Home Treatment For Age Spots

Age spots are a form of hyperpigmentation characterized by patches of gray, brown and black pigment on the skin. These spots are flat and tend to appear on the parts of the body that receive the most sun, including the arms, shoulders and face. Also known as liver spots, this type of hyperpigmentation occurs when factors such as sun exposure and age trigger the overproduction of melanin, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatments for age spots include professional cosmetic procedures, as well as medicated bleaching agents and chemical exfoliants formulated for home use. Some products do not require a prescription; however, to ensure safety and effectiveness, consult a physician before beginning treatment.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone cream is a bleaching agent that works by stopping melanin production, explains Dr. Audry Kunin, author of the "Dermadoctor Skinstruction Manual." With daily use, it gradually lightens age spots to match the surrounding skin. Hydroquinone is available over-the-counter in 2 percent formulations and in 4 percent formulations by prescription.

The downside of hydroquinone is that it is non-selective, meaning it can lighten both normal and abnormal areas of pigmentation. To avoid creating white patches on the skin, the medication can only be applied to discolored spots. Depending on the size of the treatment area, this may be difficult. In addition, hydroquinone use may cause irritation, sun sensitivity and ochronosis--bluish discoloration at the treatment site.

Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy family, a group of natural chemical exfoliants. Used topically, it helps diminish fine lines and irregular pigmentation such as age spots, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Glycolic acid creams, lotions and cleansers are available over-the-counter and by prescription. The clinic advises new users to start with products containing 10 percent to 15 percent concentrations to prevent irritation, a side effect of the treatment. Glycolic acid also causes UV sensitivity.

Sunscreen

Hydroquinone and glycolic acid increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun; therefore, it is important to use sunscreen during the day. Kunin recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Along with preventing sunburn, sunscreen will help stop existing age spots from darkening and new ones from forming.

Method

Hydroquinone is typically applied two times a day to clean, dry skin, says Kunin. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic recommends glycolic acid lotions and creams for use every other day, with a gradual build up to daily use.

The products can be used separately to treat age spots; however using them together may speed up the lightening process. Kunin recommends layering the products by applying the glycolic acid lotion to the entire treatment area, waiting 20 minutes, then rubbing the hydroquinone cream into the liver spots. According to Kunin, the glycolic acid lotion helps draw the hydroquinone "more deeply into the skin."

Despite its proposed benefits, however, layering increases the risk of irritation. If this occurs, apply the products at different times, or use them every other day.

Effectiveness

Fading hyperpigmentation can be a lengthy process. Depending on the extent of the discoloration, it may take several months for age spots to fade, says MayoClinic.com.