Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are common skin blemishes that can develop as we grow older. While true age spots are benign and not dangerous, they can be bothersome aesthetically. If you notice darkening or changes in your age spots, however, you should seek evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider.
Fortunately, treatments are available to fade or remove age spots. This blog post will answer 5 frequently asked questions about age spot removal to help you make an informed decision about your skincare.
1. Is Age Spot Remover Effective?
If you’re looking for a noninvasive and affordable option, age spot removers or bleaching creams can help make age spots less noticeable over time. These creams contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, or retinoids that work by lightening the dark pigmentation in age spots. However, bleaching creams may take several weeks or even months of consistent use to see noticeable results. Further, they may not completely eliminate the spots but can help fade them over time.
2. How Effective is Dermabrasion for Age Spots?
Dermabrasion is a more aggressive approach to age spot removal. This procedure involves using a rotating brush or a diamond wheel to remove the top layer of your skin, including the age spots. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer emerges. Dermabrasion effectively removes age spots, but it requires some downtime for recovery.
3. What’s the Best Treatment for Raised Age Spots?
Surgical shaves are commonly used for removing raised age spots. In this procedure, a local anesthetic is administered, and a small surgical blade is used to shave off the raised portion. The procedure is relatively quick and straightforward and typically leaves behind minimal scarring.
4. What’s the Best Treatment for More Severe Age Spots?
Excision under local anesthesia may be recommended for larger or more deeply pigmented age spots. This procedure, typically performed by a qualified dermatologist or minor surgery specialist, involves cutting out the age spot and stitching the skin back together. Although a small scar may remain, the results are usually favorable, and the scar tends to fade over time.
5. Can You Prevent Age Spots?
While age spot removal methods are effective, prevention is always better than cure. It’s essential to protect your skin from the sun to prevent the appearance of new age spots. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30) daily, even on cloudy days.
- Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, when spending time outdoors.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Adopting these sun protection measures minimizes the chances of developing new age spots and maintains healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Request a Consultation
Age spots may be common as we age, but that doesn’t mean we have to live with them forever. If you’d like to learn more about your options and which age spot removal method may best suit your needs, please call our office today at (416) 663-9649 or request a consultation.
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