Age spots are a result of excess skin pigmentation brought on by excessive sun exposure. Also referred to as liver spots, age spots do not fade by themselves and require a thorough examination and treatment. Age spots are identified by their flat, brown or black appearance on the skin. Facial age spots are more common in individuals aged 40 and up, according to the Mayo Clinic, although they do affect a few younger individuals.
Step 1
Apply a 2 percent solution over-the-counter hydroquinine cream to age spots. According to the "Doctors Book of Home Remedies," hydroquinine is a skin-bleaching agent that fades lighter age spots. Darker age spots require a stronger solution, such as 3 percent, which is only available by prescription.
Step 2
Apply a vitamin A-derived retinoid cream in conjunction with hydroquinine treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, retinoid- and hydroquinine-combined therapy may gradually fade spots within several months. Using proper sun protection when outdoors is advised since these medications render your skin sensitive to the sun's damaging UV rays.
Step 3
Massage an alpha hydroxy lotion into your facial skin after cleansings. Alpha hydroxy acids contain sugarcane, fruit and milk, according to the "Doctors Book of Home Remedies." These lotions work by gently exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and outer layer hyperpigmentation.
Step 4
Attend several laser therapy sessions to gradually lighten age spots. Your dermatologist uses a handheld laser to break down skin pigmentation in facial age spots. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser treatments are costly and require several treatment sessions before desired results are achieved.
Step 5
Relax with dermabrasion treatments from your dermatologist. Dermabrasion is the process of exfoliating your facial skin using a rapidly rotating brush. This removes dead surface skin cells and causes new skin to form, gradually fading age spots, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Always wear sunscreen labeled SPF 15 or higher when outdoors to prevent age spots from forming or worsening. SPF stands for sun protection factor on sun care product labels. Wide-brimmed hats will also provide adequate protection for your face. Hide age spots during treatment with an over-the-counter concealer and foundation matching your skin tone.
Things You'll Need
- 2 percent solution hydroquinine cream
- Retinoid cream
- Alpha hydroxy lotion
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