Age spots, also known as liver spots or lentigos, are flat, brown or dark spots that occur on sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the hands and face. They are more common in people who burn and freckle, according to DermaNetwork, and become more numerous with increasing age. Although age spots are a medically insignificant condition, they may be removed for cosmetic reasons.
Topical Medications
When used for a period of several months, over-the-counter lightening creams can help fade facial age spots. The Mayo Clinic recommends creams containing kojic acid, hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, or glycolic acid. Apply the cream at night before bed, or as instructed on the packaging. Facial age spots that fail to improve with over-the-counter medications may require treatment with prescription-strength bleaching creams, such as those containing higher doses of hydroquinone. Topical retinoids and topical steroids can increase the effectiveness of bleaching agents.
Chemical Peels and Dermabrasion
Chemical peels and dermabrasion treat facial age spots by removing the surface layer of skin. The Mayo Clinic states that dermabrasion works by rubbing away the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush. Chemical peels burn the top layer of skin, causing it to peel away so that new, lighter skin can grow in its place. Peels generally require several office visits and may cause temporary or permanent skin discoloration, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Laser Therapy and Cryotherapy
Laser therapy lightens facial age spots by destroying the skin's melanocytes, the cells responsible for giving the skin its color. Laser therapy is effective at reducing the appearance of age spots, but it is expensive, rarely covered by medical insurance and may require multiple sessions, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Cryotherapy destroys excess pigment and lightens age spots by freezing away the top layer of skin with an application of liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy poses a risk of permanent scarring.
Other Treatments
Some home remedies may be effective at lightening age spots in some people. Health911 recommends applying aloe vera gel and lemon juice directly on age spots to fade them, and Reader's Digest states that twice-daily applications of vinegar may lighten age spots within a few weeks. Wearing sunscreen every day will prevent the formation of new age spots and the darkening of existing spots. Wearing sunscreen is especially important during treatment for age spots, as some treatments and medications used for age spots increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
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