Liver spots, also known as age spots due to their prevalence in people over the age of 40, are dark pigment spots on the skin. They are most commonly located on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun (hands, face, shoulders and arms). The causes of age spots are usually sun or ultraviolet light exposure, or aging of the skin. There are several different ways to get rid of age spots, but as they are not painful or harmful, it is not necessary unless you want to get rid of them for aesthetic reasons.
Step 1
Visit a dermatologist. Liver spots are not harmless but they are similar in appearance to certain types of melanoma (cancerous) growths. It is best to get an age spot checked out if you are not certain it is not cancerous. If you decide to remove your age spot, the dermatologist can guide you to which procedure or method is right for you.
Step 2
Lighten age spots with skin bleach to reduce their appearance. Skin whitening kits are made to lighten dark pigmented areas on the skin, so they are effective in lightening age spots. You can find these kits in beauty stores and online. Dermatologists can also prescribe skin lightening creams that may be more effective than what you will find over-the counter. Skin bleach or lightening creams require you to regularly apply the solution to your age spot for several months until it fades.
Step 3
Schedule a laser therapy procedure. This involves the use of a laser to break down the dark pigment in the skin. It typically takes several sessions at several hundred (depending on location) dollars per appointment.
Step 4
Fade away age spots with a chemical peel. This procedure also requires several sessions and involves applying chemicals to your age spot to peel away layers of skin.
Step 5
Freeze your age spots with a solution called liquid nitrogen. In this procedure, the dermatologist will apply the solution to the age spot and, due to the intense freezing, the dark pigmentation will die. As new skin grows, it is usually lighter in appearance.
Step 6
Protect your skin from the sun. This preventative measure can keep new age spots from forms (along with many other signs of aging such as wrinkles). Also, if you undergo any procedure or use creams to get rid of your age spots, your skin will likely be extra sensitive and vulnerable to the sun. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat to shield treated skin from UV rays.
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