As you reach your 30s, you’ll likely begin to notice changes in the color and texture of your skin, including discolored patches called age spots. Although they are a normal part of aging, these flat pigmented areas and raised lesions understandably bother many people. Fortunately, modern dermatology has developed several effective solutions that can take years off your skin’s appearance and even help protect you from later developing skin cancer.
Whether you want to learn how to get rid of age spots on your hands, reduce age spots on your face or get rid of age spots on your chest, this guide has the solution. For the best, most personalized information, schedule a consultation at Berman Skin Institute and discuss your questions and concerns with a medical dermatology specialist.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, usually fall into one of two categories:
- Solar lentigines: Solar lentigines, or “lentigos,” are flat, hyperpigmented brown patches triggered by prolonged sun exposure. They’re commonly referred to as liver spots despite being unrelated to the liver. They usually appear on the face, shoulders, arms and the backs of the hands.
- Seborrheic keratoses: Seborrheic keratoses are raised, dark brown, textured, oval skin growths with distinct borders that can develop from sun damage, genetics and other factors. They can develop into wider-spread plaques over time. Those looking to remove crusty age spots are likely referring to seborrheic keratoses.
Because both of these skin conditions are triggered or worsened by solar ultraviolet light, they tend to affect fairer-skinned individuals more than those with more pigment or melanin. However, darker-skinned people can also develop hyperpigmentation and keratoses and are too often late-diagnosed.
How Can You Get Rid of Age Spots?
If you consult a dermatologist, you can learn about a reassuring number of solutions. The best one for your situation depends on the type of age spot you’re looking to treat, where on your body the lesion is located and the condition of your skin.
Topical Creams
Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against age spots, particularly solar lentigines. Your dermatologist can prescribe them, or you can sometimes purchase products over the counter. Popular options include:
- Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a prescription vitamin A cream that helps your skin eliminate older, hyperpigmented, damaged cells and create new ones. Over-the-counter vitamin A creams, such as retinol, work similarly but aren’t as effective. Tretinoin is an excellent choice if you have normal or oily skin and want to cost-effectively address multiple signs of aging, including solar lentigines and fine lines.
- Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a powerful lightening cream that makes your skin produce less melanin. While it can be greatly effective in reducing solar lentigines, you should always use it under regular medical supervision. It’s a good second choice if you’ve tried vitamin A derivatives with minimal improvement.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): You can find AHAs like glycolic acid in many over-the-counter skincare serums and facial cleansers. They help exfoliate your skin and promote new cell growth, lightening dark age spots over time. If you have mild to moderate hyperpigmentation and also want hydration for dry or combination skin, consider an AHA product.
Chemical Peels
During a chemical peel, a medical practitioner applies an exfoliating solution to your skin, which clears dead cells and promotes growth. These peels are mainly suitable for solar lentigines and should be done under the supervision of a physician. The three types of chemical peel include:
- Superficial peels: These peels use mild acids to exfoliate the skin’s outer layers. Superficial peels are great for people with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea because they’re gentle and generally well-tolerated. They are mild enough that you can have them done every couple of weeks, although individual tolerance varies.
- Medium or moderate peels: Medium peels use more potent acids like trichloroacetic acid (TCA). They penetrate skin more deeply and are better at lightening age spots, but they may require a longer recovery period. If you have moderate sun damage, normal to oily skin, and are open to several days of downtime, medium peels may be a good choice.
- Deep peels: These peels use phenol and provide significant results for deeper pigmentation issues. They require several weeks’ worth of recovery time, so consider them after trying less potent other options first. After deep peels, your skin will need careful monitoring and post-treatment care from a dermatologist.
Cryotherapy
In cryotherapy, providers freeze age spots with liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide, causing the lesions to blister and eventually fall off. This rapid cooling method is quick and effective for both seborrheic keratoses and solar lentigines. Larger or thicker age spots may require multiple treatments.
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is a reliable and readily available choice for removing skin cancer but can be used for seborrheic keratosis if a dermatologist is concerned about potential malignancy. It’s a precise surgical technique that carefully removes and analyses abnormal tissue on-site while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. This method minimizes scarring and recovery time and is done as an outpatient procedure, typically on a single day.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT uses a specialized cream that makes skin cells sensitive to light. After the cream is applied, a specific wavelength of light is shone on the area to get rid of unwanted cells while protecting healthy skin. This treatment works especially well for precancerous lesions, but it can also help lighten hyperpigmented areas on the skin.
Laser and Skin Resurfacing
Laser therapies work well for targeting localized pigmented lesions without damaging surrounding tissue. They are often used to reduce age spots on the face and include:
- Q-switched yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) lasers: These lasers specifically target melanin in a specific area of skin, breaking down the pigment particles and reducing dark marks. YAG lasers are highly precise and can penetrate deeper into the skin compared to other laser types. This depth makes them excellent for targeting both superficial and deeper-pigmented lesions.
- Fractional laser resurfacing: This technique removes tiny columns of skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact, promoting faster healing. It can improve both pigmentation and overall skin texture and only requires a few days of recovery.
- Ablative or CO2 lasers: These lasers remove the outer layers of skin, which can significantly reduce deep-set pigmentation. This treatment is best suited for individuals with significant sun damage, deep wrinkles or extensive age spots.
Can You Prevent Age Spots?
Sun protection is the best way to avoid age spots, and the younger you start, the better. When spending time outside, wear opaque clothing layers, hats and SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied at least every two hours. If you’re longing for a golden tan, skip the sunbed and pick a skin-safe spray or lotion. These habits prevent new age spots from forming and discourage existing solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses from darkening or thickening.
How Are Age Spots Diagnosed?
Age spots should be diagnosed through clinical evaluation by a dermatologist. During an examination, you can expect:
- Clinical assessment: The dermatologist will inspect the appearance of the lesions.
- Ruling out melanoma: They may perform tests to rule out melanoma or other skin cancers.
- Possible biopsies: In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary for definitive diagnosis.
- Follow-up appointments: Your provider will discuss test results and any ongoing lesion changes with you.
Consult a Dermatologist for Age Spot Diagnosis and Treatment
If you’re concerned about age spots or other skin changes, you have the resources to take action. Berman Skin Institute has locations throughout Northern California, and we provide personalized advice and treatment options suited to your specific needs and skin type. Early detection is always key, both for preserving your natural beauty and protecting yourself against future complications from sun damage and aging.
For safety, aesthetics and peace of mind, schedule an appointment today with one of our expert dermatologists.
