Key triggers:
Cumulative sun exposure (even on cloudy days!)
Genetics
Fair skin (less natural melanin protection)
Aging (skin’s repair mechanisms slow down)
❌ Myth: They’re caused by liver problems or “toxins.”
✅ Truth: They’re a sign of sun damage—not internal illness.
🧪 So, Where Does Selenium Fit In?
Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight oxidative stress—one of the main drivers of skin aging and UV damage.
What the research shows:
✅ Selenium supports skin’s natural defense against UV radiation.
✅ It works synergistically with other antioxidants (like vitamin E and C) to protect skin cells.
✅ Low selenium levels may make skin more vulnerable to sun damage and slower healing.
But here’s the catch:
🔬 No high-quality study proves that selenium alone prevents or removes age spots.
It’s one piece of a much larger puzzle—not a magic bullet.
🥜 How to Get Selenium (Safely)
The RDA for adults is 55 mcg/day. You can easily meet this through food:
Top Food Sources:
