Many medical treatments can help you get rid of sun spots and freckles. Sun spots --- also called age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines --- are flat, gray, brown or black spots that range in size and typically appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Freckles, also known as ephelides, are small, flat brown spots that surface on sun-exposed skin, especially the face and arms. The best way to prevent sun spots is by limiting time in the sun and using sunscreen. Freckles are inherited but become darker with consistent sun exposure.
Step 1
Buy an over-the-counter fade cream. If you purchase one of these creams, the Mayo Clinic suggests choosing one that contains hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Some of these creams may cause irritation with prolonged use.
Step 2
Ask your doctor for a prescription for a bleaching cream for sun spots. You may use hydroquinone alone or with retinoids and a mild steroid to gradually fade the spots over several months. You should avoid the sun or protect your skin with a UV ray-blocking sunscreen if you use these medications.
Step 3
Undergo laser therapy, which will destroy excess melanocytes without damaging your skin's surface. Sun spots will gradually fade over weeks or months. Laser therapy may require several sessions and can be very expensive. It has few side effects.
Step 4
Get intense pulsed-light therapy. This procedure is associated with much less pain and recovery time than many laser or chemical-related procedures, according to Derma Network. IPL therapy stimulates skin cell regeneration by exposing the dermal layers of skin to pulses of bright light. It may require several treatments before the desired results are achieved.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment for cryotherapy. Cryotherapy involves applying freezing agents to the sun spots to destroy the dark pigment. This method is typically used on a single or small group of sun spots. There is a slight risk of permanent scarring or discoloration. Not all spots respond to cryotherapy.
Step 6
Consult your doctor about dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rapidly rotating brush sands off the surface layer of your skin. After the skin surface is removed, new skin grows. You may experience redness and temporary scabs.
Step 7
Get a chemical peel. This procedure involves applying an acid directly to your sun spots. The acid burns the outer layer of skin. After the skin peels off, new skin grows. Superficial peels can have no pain and recovery time, while deeper peels provide optimum results and require more down-time. Avoid the sun or protect your skin with sunscreen following this treatment.
Step 8
Undergo a photofacial. In this procedure, your doctor may apply a cooling gel before using a machine to focus a broad-spectrum light at the dermal layer of your skin. You will notice results within days, although many people require multiple treatments. This gentle procedure can be performed in minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Sun spot and freckle treatments are considered cosmetic, so your insurance may not pay for them. Discuss side effects in advance with your doctor. Make sure your doctor is is specially trained and experienced in administering the procedure you're considering.
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