Age spots affect people of all ages and races, but they are more common in people with fair skin and in those over 40 years. They appear as flat, dark-colored patches of skin and are generally of no medical significance, according to the Mayo Clinic. The spots primarily develop on the face, hands, arms and other sun-exposed areas in response to increased melanin production in the skin. Age spots are also called liver spots or solar lentigines.
Medications
Over-the-counter lightening creams containing hydroquinone, glycolic acid or deoxyarbutin can fade lighter age spots over a period of several months. Prescription-strength hydroquinone and topical retinoids can get rid of age spots in most cases. Using a steroid may further increase the effectiveness of these medications. Treatment of age spots with topical medications requires several months of continued use. The Mayo Clinic advises wearing sunscreen while treating your age spots with medication.
Dermabrasion
During dermabrasion, a rotating brush sands away the skin's surface layer to give the skin a more even, lighter appearance. Dermabrasion may be uncomfortable and cause scabbing and redness, but these side effects are temporary. The University of Minnesota Medical Center notes that dermabrasion is sometimes followed by a chemical peel to remove deep skin discoloration.
Chemical Peels
Like dermabrasion, chemical peels remove the top layer of skin so that newer, lighter skin can take its place. During a chemical peel, a dermatologist applies acid directly to the age spot to burn it away, layer by layer. Both superficial and medium-depth peels are effective at getting rid of age spots, according to the Mayo Clinic, but superficial peels require multiple treatments before the skin is clear. The New Zealand Dermatological Society states that chemical peels may also stimulate the production of new collagen in the skin, which can improve the skin's texture.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy for age spots involves using liquid nitrogen to destroy the pigment responsible for the skin discoloration. This procedure poses a slight risk of scarring and is best suited for single age spots. The New Zealand Dermatological Society warns that cryotherapy is not suitable for use on melanoma or any undiagnosed lesion that may be melanoma. A proper diagnosis is essential before using cryotherapy to get rid of age spots.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy works to fade age spots by destroying the pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, in the skin. During the procedure, a beam of light is directed into the skin to target the melanocytes directly. Laser therapy cause few side effects, but typically requires multiple sessions and is expensive.
Member Comments