You wash your face as you prepare for bed, and as you rinse with fresh water and reach for your daily moisturizer, your eyes turn to those dark spots on your cheekbones and forehead. They seemed to appear overnight. You sigh and raise your hands to the light, as you’ve noticed darkened areas on the backs of your hands, also.
You’re not twenty anymore, but there has to be something you could do to reverse the skin damage and make the spots disappear — or at least diminish.
Don’t despair! There are options to combat the appearance of sun-damaged areas and erase some of the wear and tear life has left behind.
Read further to understand why age spots appear and what you can do to tame the current spots and avoid the development of new ones.
Table of Contents
- What Are Age Spots?
- What Is the Main Cause of Age Spots?
- Can Age Spots Be Eliminated?
- How To Eliminate Age Spots on the Face, Hands, and Body: Treatments To Consider
- Commonly Asked Questions About Eliminating Age Spots
- Say Goodbye to Age Spots With LaseMD by the Specialists at Renew
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigos, are areas of increased pigmentation caused by an overproduction of melanin in the skin.
They can result from various factors, including:
- Sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
- Skin inflammation.
Age spots are more noticeable on lighter skin, but also appear on darker skin tones and are usually flat or dark patches.
Discolored spots can appear anywhere, but are commonly located where sun exposure occurs, such as on your:
- Face
- Shoulders
- Upper back
- Hands
What Is the Main Cause of Age Spots?
Your skin produces more brown melanin to protect itself from the damaging effects of the sun, creating a suntanned appearance.
However, sometimes the skin does not make melanin evenly, resulting in patchy or blotchy spots that may eventually become discolored.
The main culprits of age spots include:
- Sun exposure
- UV rays stimulate melanin production, which can lead to sun and age spots
- Aging
- Skin cell turnover and healing slow as we age, causing dark spots to become more noticeable.
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy, birth control, or menopause can trigger melasma.
- Inflammation
- Acne scars, injuries, or skin conditions like eczema can leave dark marks.
- Genetics
- Some individuals are more prone to hyperpigmentation due to skin type and tone.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to age spots and restore your skin to a more youthful appearance, Renew Aesthetic Clinic in Portland can help!
Contact us today to learn more.
Can Age Spots Be Eliminated?
Age spots can be treated, lightened, and, in some cases, reversed. Fortunately, discolored spots, known as dyschromia, are usually harmless but are more bothersome for cosmetic reasons.
How To Eliminate Age Spots on the Face, Hands, and Body: Treatments To Consider
Acids
Certain acids or combinations can gradually diminish the appearance of sun or age spots.
Products that may be utilized in your individualized treatment may include:
- Glycolic acid
- An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- A popular choice for treating hyperpigmentation
- Has exfoliating properties
- Helps to slough off dead skin cells
- Assists in revealing brighter skin
- Diminishes the appearance of age spots
- Kojic acid
- Inhibits the production of melanin
- A natural derivative of a fermented fungus
- When the melanin production in your skin is reduced, it subsequently lightens age spots and evens skin tone
- Lactic acid
- An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Excellent for moisturization and exfoliation
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots by encouraging quicker cell turnover
- Azelaic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
- Assists in fading age spots by reducing hyperpigmentation
- Promotes brighter skin
At times, some age spots or sun spots do not respond well to treatment and may require prescription-strength hydroquinone as a stronger option.
LaseMD
Laser treatment is preferred over acid treatments, such as chemical peels, because laser treatments can target very specific areas.
LaseMD is an FDA-approved therapy pioneered by Lutronic® and uses targeted heat, not needles, to treat skin conditions such as:
- Mild to moderate sun damage
- Age spots
- Freckles
- Actinic keratoses
- Benign pigmented lesions
- Lentigo
LaseMD is ideal for darker skin tones. Other laser systems seek the pigment in the skin tone, making them ineffective or producing unpredictable results for darker skin. LaseMD interacts with water in the skin, making it safe and effective for even darker skin types.
LaseMD is used on the entire face, décolletage, and neck, along with other treatments, to achieve optimal aesthetic results. LaseMD treatment is just as popular for men as it is for women and requires minimal downtime for recovery following treatment.
Combination Treatments
LaseMD may be the first modality of choice for your skin treatment, but it may not be the only treatment you can expect.
While laser treatment targets specific areas, chemical or acid treatments may treat larger areas of pigmentation and can be utilized for a more maintenance-oriented approach.
Additionally, you may start with one type of treatment, but after some time, it may not continue to produce the desired effect. At this point, you may have to switch to a different product for continued positive results.
Additional Options
There are a myriad of skin treatments available to maintain your most youthful appearance possible.
Options for eliminating age spots may also include:
- Cryotherapy or cryosurgery
- Light treatment
- Exfoliation or microdermabrasion treatments
Commonly Asked Questions About How To Eliminate Age Spots
Can Age Spots Be Removed Naturally?
Some dark spots may be eliminated or lightened with natural treatments that can be done at home.
Natural remedies may include:
- Exfoliation
- Application and consumption of Vitamin C
- Sun protection
- Hydration of your skin with aloe vera
- Consumption of antioxidants
What Is the Fastest Way To Get Rid of Age Spots?
The most efficient way to make age spots disappear requires professional treatments to remove or treat the discolored skin.
Laser therapy, such as with LaseMD, can provide more rapid results than topical applications or home treatment.
How Many Treatments Are Necessary To Eliminate Age Spots?
Years of sun damage will take time to reverse and cannot be accomplished in a single session.
Laser therapy is the most efficient form of treatment, but keep in mind that it still requires a minimum of one treatment a month for three months or more. Additional sessions, along with annual maintenance sessions, may be necessary to achieve desired results.
Is Age Spot Treatment Safe?
Age spot treatment is safe when guided by a professional who understands the appropriate treatments for different skin types.
Skin complexion types include:
- Extremely or very fair skin
- Fair skin
- Medium skin
- Olive or light brown skin
- Brown skin
- Black skin
Laser treatments are preferred for darker skin tones, especially Type 4 or above, due to their more predictable and controlled results.
Say Goodbye to Age Spots With LaseMD by the Specialists at Renew
At Renew Aesthetic Clinic, our trained professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care in a relaxing environment. With expertise in aesthetic and wellness services, our team is here to guide you through your transformation with confidence and compassion.
We take the time to develop a plan that aligns with your skincare goals.
Renew Aesthetic Clinic is at the forefront of aesthetic advances and utilizes the latest technology and techniques. Whether it is your first visit or a follow-up treatment, you can trust our team to deliver exceptional results.
The providers at Renew Aesthetic Clinic in Portland are specialists in noninvasive skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and cosmetic injectables. Our award-winning clinic offers several services to ensure you look and feel your best!
Contact us today to begin your skin improvement journey.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.