Age spots on your hands and face are a hallmark of growing older. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that too much sun, as well as aging, can lead to changes in your skin's pigment. The dark areas that contain higher levels of melanin are age spots, also called liver spots. The NIH also states that liver spots are not dangerous to your health, and do not require treatment. People who feel uncomfortable or self-conscious with age spots on their hands or face may consider several forms of treatment under the care of a dermatologist.
Step 1
Begin your quest to eliminate age spots with an over-the-counter fade cream that contains a bleaching agent. Creams with the active ingredients hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid can lighten the darkened spots in some people, but it may be a lengthy process. The Mayo Clinic suggests that treating age spots with over-the-counter preparations may not show results for weeks or even several months.
Step 2
Get rid of age spots on your hands or face with topical medications if over-the counter products do not achieve the results you desire. The Mayo Clinic states that medications containing more concentrated strengths of hydroquinone or steroid drugs can cause more fading than nonprescription creams. If you use topical products to treat age spots on your face, be sure to also wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when you are outside. Products of this kind can cause you to become overly sensitive to the sun.
Step 3
Take a non-invasive approach to eliminating age spots on your hands and face with laser surgery. Laser therapy damages the cells that produce the excess pigment, but do not harm the existing skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, multiple sessions of laser surgery may be required; it may take weeks or months for the age spots to diminish.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if you are an ideal candidate for cryosurgery. This procedures involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the liver spots. The liquid freezes your skin and the marks may appear lighter in color when your skin heals. Cryosurgery may not be the desired treatment for age spots on the face, as risks include permanent scarring. Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
Step 5
Consider cosmetic procedures such as dermabrasion or chemical peels to get rid of age spots on your hands and face. Both of these methods remove the top layer of your skin that contains the dark marks; dermabrasion uses a sanding approach, while a peel burns away skin with chemicals. These treatments can result in redness or scabbing during the recovery period, but can also eliminate wrinkles on your face as well as liver spots.
Things You'll Need
- Topical medications
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