skin types I-II, but lentigo has been reported in all other types in rare cases. The lighter complexion in Caucasians boosts one's sun sensitivity and gives way for the increased risk of having the condition. People that suffer from the inability to tan in natural sunlight are especially at risk and should be extremely attentive about everyday ways to maintain healthy skin. Genetic factors should also be considered; persons with a family history of melanoma, or potential precursors to melanoma, are more prone to forming lentigos.

Lentigo-type freckles & Seborrheic Keratoses

Often older persons who have these lentigo-type freckles also have engrossed, brown, crusty lesions named seborrheic keratoses. Seborrheic dermatoses are also benign (not malignant) growths of the skin. Although they are usually brown, they can vary in color and range anywhere from light tan to black. The tell-tale characteristic of seborrheic keratoses is their waxy appearance. They look like they have either been pasted on the skin or can be physically similar to a dab of melted brown candle wax that dropped on the skin. Seborrheic keratoses can happen in the same areas as freckles, but since they are not caused by sunlight, they can also be found on covered areas. When they first appear, the growths commonly start one at a time as small rough bumps. Eventually, they thicken and form a rough, warty surface.