Age spots, often referred to as liver spots or sunspots, are a common sign of aging. While they’re harmless, many people seek to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons. If you feel that age spots are revealing more about your age than you’d like, the good news is that there are ways to significantly fade or even eliminate them.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots are flat, brown, gray, or black spots that typically appear on areas of the skin frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They result from an overproduction of melanin, often due to prolonged sun exposure or aging.
Before starting any treatment, it’s important to consult a dermatologist to ensure the spots are not something more serious, such as skin cancer. A dermatologist can also recommend the most effective treatment tailored to your skin type and condition.
Treatment Options for Age Spots
There are two main categories of treatments available for age spots: topical creams and medical procedures.
Over-the-Counter Products: Numerous creams and lotions claim to fade age spots. These typically contain ingredients like hydroquinone, retinol, or vitamin C. However, results may take weeks or months to become visible, and consistency is key.
Medical Procedures: Laser treatments, chemical peels, and facial options such as microdermabrasion can all help treat age spots. Lasers, such as the HALO laser we have in office, target the melanin in age spots, breaking it down for the body to absorb. This method is quick and offers long-lasting results, but it’s more expensive and can cause temporary side effects like crusting or darkening. Chemical peels can also be a favorable option. This treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, causing it to peel and regenerate with a more even tone. While recovery is generally faster than a laser treatment, it may not be as effective for deeper spots. Lastly, microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment which removes the outer layer of skin, helping to fade age spots. Combining it with a chemical peel can enhance results. However, multiple sessions may be needed.
Sun Protection: The Key to Long-Term Results
No matter which treatment you choose, age spots can return without proper sun protection. Here’s how to shield your skin:
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection can significantly reduce sun exposure.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Look for clothing and accessories labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) for added protection.
Age spots are a natural part of aging, but you don’t have to live with them if they bother you. By consulting a dermatologist and exploring treatment options, you can achieve smoother, more even-toned skin. Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is essential to preventing new spots and maintaining your results. With the right approach, your skin can look as vibrant and youthful as you feel. Come see us to help roll back the clock on age!
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
