Treatment for Age Spots

As your skin accumulates years of sun exposure, you may notice flat tan, grey, brown or dark brown spots on your skin. These age spots, also called sun spots and liver spots, are usually found on the backs of the hands, face, neck and chest. While not harmful, they are a sign that your skin has come in contact with its fair share of UV rays. So how can you minimize or erase them?

First of all, if you don't want your age spots to multiply, you should wear a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day. The next type of cream you should use is a bleaching formula containing hydroquinone. You can ask your dermatologist for a prescription and he might also suggest another cream with retinoids and a mild steroid. The two will help fade age spots, but you may not see results for a few months. There are also over-the-counter solutions that can combat discolorations. Look for glycolic acid or kojic acid.

At home treatments can work to fade age spots, but if you want to remove them altogether you'll have to visit your dermatologist. At the office your doctor can give you a treatment that will eliminate age spots.

• Dermabrasion can work to slough off the surface layer, leaving a new layer of age spot free skin-expect to endure several treatments.
• Another way to gradually fade age spots is with a series of chemical peels. Your dermatologist will apply an acid, which removes the outer layer of skin, again eventually revealing new skin without age spots.
• Several sessions of laser therapy can help your spots fade over weeks or months by destroying the dark pigments in your skin. Know that it can be a pricey procedure, though.
• In cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is applied on the spot to freeze and destroy the pigment. Once the skin heals, the skin will below will be lighter. This method can cause permanent scarring or discoloration, but when it works properly it's quick and highly effective.