As people age, it is common for skin to form unappealing blemishes, commonly called age spots. They appear on the skin of the face and on the back of the hands. The spots tend to be clearly defined, round, brown or black, flat blotches of skin. Age spots can appear on people of all skin types, but they are more common in people with light skin and are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light boosts the creation of melanin. Age spots are harmless and are not painful. Occasionally, age spots may make it harder to diagnose skin cancer. Speak with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist about the best treatment options for you.