Ultraviolet radiation, also referred to as UV, can damage skin. Skin cancer is associated with UV radiation and sunburns, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It also causes the premature aging of skin, giving it a blotchy and leathery appearance. This is called photoaging and can be treated by laser resurfacing, chemical peels and topical creams that lighten the skin.
Laser
Laser resurfacing vaporizes the top layer of skin removing age spots and blotchy skin. It removes the sun damaged skin and wrinkles, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can be expensive and there is some down time after the treatment. Normally, it takes one to two weeks before you can return to work and up to several months before the skin is completely healed. The skin will be a slight pink color while it is healing. This type of treatment works best with lighter skin tones. In darker skinned people, pigment changes may happen. Always consult with a dermatologist before choosing a treatment option.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels cause the surface layer of skin to peel off and remove sun damaged skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, AAD. They reduce fine lines, brown spots and even skin tone. The chemical is applied to the face in a dermatologist's office---a controlled wound on the skin causes the surface layer of skin to slough away, revealing new skin underneath. This stimulates the healing process and generates new skin cells. Deep chemical peels can be painful and require medication during the procedure, according to the AAD. Chemical peels can take months for the skin to heal and the redness to go away. Complications may include temporary or permanent skin color changes.
Topical Creams
A variety of over-the-counter and prescription skin creams are available that treat blotchy skin, age spots and sun damaged skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, AHAs, exfoliate the skin's surface with organic chemicals such as glycolic, lactic and citric acids, according to the AAD. They improve the complexion and lighten dark spots and excessive pigmentation. AHAs are an ingredient in many skin products. They can be irritating to sensitive skin and a skin patch test should be done before using.
Prescription bleaching creams such as hydroquinone fade brown spots evening blotchy skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. They can be used alone or in combination with retinoids such as topical tretinoin. These products cause extreme sun sensitivity---a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF 30 or higher should be worn while using these creams.
