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Age Spots

What Are Age Spots?

Age spots are small, flat dark spots that are generally 1 cm or greater in diameter and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Age spots are also called sunspots or liver spots, and are scientifically known as solar lentigenes.

What Causes Age Spots?

Age spots are evidence of excessive exposure to sunlight and are typically found in individuals over 40 years of age. The best way to avoid age spots is to avoid the sun and protect your skin against the sun through sunscreen, protective clothing and headgear.

Topical Treatments

Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe you a topical bleaching cream called hydroquinone, either alone or with retinoids, and a mild steroid to help the spots to fade over several months. They might cause temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness. These stronger prescription topicals should be used with the advice of a doctor and after a full assessment.

In-Clinic Treatments

Lasers such as the Nd:YAG and PicoSure laser, as well as Intense pulsed light (IPL) technologies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface. These approaches typically require two to three sessions. Other options include ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels involve the application of a chemical solution onto the skin in order to eliminate the outermost layers. As a result, fresh and smoother skin emerges, replacing the old layers. Chemical Peels can vary in concentration and strength. Any redness experienced is typically temporary, lasting only a few hours. Depending on individual circumstances, multiple treatments may be recommended as part of a treatment plan.

Some specialised depigmentation peels only require one treatment session. They work by exfoliating the top surface of the skin but also reduces the activity of melanocytes to reduce the risk of recurrence.

VIDASKIN FAQS & Debunks Myths

No, age spots are not cancerous or serious. They are simply of cosmetic concern. However, do observe the moles on your body for any changes in colour, shape, size and so on and have them examined by a medical doctor if there are concerns about potentially pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.

Pigmentation treatments typically do not pose contraindications for undergoing other non-abrasive or non-resurfacing treatments. Patients may address their dark spots while also undergoing concurrent treatments such as fillers, Ultherapy, Radiofrequency Skin Tightening, and more.

There are many treatments available to lighten and improve the appearance of age spots.

Age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment. Some people choose to lighten or remove them for cosmetic reasons. Anyone concerned about the appearance of new marks or other changes to the skin should visit a doctor for an examination.
Superficial age spots may benefit from topical ingredients such as vitamin c, retinol, kojic acid or alpha arbutin. However, deeper pigmentation usually does not respond well to topical creams and will require medical treatments for a better result.