Dark spots, or liver spots, develop as a result of the aging process. Some people are more prone to developing dark spots than others are. People with naturally fair skin as well as those with extensive sun exposure are more likely than others to develop these blemishes. There are several ways to treat dark spots on the skin. The condition is not harmful, but they do make the person look older, and they generally get larger and darker as time passes.
Prescription Creams
There are some over-the-counter treatments that advertise the ability to lighten age spots, but they generally do not provide the best results. A dermatologist can prescribe bleaching cream, which contains hydroquinone, a lightening cream, or Tretinoin, a prescription strength retinoid that speeds exfoliation. Hydroquinone may unevenly bleach skin, leading to poor results. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe the two lotions together to achieve better results. Prescription creams are the least expensive treatment for dark spots, so many people try this method first.
Dermabrasion
During dermabrasion, the health-care provider will move a rotating brush across the surface of the skin, sanding down the surface. This removes the outer layer of skin, revealing a fresh, new layer. Skin is typically red and irritated after this procedure. The skin will also be sensitive, and sunscreen use is very important to prevent additional damage.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure where the dermatologist applies an acid to the skin. The acid burns the outer layer of the skin, and as the skin peels off it reveals fresh, new skin. A mild skin peel may require several sessions to show results, while a more aggressive peel will show results after one session. Like dermabrasion, chemical peels reveal a fresh layer of skin, so sunscreen is particularly important.
Cryotherapy
The dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to the skin during cryotherapy. This freezes the age spot, destroying the buildup of excess pigment. Permanent scarring or unevenly colored skin sometimes results from cryotherapy.
Laser Treatment
Laser therapy has an advantage over other treatment methods. It can destroy the areas affected by excess pigment without damaging the surface of the skin. This method doesn't result in the noticeable redness and peeling that other topical treatments can cause. Laser treatment typically requires several treatments, and the age spots fade gradually.
Member Comments