Age spots--also called sun spots or solar lentigines--appear on areas of your body that receive the most exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays, such as your face, but also your hands, feet, shoulders and back, says the Mayo Clinic. Sun spots are areas on your face where excessive amount of pigmentation collects, and they're often accompanied by other signs of photoaging, such as wrinkles and rough, dry, leathery skin. Treatment for age spots on the face may be as simple as using topical creams; however, more problematic spots may require treatment by a dermatologist.
Over-the-Counter Creams
There are many bleaching/fading creams and skin lightening treatments available in department stores, drugstores and for purchase online, points out the Mayo Clinic, which goes on to say that these may work for you, depending on the severity of age spots and how diligently the product is applied. When looking for an over-the-counter treatment for age spots, look for ingredients such as hydroquinone (a bleaching agent), deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid and kojic acid.
Prescription Topical Medications
When nonprescription age spot treatments don't work, the next step up is typically a prescription bleaching cream that contains a larger concentration of hydroquinone, says the Mayo Clinic. Nonprescription creams may legally contain up to 2 percent of this active ingredient, whereas prescription topicals may contain up to 4 percent hydroquinone, explains skincare expert Paula Begoun. Prescription bleaching cream may be applied alone, but a dermatologist may also suggest complimentary topical creams, such as retinoids like Retin-A and Renova and a mild steroid cream, says the Mayo Clinic.
Other Treatments
Other medical procedures are also used to treat age spots on the face. A series of laser treatments may be used to eradicate the build-up of melanocytes that cause them to form, says the Mayo Clinic. A single age spot of small group of spots may be frozen with liquid nitrogen, which performs a similar function as laser therapy. A series of chemical peels may also be used to treat age spots, as can a more invasive procedure called dermabrasion, in which the skin's surface is planed using a rotating wire brush.
Sun Protection
A cornerstone treatment for age spots on the face is addressing the culprit that causes them: ultraviolet rays. Begoun states that because age spots are caused by sun exposure, using inadequate sun protection while undergoing any type of treatment is a useless endeavor. Before going outdoors, apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 (Begoun suggests looking for these ingredients on your product's packaging: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb). Don't go outdoors to intentionally tan, and avoid using tanning beds and sun lamps.
Things to Keep in Mind
The Mayo Clinic points out that if you see a dermatologist to treat your sun spots, services are not likely to be covered under your insurance plan, as they are considered cosmetic in nature. If you're considering a particular treatment procedure for age spots, make sure that your dermatologist has plenty of expertise in this area. Finally, the American Academy of Dermatology points out that while age spots are not necessarily an indicator of skin cancer, cancerous lesions may look markedly similar. If an age spot has uneven rather than rounded edges, seek a consultation with a dermatologist immediately.
Member Comments