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Can You Get Rid of Age Spots?
by Isobel Washington
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Overview
Age spots on the skin are flat marks of various shapes and sizes, distinguishable by their darker color. One of the functions of skin pigmentation is to protect us from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, and age spots are those areas of the skin that darken in pigmentation as a result of the collection of melanin that accumulates as the skin is exposed to UV rays. The visibility and abundance of a person's age spots depend on various factors and combination of factors beyond sun exposure. For instance, as people age, the skin's natural protection ability weakens, collagen production decreases, and spots become more visible. Also, the melanin pigment of the skin (fair-skinned, freckled people who burn easily in the sun have skin most sensitive to UV rays) affects the number of visible age spots on the body, as well as the stage in life during which those spots begin to appear.
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Skin-Care Products
Many products of the skin-care market are made with ingredients that reduce the appearance of age spots. Key ingredients to look for are alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Creams and lotions with alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids accelerate the natural exfoliation and regeneration processes in the upper epidermal layers of the skin, allowing dead skin cells to slough off so newer skin cells can replace them. For darker, larger, and more stubborn age spots, supplementing these skin-care products with bleaching products boosts the overall effectiveness of the skin treatment. These skin-care products range in quality and price, and can be purchased over the counter in drugstores and pharmacies, found in upscale department stores, or acquired through your dermatologist. Results vary from visible improvement after a few applications, to improvement after six months to a year of continual use.
The beauty of a golden tan has consequences in the long run.
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Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a popular anti-aging and corrective skin-care technique that rejuvenates the upper layers of the skin, therefore improving pigmentation areas and removing fine lines. Techniques and devices used in microdermabrasion vary (often used is a metal brush with fine teeth), but the goal is to impact the stratum corneum to aggressively exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells; then newer "fresh" skin cells can quickly replace the old ones. The skin is "sanded down" to improve its texture. Microdermabrasion kits are sold for home use (Sephora, for example, advertises the top sellers), and while this alternative is less expensive than a professional dermatological treatment, you may find the latter more effective. Visible results are most often immediate after the first treatment.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another alternative for treating age spots on the face, and although a noninvasive procedure, they are usually performed as out-patient procedures in the office of a cosmetic/plastic surgeon. (There are at-home chemical peels on the market, but for safety reasons and because of the risk involved, they are not recommended). A chemical solution is applied to the surface of the skin to dissolve all the skin's damaged tissue. The strength and depth of the peel depends on the chemical concoction and method of application, and the procedure is usually uncomfortable, with a stinging and/or burning sensation on the patient's skin for five-to-ten minutes. The fresh layer of skin that appears after treatment is smoother, less wrinkled, and more evenly toned (if not completely evenly toned). However, this fresh layer does not appear immediately after treatment, and the patient often has to first experience the aftereffects of the peel, which include redness of the skin (sometimes extreme) and skin irritability.
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Cosmetic Laser Treatment
Cosmetic laser treatment is definitely the most effective method of removing age spots. It is also the most expensive, with costs ranging from $300-to-$1,500 per visit, depending on the magnitude of correction. Laser treatment uses precision laser technology to "zap" the target area and permanently remove the age spot(s). While laser-treatment procedures are not completely painless, the minimal pain felt is fast, and pinch-like. Also, scabbing might be the immediate result of laser treatment, which requires days (and sometimes weeks) of anti-bacterial and anti-scarring cream. Carefully research the doctors' offices that offer this solution, and be selective.
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Prevention
While the aforementioned lists corrective solutions for age spots, preventive skin-protection steps are crucial, not only for purposes of physical appearance, but also to protect the skin from cancer and other harmful results of sun overexposure. Sunscreen protection is a must, and the higher the SPF, the better. Neutrogena, for example, offers an SPF 85 lotion that is long-lasting and waterproof---one of many on the market. Whether you plan to spend the day at the beach or your sun time will be limited to a dog-walk, it is important to get into the habit of applying an SPF every day before leaving the house. Always remember that a gorgeous tan today guarantees age spots tomorrow.
Freckles, moles, and age spots confuse appearances. Ask a doctor to identify new skin spots.
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Warning
While the above solutions are effective in removing and reducing the appearance of age spots, all of the treatments leave the skin even more sensitive to sun exposure. Therefore, it is even more imperative that the skin be protected from UV rays.
