Age spots generally occur on parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. The ultraviolet light emitted by the sun can overstimulate the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis, causing them to produce more melanin than usual. Since the hands are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, they are particularly vulnerable to the development of age spots. Several treatment options are available that can effectively fade or remove unwanted age spots on the hands.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off unwanted age spots and other lesions on the hands. Your doctor or dermatologist can perform cryotherapy in an out-patient setting, using a special spray gun to apply the liquid nitrogen to the desired area. The New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that the procedure takes no more than a few minutes and causes mild to moderate discomfort, which can be treated with analgesics or other over-the-counter painkillers. Occasional side effects associated with this treatment include scarring and a lightening or darkening of the treated area, which can be temporary or permanent.
Bleaching Agents
MayoClinic.com recommends the use of bleaching agents such as hydroquinone to fade age spots on the hands. Mild concentrations of up to 2 percent hydroquinone are sold over-the-counter, and your dermatologist can prescribe a stronger concentration topical of up to 4 percent hydroquinone. This medication blocks the enzyme tyrosinase, which stalls the production of pigment in the skin. Some prescription strength varieties of this topical also include retenoids and a mild steroid to enhance the skin-lightening effect. Since hydroquinone causes the skin to be extra sun-sensitive, it is important to wear protective clothing and use a broad spectrum sunscreen while using this medication.
Chemical Peels
A superficial or medium potency chemical peel can be performed on the hands to remove age spots, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. During the procedure, your dermatologist applies a peeling agent to the hands, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, which separates the uppermost layers of the skin. In the days following the procedure, these layers begin to peel away, revealing new layers of healthier skin underneath. Recipients of superficial peels usually experience some redness and scaling in the week after the procedure, while those undergoing a medium peel may have redness and swelling, and blisters may form as the skin repairs itself.
IPL Photofacial
An IPL photofacial utilizes a series of high-energy lightbeams that penetrate the skin and cause pigment deposits to break down. This skin rejuvenation procedure takes about thirty minutes and causes minimal discomfort, which feels like the snap of a rubber band against your hand. In the first few days following the procedure, your age spots will appear darker and may develop a crusty texture. They will eventually slough off with regular use of an exfoliating cleanser. There is no downtime for a photofacial, and most recipients experience only redness of the treatment area which subsides within 24 hours. On rare occasions, however, a photofacial can cause mild bruising, blistering, skin discolorations or an infection.
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