Age spots, which look like large freckles, may appear on the hands due to age, heredity or sun damage. Age spots, also known as liver spots, occur when clusters of pigment, or melanin, form on the skin. Although there are some over-the-counter topical treatments for age spots that may be mildly effective, the most effective, and also the most expensive, remedies to fade age spots must be prescribed or performed by either a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon. Purchase an over-the-counter bleaching cream that contains hydroquinone. Forget creams advertised on TV and in magazines that promise to fade age spots. Instead, head to the grocery store and check the ingredients list. If the product contains hydroquinone, it may be mildly effective in fading age spots, says the Mayo Clinic.
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying hydroquinone cream, recommends DermNetNZ, a site run by the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Dry your hands thoroughly with a towel. Do not use products that contain benzoyl peroxide while using hydroquinone.
Step 2
Apply an even film of hydroquinone cream to the the affected areas of your hands. Rub the cream into your skin, then wash your fingertips to remove the excess cream from any areas you do not want bleached.
Step 3
Apply a sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher on your hands before going outside. Using hydroquinone can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual.
Step 4
Apply hydroquinone cream once a day, or as recommended on the product's label. It may take four to six weeks before you notice any fading of your age spots. Continue use until the age spots are as light as desired.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a doctor about prescription creams, laser treatments or liquid nitrogen freezing if your age spots do not respond to over-the-counter hydroquinone.
- Keep hydroquinone cream out of the reach of children.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter hydroquinone cream
- Soap
- Towel
- Sunscreen
Member Comments