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Getting rid of age spots is something many of us would like to do as we get older, essentially reversing sun damage and clearing skin of those pesky markers of time. Whether with your dermatologist's help or by trying an over-the-counter product, it is possible to fade age spots and reveal younger looking skin.
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Age Spot Removal Tips
- Age spots are the result of sun exposure not aging.
- Sunblock will prevent future age spots.
- You may need to experiment with a few different products.
- Talk to your dermatologist about treatment options.
- Your insurance company may not cover treatment costs.
- Request annual skin exams as part of your physical.
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Introduction
- Age spots, also known as liver spots, are usually found on the face, hands, shoulders or arms—areas that are usually visible to others because they've been heavily exposed to the sun's rays.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots In recent years, many over the counter cosmetic products have shown up on the shelves to combat age spots. Though technically harmless, some age spots can be harbingers of skin cancer and are troubling from a cosmetic standpoint. Keep reading to learn how you might remove such age spots and prevent them from cropping up in the future.
Step 1: Prevention is Crucial
- Whether you have the first signs of age spots or have been battling them for some time, guarding against the sun is your first line of defense.
- In truth, age spots "have little to do with age," says Dr. Eileen Lambroza and everything to do with exposure to the sun.Prevention: Age Spots
- Stay out of the sun and wear a serious sunblock every day, preferably one that includes a physical blocker like titanium dioxide to prevent future spots.Prevention: Age Spots
- Layer on long-sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.Web MD: What Causes Age Spots?
- Try to avoid the sun during peak hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots
Be Sure Your Age Spots Aren't Signs of Further Damage
- It's important to determine whether age spots are truly harmless or perhaps signs of melanoma.
- You can use this slideshow from the Mayo Clinic to classify the sun damage on your skin.Mayo Clinic: Slideshow: Sun Damage
- Remember that age spots can be brown, black or gray in color and are flat on the skin. Usually age spots are found on people with fair complexions, though that is not always the case.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots
- If your spots do not meet this description or look like those in the slideshow, see your doctor to make sure your skin is healthy.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots
- Experts recommend making a skin exam part of your annual physical.Prevention: Age Spots
Step 2: Topical Treatments
- Many topical ointments or creams are available at your drugstore or by prescription. No matter what product you use, your skin will be more susceptible to sunlight, so layer on sunscreen liberally and often.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs
Try Hydroquinone
- Hydroquinone is a very popular bleaching agent for use in the treatment of age spots.Web MD: Brighten Up
- Hydroquinone is available in drugstores at concentrations of up to 2%, and by prescription at concentrations of up to 4%.Web MD: Brighten Up
- Dermatologists also recommend using hydroquinone along with a retinoid such as Retin A, which will exfoliate the skin and prepare it for treatment.Web MD: Brighten Up
Alternative Topicals
- Other over-the-counter products which may lighten age spots contain ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, vitamin C and soy. For a list of suggested products to try, see Web MD's article on brightening age spots.Web MD: Brighten Up
- Many bleaching creams can also irritate your skin, so follow instructions carefully and avoid leaving the product on for too long.Prevention: Age Spots
Cover Up Spots
- You may want to find a cover-up product that will hide your age spots while you're waiting for these topical treatments to kick in, as some may take several weeks to show results.
- Experts recommend a product called Dermablend, which is available at most major department stores.Prevention: Age Spots
Step 3: At the Dermatologist's Office
- In consultation with your dermatologist, you may develop a treatment plan for age spots that includes laser treatment or other in-office procedures. Remember that because the treatment of age spots is cosmetic, your insurance company may not cover these procedures.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs
Lasers, Peels and Dermabrasion
- Laser treatments, pulsed-light photofacials and glycolic acid peels are common in-office treatments for pigmented skin.Web MD: Brighten Up
- Laser treatments and chemical peels may require several sessions.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs
- Other alternatives for age spots include freezing, known as cryotherapy, and dermabrasion, both of which lighten your skin by removing the surface layer containing excess pigment.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs
Follow-Up
- Treatments at your dermatologist are often accompanied by at-home treatment, too.
- Be prepared to apply topical creams or other products for a longer period of time on your own, even if an in-office treatment has shown immediate results.Web MD: Brighten Up
Conclusion
- No matter what route you take to try to lighten age spots, remember it may take time and a few different treatments before you see a difference. Most importantly, remain vigilant against the sun, wear sunscreen and stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours. Also, be sure to check in with your doctor or dermatologist to be sure that your age spots are truly harmless.
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