Age spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They are benign collections of melanin, the skin's brown pigment, that form after years of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This type of hyperpigmentation is usually seen on the face, hands or other areas of skin often exposed to sunlight, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. This makes them fairly common on the legs, as well. There are a few standard treatments for age spots on the legs.
Sun Protection
Shielding the skin on your legs from further exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the first step in treating age spots, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Discontinue use of tanning beds and sunlamps, and protect your legs from the sun. Wear pants outdoors or liberally apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your legs about half an hour before going outside.
Fade Creams
Many topical applications are available over the counter and in stronger concentrations by prescription to help treat age spots on the legs. They go by several names, including fade creams, skin bleachers, skin lighteners, skin whiteners and skin brighteners. However, only one active ingredient---hydroquinone---is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be labeled a skin bleacher, notes Dr. Audrey Kunin.
Hydroquinone is usually recommended. However, other ingredients considered effective for fading age spots include alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, retinoids, kojic acid, deoxyarbutin, mitracarpus scaber extract, soy, licorice, gluconic acid, dithiaoctanediol and azelaic acid. Expect it to take at least three to six months for notable results, says the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies may help gradually remove age spots from the legs with consistent use over time. Rub lemon juice or a slice of raw, red onion over the age spots twice a day. These both contain acids that can peel superficial skin, slowly fading the age spots, according to Dr. Jerome Z. Litt, a dermatology instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Cosmetic Procedures
Often the most efficient and effective way to remove age spots from the legs is with a cosmetic procedure performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Laser surgery is a standard option, particularly with q-switched ruby or other pigmented lesion lasers that provide minimal risk of scarring, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Other procedures that can treat age spots on the legs by destroying the affected skin include dermabrasion, cryosurgery and chemical peels. Generally, multiple treatment sessions are needed for significant improvement to the appearance of age spots.
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