How to Remove Age Spots

Are you dealing with unsightly age spots? If so, you might want to know more about how to remove age spots. Getting rid of age spots is a mission for some people, as they strive to reverse sun damage and clear 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. Keep in mind, also, that it is important to take action to prevent age spots from forming in the first place.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/age-spots/DS00912

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. Age spots vary in color - they can be brown, black or gray. In addition, unlike moles, age spots are typically flat.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/age-spots/DS00912 In recent years, many over the counter cosmetic products have shown up on the shelves to help combat age spots. Though technically harmless, some age spots can be harbingers of skin cancer, in addition to being troubling from a cosmetic standpoint. Keep reading to learn how you might be able to remove age spots and prevent them from cropping up in the future.

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.

1. In truth, age spots "have little to do with age," says Dr. Eileen Lambroza and everything to do with exposure to the sun.http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/age-spots-treatment-and-prevention/23ccd08f88803110VgnVCM20000012281eac____/lifelong.beauty/anti.aging.arsenal/sun.care
2. 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
3. Layer on long-sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.Web MD: What Causes Age Spots?
4. 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

1. It's important to determine whether age spots are truly harmless or perhaps signs of melanoma.
2. 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
3. If your spots concern you, see your doctor to make sure your skin is healthy.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots
4. Experts recommend making a skin exam part of your annual physical.Prevention: Age Spots

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

Hydroquinone is a very popular bleaching agent for use in the treatment of age spots.Web MD: Brighten Up It is available in drug stores in concentrations of up to 2%, and by prescription in 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 Other over-the-counter products which may lighten age spots contain ingredients such as kojic acid, licorice extract, vitamin C and soy.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

You may want to find a cover-up product that will help to 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

• 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 considered cosmetic, your insurance company may not cover these procedures.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs Some treatments can be expensive - and you might need to be treated more than once to eliminate the appearance of the age spots. Discuss all of these factors with your doctor to help you decide on the best course of treatment.

Costs will vary depending on the type of laser treatment you choose to remove the age spots, as well as your geographical location. Some treatments can easily run in the hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.http://www.bcm.edu/dermatology/index.cfm?pmid=1905

1. Laser treatments, pulsed-light photofacials and glycolic acid peels are among the common in-office treatments for pigmented skin.Web MD: Brighten Up

2. Laser treatments and chemical peels may require several sessions.Mayo Clinic: Age Spots: Treatment and Drugs

3. 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

• 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.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.