The Best Ways to Get Rid of Age Spots

What is Age spots?

Aging spots, often referred to as liver spots and solar lentigines, are flat, dark brown spots that typically occur on the hands, face, and shoulders. These spots are most common in people over the age of 40. Aging spots are caused by sun exposure and can grow in size and number as a person ages.

What are the signs and symptoms of Age spots?

• Aging spots are commonly oval or circular, flat, and brown/black in colour.
• They can appear in symmetrical patterns on the face, hands, chest, and arms.
• They might be as small as a dot or as large as several centimetres across.
• They tend to deepen in color over time with exposure to sunlight and usually form clusters of spots instead of single spots spread across the body parts mentioned above.

What are possible complications of Age spots? 

• Age spots can cause physical and emotional discomfort. In some cases, they may be cosmetically unsightly, leading to decreased self-esteem or feeling of insecurity.
• In rare cases, age spots may indicate an underlying medical issue such as skin cancer or other serious issue. It is important to have age spots properly examined by a qualified healthcare professional if there is suspicion of an underlying health problem.
• Age spots can also be a sign of premature aging and lack of adequate skin protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. This can increase your risk for other skin-related maladies in the future, including wrinkles and roughness of the skin.
• Finally, age spots may interfere with laser treatments such as laser tattoo removal or dermabrasion because it results in a greater amount of heat absorption in the area treated due to the greater concentration of melanin in the pigmented areas (age spots).

The Best Ways to Get Rid of Age Spots

• Use Sunscreen: The most effective way to reduce the appearance of age spots is to use sunscreen on a daily basis. Make sure it has a minimum SPF of 30 and provides broad spectrum coverage, which means it protects against both UVA (deep penetrating) and UVB (burn causing) radiation. 
• Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps get rid of dead skin cells which can obscure age spots. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical peel solution once a week or every other week to help boost skin cell turnover and bring back the even tone of your skin. 
• Apply Vitamin C Serum: Applying vitamin C topically can help fade brown spots due to aging, sun damage or melasma thanks to its ability as an antioxidant to fight free radicals that damage skin cells. Look for products that contain between 10-20% vitamin C serum for optimal results.
• Retinoids: Products with retinol, vitamin A derivative are often used in anti-aging products but they can also help reduce the visibility of age spots by promoting the look of younger, smoother-looking skin without discoloration. 
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural skin healer and moisturizer. Applying fresh aloe vera gel or cream directly to age spots will help lighten them over time. 
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice contains citric acid which is known to help reduce the appearance of age spots. Apply fresh lemon juice directly to the area and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse with water. Do this regularly for best results. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which can help reduce the appearance of age spots with regular topical applications. Dilute equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water, then apply directly to the spot before rinsing it off with cool water after 15-20 minutes, several times a week.
• Onion Juice: Onions are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce melanin production and thus even out skin tone eventually leading to lighter age spots too! Simply apply onion juice topically to affected areas on a daily basis until you see results (this could take up to 8 weeks). 
• Potato: Potato contains enzymes that may also be able to reduce dark spots as well as brighten skin tone with over-time use thanks to its bleaching properties! Simply cut a potato into thick slices, and rub these onto your age spots twice daily for visible results in just two weeks or so! 

If none of these methods are successful, you have the option of undergoing surgical procedures.

 What are the surgical treatments for Age spots?

• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy, or cryosurgery, is a common procedure for removing age spots. It involves freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen and then removing it with a sterile instrument.
• Chemical peels: During a chemical peel, a mild acid is applied to the skin, which removes the top layers and reduces spots. Chemical peels can be done in several strengths and depths, depending on how many layers of skin need to be removed
• Laser therapy: Laser treatments are often used to reduce age spots on the face or other areas of the body because they can target specific areas for removal with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
• Intense pulsed light (IPL): IPL is similar to laser therapy in that it targets specific areas of deep pigmentation while leaving healthy skin untouched. IPL treatments also stimulate collagen production which can help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging in addition to fading age spots.

Best doctors to consult for Age spots?

• Dermatologists: Specialized in matters of skin health, dermatologists are best equipped to diagnose and treat age spots. Your dermatologist can assess your skin and come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. They may also recommend chemical peels or laser treatments if necessary.
• Plastic Surgeons: Plastic surgeons are trained to perform cosmetic surgeries and skin-rejuvenating procedures, such as laser treatments and chemical peels. If you’d like to permanently remove age spots, a plastic surgeon may be the best option for you.
• General Practitioners: If they specialize in skin health, general practitioners (GPs) can also help diagnose and treat age spots. They may not offer laser treatments or other cosmetic surgery methods, but they should be able to recommend topical treatments that can help reduce their appearance or lighten them over time.
• Natural Health Practitioners: Natural health practitioners, such as naturopathic doctors, homeopathic doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners and nutritionists may offer alternative remedies for age spots. These natural treatments include herbal remedies, dietary changes or supplementation with vitamins or minerals that can help lighten the appearance of age spots over time.