Age spots are markings that appear on the skin and are also commonly referred to as sun spots or liver spots. The blemishes are common in people over the age of 40 and occur as a result of sun damage. The pigment melanin becomes clumped under the surface of the skin and can commonly appear on the face. The spots are flat and usually have a brownish or blackish color. You should always consult your physician about spots that you notice on your skin to rule out serious conditions, like skin cancer.
Step 1
Choose a bleaching solution based on your skin tone. If you have light skin, you can choose a solution with hydroquinone as the active ingredient. For darker skin tones, pick formulations with kojic acid.
Step 2
Test out a small area of your skin with the whitening cream. Perform a sensitivity and allergy test on a different area than your face--such as the inside of your wrist. Because bleaching treatments can cause irritation in some people, place a small amount on an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours for signs of a bad reaction.
Step 3
Clean your skin with a mild soap. Rinse and pat your face dry with a towel. Place a small amount of the bleaching solution on your finger and massage directly onto the age spot. Use the cream twice a day for several months to fade facial age spots.
Step 4
Wear sunblock outdoors. The ingredients found in the skin lightener can cause sun sensitivity. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Step 5
Meet with a dermatologist to discuss more aggressive treatment options for age spots if home treatment does not prove successful. Laser therapy can destroy the extra pigment in the age spots, but multiple treatments may be required to completely remove the blemish. Dermabrasion and chemical peels remove the top layers of the skin to encourage new skin growth. A rotating brush sands down the skin during a dermabrasion procedure, while an acidic solution dissolves the skin if you receive a chemical peel.
Things You'll Need
- Bleaching cream
- Sunblock
Member Comments