What Are the Treatments for Facial Spots?

What Are the Treatments for Facial Spots?
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If you develop a spot on your face, you should have it evaluated by a dermatologist to make sure that the mark is non-cancerous. In many cases, spots on the face develop from prolonged exposure to the sun. These markings are referred to as liver spots or age spots. While treating liver spots, remember to apply sunscreen on a regular basis to prevent the spots from worsening.

Bleaching Creams

One of the least invasive treatments available for spots on the face is the application of bleaching creams. Bleaching creams are sold over-the-counter or retrievable through prescription. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a bleaching cream with one of the following ingredients for age spots: hydroquinone, kojic acid, deoxyarbutin or glycolic acid. The ingredients in the creams need to penetrate the surface of the skin to prove effective, so you need to apply on a regular basis for several weeks to months for results to appear.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

This treatment is recommended for age spots, sun spots and liver spots by the DermaNetwork.org website. During this procedure, a dermatologist or plastic surgeon exposes your skin to a type of intense light. This encourages new skin growth to reduce the appearance of markings on the face.

Cryotherapy

During cryotherapy, a doctor applies a freezing agent, like liquid nitrogen to the spot on your face. This destroys the excess pigment found in the age spot. Once the skin heals, the age spot has a lighter appearance. This procedure may be performed on a single spot or a grouping of spots close together on the face.

Chemical Peel

When you get a chemical peel to get rid of spots on the face, an acidic substance is applied directly to the treatment area. The chemical burns off the top layer of skin to encourage new skin growth. You may need multiple treatments before any results are visible.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jul 4, 2010

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