Any fair-skinned person that has spent a bit of time outdoors wants to know how to fade age spots. What follows is a step-by-step program that will help.

Stay out of the Sun

Staying out of the sun is always step one, because the spot was most likely caused by UV rays from the sun. UV triggers the production of melanin. Melanin is actually a hormone responsible for the skin's color. Sometimes, the melanin producing cells or melanocytes become damaged. So, instead of even production, you get "uneven" production and clumping. It's not unlike a freckle.

If you protected the area completely from UV, it might start to lighten on its own, in eight weeks or so, but maybe not. It really depends on how much damage has been done to the melanocytes. But, regardless, the first step for how to fade age spots is to stay out of the sun. The best way to do that is to wear protective clothing, like a hat with a wide brim, or to use a sun block containing zinc oxide. Other sun-screening ingredients are not as effective.

Avoid Smoke and Pollution, if Possible

If the spot was not caused by the sun, the most likely cause was smoke or environmental pollutants. These things would not naturally trigger melanin production, but they can cause the production of free radicals, which can damage the melanocytes.

Free radicals can also lead to skin aging. People that smoke cigarettes look older and have more wrinkles than those who don't. Not only are these two steps important for how to fade age spots, but they will also help insure that the spot does not return.

Check the Ingredients in Your Skincare Products

Petroleum based alcohols, such as ethanol, methanol, isopropyl and denatured alcohol, can cause hyper-pigmentation when applied directly to the skin. These are relatively common ingredients in cleansers, aftershave and some other health and beauty aids.

Use mild, all natural cleansers and moisturizers. The moisturizer that you choose could be the key step in how to fade age spots.

Use a Good Cream

There are a number of natural ingredients that even out pigmentation. If you want all-over whitening, look for cyperus rotundus extract. Don't buy hydroquinone. It's not safe, no matter what some sources say and it can make the problem worse.

If you simply want to even out pigmentation, follow the steps above and use a night cream that contains Shea butter, coenzyme Q10 and bioactive keratin. Each of these has been shown in separate studies to even out pigmentation, reduce brown spots and reverse sun damage.

In addition, these ingredients will improve firmness and moisture content. They will reduce wrinkles and sagging. They will improve your skin's health, in many ways. If you haven't always been as good to your skin as you could have been, it deserves some good treatment, for a change.

So, that's how to fade age spots in four simple steps. Be patient, it will take a few weeks, but the effect should be permanent.