Over time, the collagen and elastin in our skin starts to break down, resulting in age spots and scars from a lifetime of acne, sun damage or both. While many age spots and scars are superficial, they can be unattractive. There are a number of ingredients available in both prescription and nonprescription lotions to fade age spots and scars.
Retinoids
According to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, topical application of retinoids, such as retinoic acid, has shown an effect on reversing, at least partially, age spots due to photodamage. Retinoic acid helps to improve the skin's surface texture and fade scars as well as reduce hyperpigmentation. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that are used to treat acne, but can also work for treating wrinkles and sun damage, as well as to regenerate new skin cells and fade scars.
Tretinoin
Treatment with tretinoin helps to prevent and reverse age spots and hyperpigmentation. According to a two-year placebo-controlled study of tretinoin in emollient cream, the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that treating age spots with the cream was safe and effective in people with moderate to severe sun spots on their face.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a lightening agent found in various cosmetic products to fade age spots and reduce scars. Usually this type of therapy takes a month or two before you see any results. Follow the directions on the package so you don't bleach the pigment of any unaffected skin.
Kojic Acid
This mushroom extract can be used for lightening age spots and freckles on the skin. Typically it can be found in locations, creams and soaps. According to the Mayo Clinic, kojic acid is one of the over-the-counter ingredients to look for in fade creams.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids , or AHAs, have shown some promise for reversing the effects of the sun. AHAs work by improving the surface texture of the skin, reducing irregular pigmentation and increasing the skin's collages when applied regularly for several months. Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA and can be found in many skin-care products for lightening age spots.
Silicone
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, gels and creams containing silicone have been helpful in reducing the appearance and thickness of scars. Silicone-containing products must be used regularly to remodel elevated scars.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology": Photoaging: Prevention and Topical Treatments, April 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Dermatology": Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Tretinoin Emollient Cream 0.05% in the Treatment of Photodamaged Facial Skin: A Two-Year, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, April 2005
- Doctor Good Skin: Common Topical Retinoids
- Mayo Clinic: Age Spots (Liver Spots)
- American Academy of Dermatology: What is a Scar
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