1. Remove the Affected Skin Area
The most effective--but also most invasive--way to remove age spots is to undergo a chemical peel. Performed by licensed dermatologists using high-strength alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), chemical peels remove the upper layer of the skin, eliminating not only age spots and pigmentation, but also wrinkles and other skin imperfections.
Most chemical peels can be done as an outpatient procedure and require no special recovery treatment except the application of a cream or gel to ease burning and tingling. In cases where stronger acids such as phenol are used, the treated area should be covered with a special surgical bandage for at least two days.
2. Burn the Spots Away
Laser resurfacing done with the latest generation of lasers (such as the Q-switched ruby) is a great way to remove age spots in areas other than the face and neck. While chemical peels are rarely used on the arms or chest, there are no off-limit areas when it comes to laser treatments. While the procedure itself is quick and rather painless, laser resurfacing requires a longer recovery period, as the skin will peel and scab after treatment. When done properly by a certified surgeon, the procedure will get rid of up to 97 percent of age spots, high pigmentation and other skin coloring problems.
3. Freeze the Area
Up until laser treatments became popular, most dermatologists used liquid nitrogen to get rid of many skin imperfections, including age spots. Nitrogen becomes liquid once it reaches a temperature of -321 degrees F. In its liquid stage, it will instantly freeze anything with which it comes into contact, including your skin. To treat age spots, nitrogen is usually sprayed directly on the area, which will cause the skin to freeze and eventually peel off, taking the pigmentation with it.
Liquid nitrogen has lost popularity in recent years because the recovery time is rather long. It takes an average of three weeks for the old skin to peel off and the new skin to show through. Also, liquid nitrogen requires the use of a local anesthetic, since the pain and burning that comes with its application is too much for most people to bear.
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