Age spots, flat light to dark brown lesions that form on skin chronically exposed to sunlight, go by many names, including liver spots, sun spots, lentigines and lentigos. Particularly common on hands, arms, shoulders, and the neck and face, those whose legs have often been in direct sunlight can eventually develop age spots there as well. While age spots themselves are harmless, DermaNetwork points out that because they develop from long-term unprotected sun exposure, people with age spots are at increased risk for skin cancer.
Step 1
Apply a hydroquinone bleaching cream to the age spots on your legs, as recommended by Howard University's department of dermatology chair Rebat Halder, M.D. First try an over-the-counter brand, which will have up to a 2 percent hydroquinone concentration, and if needed see a dermatologist for a prescription cream with up to a 4 percent concentration.
Step 2
Ask your dermatologist about a prescription for a topical retinoid like tretinoin to use with your bleaching cream. Cosmetic dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. explains that these products can improve the efficacy of hydroquinone. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that mild prescription steroid treatments can be a beneficial addition to hydroquinone use.
Step 3
Consult with your dermatologist about laser and other light therapies for getting rid of age spots on your legs. These treatments are commonly used to destroy the excess pigment. The Mayo Clinic points out that these procedures don't mar the skin, fading age spots gradually with repeat treatments over the course of a few weeks to months. Paul M. Friedman, M.D., dermatology professor at the University of Texas at Houston explains that there is now a wide variety of laser types, making it easier to find the right option to match an individual's specific considerations.
Step 4
Ask your dermatologist about other cosmetic procedures that may be right for treating the age spots on your legs. The Mayo Clinic cites cryotherapy, dermabrasion and chemical peels as effective options. Cryotherapy destroys excess pigment with a freezing agent like liquid nitrogen, while dermabrasion and chemical peels remove the effected skin, allowing clear skin to grow back in its place.
Tips and Warnings
- If your skin is sensitive to hydroquinone, or you prefer not to use it, there are alternatives that can be almost as effective. Professor of dermatology Debra Wattenberg, M.D. of the Mount Sinai Medical Center recommends looking for over-the-counter creams containing ingredients like kojic acid, Vitamin C, licorice extract, soy and mulberry.
- Sun protection is essential to preventing age spots, and to keeping them from becoming more pronounced while you treat them. Always use sunscreen and protective clothing, especially mid-day when sunlight is strongest. Be careful to only put hydroquinone bleaching creams on your age spots, as it will bleach any skin to which it is applied. Use a cotton swab or eye liner to be precise.
Things You'll Need
- Hydroquinone bleaching cream
- Topical retinoid
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