What are age spots?
Solar lentigo (commonly called age spots or liver spots) are flat brown, gray, or black patches that develop on skin exposed to the sun over many years. They are most common on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
What is selenium?
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that helps support normal thyroid function, reproduction, and antioxidant enzymes that protect cells from oxidative stress.
Does selenium prevent or remove age spots?
There is no strong clinical evidence that taking selenium supplements prevents, fades, or cures age spots in people who are not deficient in selenium.
While selenium has antioxidant properties, studies have not shown that supplementation reliably reverses sun-related skin pigmentation.
What does help reduce age spots?
The most effective approaches include:
- Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure.
- Prescription lightening creams recommended by a dermatologist.
- Procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or cryotherapy, when appropriate.
Should you take selenium supplements?
If you have a balanced diet, you’re likely getting enough selenium. Taking more than recommended is not proven to improve skin health and can be harmful. Excess selenium may cause a condition called selenosis, with symptoms such as:
- Hair loss.
- Brittle nails.
- Nausea.
- A garlic-like breath odor.
- Nerve problems in severe cases.
Bottom line
The claim that selenium is the key to preventing or reversing age spots is not supported by strong scientific evidence. Protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) exposure is far more effective, and if age spots are bothersome, a dermatologist can discuss treatments that have been shown to work.
