If you've noticed dark marks on your face that were never there before, they may be age spots. Age spots, also known as liver spots, are small dark blotches of pigmentation that form on the skin due to sun damage. Age spots are not dangerous if you are getting your skin examined regularly by a dermatologist. If you can't stand the appearance of your age spots, you can face them with home remedies or with the help of a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
Step 1
Apply an over-the-counter fading cream to gradually fade age spots, recommends "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Over-the-counter creams that contain hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin or glycolic acid are particularly effective, says the Mayo Clinic. Although an over-the-counter product may not provide the drastic results you are looking for, it may help fade age spots over time.
Step 2
Dab a prescription bleaching cream on age spots daily to help reduce them. Prescription bleaching creams may include hydroquinone as an active ingredient, and may be prescribed alone or along with a retinoid cream to help encourage skin exfoliation.
Step 3
Get your age spots frozen off with cryotherapy, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Liquid nitrogen is placed on the face, which freezes the pigment on the face and separates it from the skin. When the skin heals, the age spots may look significantly lighter, although there is a risk of scarring, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Attack the pigment on your skin using laser therapy. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can perform laser therapy, usually in the doctor's office. The laser destroys the pigment on the skin gradually, so it may require several treatments before the age spots are completely gone.
Step 5
Get microdermabrasion to blast away age spots. When a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon performs microdermabrasion, he blows an abrasive substance directly at the age spots, which wears away the darkened skin cells.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear sunscreen and a hat daily to help prevent age spots.
- Consult several doctors before deciding on one to perform your procedure.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter fading cream
- Prescription bleaching cream
- Retinoid cream
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