Age spots, or liver spots, are flat marks that typically appear on areas that are exposed to the sun regularly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Age spots are common in people over the age of 40, though they can affect younger individuals as well. These spots are usually harmless, but you may wish to lighten them for cosmetic reasons. In rare cases, a mark that looks like an age spot can be a form of skin cancer. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you have concerns about any marks on your skin, particularly if they bleed or change color, shape or size, advises the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 1
Purchase a skin-lightening cream that contains hydroquinone to help fade and clear up existing age spots. Hydroquinone bleaches your skin and breaks down excess skin pigment. Apply the cream daily according to directions. It may take a month or longer to see results, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Step 2
Talk to your dermatologist about prescription-strength bleaching creams. Creams with higher concentrations of hydroquinone can help fade some age spots that do not clear up with over-the-counter creams.
Step 3
Discuss other treatment options with your dermatologist if you are sensitive or allergic to skin bleaching creams.
Dermabrasion and chemical peel treatments remove the upper layers of skin, revealing new areas underneath that contain less pigment, making age spots appear lighter and less noticeable. It may take several treatments to see results, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Laser therapy and freezing treatments can help destroy the excess pigment without removing the upper layers of skin. These treatment methods typically cause fewer side effects, such as redness and scabbing, but they can be more expensive, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours to help prevent age spots, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Avoid the sun as much as possible between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this is when the rays are the most damaging, advises the Mayo Clinic.
- Stop using any skin lightening cream that causes severe irritation, itching, burning, redness, crusting or swelling. These are often signs of an allergic reaction, cautions the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Things You'll Need
- Lightening cream
- Sunscreen
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