Creams That Remove Age Spots

Creams that remove age spots must contain an active ingredient that can penetrate the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin. The Mayo Clinic says this is because clusters of melanin responsible for age spots are located at the base of the epidermis. If a topical cream is unable to reach this location, it cannot fade the age spots. There are a number of creams, however, that can eliminate the melanin, thereby helping to remove age spots from the skin.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is one of the most common ingredients in creams for age spots. It's considered a bleaching agent for the skin, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. When applied to the surface of the skin, it impedes the production of melanin, which helps to fade age spots until they match the color of the rest of the skin. It's available in both prescription and nonprescription strength.

Tretinoin

Creams containing retinoic acid can to reduce irregular pigmentation of the skin, states the American Academy of Dermatology, and thereby helps fade age spots. Retinoic acid is also known as tretinoin, a derivate of vitamin A that lightens skin by causing cellular turnover. This basically means the old skin is replaced with new skin, explains the Mayo Clinic. It is frequently combined with hydroquinone and a mild steroid in a prescription formula to fade and remove age spots.

Deoxyarbutin

Deoxyarbutin is another common active ingredient found in creams for age spots. It's a similar agent to hydroquinone, notes the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and is considered a skin-lightening agent that is far less irritating than hydroquinone. It works by penetrating deep into the epidermis where the melanin is located, and thereby removes the age spots from the skin.

Glycolic Acid

The Mayo Clinic also lists glycolic acid as an ingredient in creams for age spots. Glycolic acid is considered an alpha hydroxy acid. Over-the-counter creams containing this ingredient encourage a slight peeling that can eventually fade age spots. Creams containing glycolic acid aren't as effective as those with hydroquinone or tretinoin, but may help to fade lighter age spots on the skin.

Kojic Acid

Creams containing kojic acid can also help to remove age spots. An evaluation by the National Institutes of Health describes kojic acid as a "skin-lightening or bleaching agent." It is available in nonprescription age creams.