Dark spots on the legs are considered hyperpigmentation. The condition, which is typically harmless, presents when the skin's brown pigment, melanin, accumulates in excess in particular spots, explains the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Liver spots or age spots are a type of hyperpigmentation, common with the aging process, that occur from years of sun exposure. Spots on legs may also be a form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that occurs following skin infections, wounds, acne breakouts, allergic reactions or other catalysts. Regardless what causes hyperpigmentation, the treatment options for getting rid of the dark spots are basically the same.
Step 1
Wear pants when you go outside during mid-day hours, when ultraviolet radiation from the sun is at its peak. Protecting the skin on your legs from further sun damage increase the chances of favorable results from age spot treatments, advises the American Academy of Dermatology on its AgingSkinNet website.
Step 2
Rub a waterproof or water-resistant broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 15 or greater on your legs year-round if they'll be exposed to sunlight, suggests New York Presbyterian Hospital. Apply it liberally half an hour before going outside, and apply it again every two hours.
Step 3
Buy a hydroquinone-based fade cream over the counter and apply it to your legs according to the package instructions. Use the cream consistently for up to six months, as it can take this long for dark spots to lighten, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Talk to your doctor about a prescription-strength product if necessary, and about using a tretinoin prescription and a steroid cream in conjunction with the hydroquinone.
Step 4
Consult a plastic surgeon or dermatologist about cosmetic procedures that can improve the appearance of dark spots on your legs. Consider intense pulsed light therapy or laser therapy with a q-switched ruby or other pigmented lesion laser, advises the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Discuss whether chemical peels, cryotherapy or dermabrasion might be better options.
Tips and Warnings
- Effective alternatives to hydroquinone bleaching creams include products made with glycolic acid, kojic acid and deoxyarbutin, states the health information website of the Mayo Clinic. Soy and licorice are beneficial ingredients to look for as well, notes AgingSkinNet.
- Abnormalities on your skin should be examined by a dermatologist to rule out malignancy. Legs are not only exposed to ultraviolet radiation from above; it is reflected off surfaces such as water, pavement, snow and sand, the New York Presbyterian Hospital points out. Artificial tanning with sun lamps or tanning beds and salons is counterproductive to getting rid of age spots, according to AgingSkinNet. Fade creams can cause skin irritation, especially with prolonged use, warns the Mayo Clinic. Cosmetic procedures, including chemical peels, laser therapy and intense pulsed light therapy may in some cases worsen the appearance of dark spots, says the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Things You'll Need
- Pants
- Sunblock
- Hydroquinone cream
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