Sun Pigmentation Removal

What are Age and Sun Spots?

Age spots are flat, brown, gray, or black spots on the skin. They vary in size, and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Typically on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Age spots are also referred to as liver spots, senile lentigo, solar lentigines, or sun spots. Age/Sun spots are completely harmless and do not require any treatment. However, for cosmetic reasons, age spots can be lightened to provide a more youthful appearance.

What causes Age Spots?

Age spots are the result of an excess production of melanin, or skin pigment. Even doctors don’t always know the underlying reason why age spots are developed. Skin aging, sun exposure, or other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, such as tanning beds, are all possible causes. You’re most likely to develop age spots on the areas of your skin that receive the most sun exposure such as:

• Your Face
• The Back of Your Hands
• Your Forearms
• Your Shoulders
The surface layer of the skin, or the epidermis, contains melanocytes, which produce the melanin pigment that protect us from ultraviolet (UV) sun damage. But overtime, the sun eventually damages the melanocytes which means you’re more susceptible to the sun’s rays. In response to this weakened sun protection, your body will naturally produce dark brown age spots. The darker your skin is, the better its natural capacity to protect itself against the UV rays from the sun. Typically, those with low melanin count in their skin are more likely to develop age spots. While at the same time, the more time you spend in the sun, the more likely you’ll also develop premature age spots. However, since it’s impossible to avoid the sun in its entirely, almost everybody will experience some age spots as a function of aging. Protect yourselves and prolong age spots from forming by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Who is at Risk for Age Spots?

People of any age, sex, or race can develop age spots. However, age spots are more common in people with certain risk factors such as:

• Being older than 40 years old
• Having fair skin
• History of frequent sun exposure
• History of frequent tanning bed use

How are Age Spots Treated?

Age spots are not dangerous and don’t cause any health problems. Treatment isn’t necessary. However, some people may want to remove the age spots solely for cosmetic reasons.

With that said, after a lifetime of being exposed to the sun, you’re bound to have multiple consequences including brown spots on your hands and face. Age spots, technically known as solar lentigines are brown or grayish pigments. Age spots, despite its name is not only caused by age, but rather from sun damage.

Dermatologists may prescribe bleaching creams to help fade the age spots gradually. They usually contain hydroquinone, with or without retinoids such as tretinoin. Bleaching creams usually take several months to fade age spots. Additionally, you’ll need to wear sunscreen at all times during this treatment. Bleaching and tretinoin creams make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) damage.

There are several medical procedures that can treat age spots. However, medical procedures carry a risk of side effects. Before deciding on a medical treatment, consult your provider as to which treatment is the most appropriate for your skin. Medical procedures for age spots include:

• Laser Treatment
• Chemical Peels to peel the outer layer of the skin, allowing new skin to grow in its place

Always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen after treatment to protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damages.

How to Prevent Age Spots?

Unfortunately, you can’t always prevent age spots. However, you can reduce your chances of developing them with proper maintenance. While it’s hard to avoid age spots in their entirety, there are several preventive steps you can take to help reduce your risk. You can’t change your skin’s ability to combat the effects of the sun, but you can minimize the degree of sun exposure.

• Avoid the sun between 10 am to 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Wear sunscreen every day, it should have a SPF rating of at least 30 or higher.
• Wear UV-blocking clothing such as UV-visors
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, more often if swimming or sweating
• Wear protective clothing such as hats, pants, and long-sleeves

What are the Results of Age Spot Treatments?

Age spots are a common skin care concern, but they’re both preventable and treatable. Be responsible about sun exposure and sun protection.

Before and After Images of Age Spot Treatments