Age spots are flat brown or dark spots that appear on your skin due to aging or excessive sun exposure. They are also known as liver spots or solar lentigines. Age spots usually appear on areas of your skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as your hands, shoulders and face. They occur in various sizes and may be treated with a variety of products and procedures.
Sunscreen
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), application of sunscreen is the simplest treatment that can prevent further development or worsening of age spots. It is also useful after treatment of the skin with other procedures, because it prevents the recurrence of age spots. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you leave home so that it is absorbed by your skin effectively.
Topical Applications
Bleaching agents or creams are used alone or in combination with tretinoin, a Vitamin A derivative to fade away age spots over a period of several months, as stated by Mayo Clinic. According to the ASDS, alpha hydroxy acids may also be used along with the other topical agents to lighten age spots. You need a prescription to purchase these topical applications.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is done by a dermatologist. During this procedure, a laser beam is applied to the age spot on your skin. Laser therapy does not destroy your skin, but it destroys the extra pigment-producing cells that cause age spots. This procedure causes your age spots to fade away gradually over time. You may need several treatments to see desired results.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a procedure done by your dermatologist that involves scraping off the surface of your skin. It is done by sanding down your skin with a rapidly rotating device that has an abrasive surface. After this procedure, new skin develops and your age spots go away. Your skin requires about a week to heal from this procedure.
Chemical Peels
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), chemical peels can treat age spots. Superficial peels affect the top layer of your skin while medium and deep peels affect deeper layers of your skin. In this procedure, a chemical solution is applied to your skin to peel off damaged skin. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which chemical peel is right for you.
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