If your skin is starting to develop age spots, know you aren’t aloneit’s quite common.
Also called dark spots and liver spots, age spots often look like large freckles.
They’re all the same thing.
Photo: Getty Images / Westend61
Age spots typically appear as you get older, but sometimes they develop as early as childhood.
And some folks have a hereditary predisposition to developing age spots.
But for age spot specifically, appropriate sun protection is your best bet in staving them off.
Both treatment types will help to lighten and brighten those unwanted dark spots," says Cohen.
Topical Treatments
Start first with topical treatments that inhibit melanin production.
For instance, retinoids, vitamin C creams and/or serums, hydroquinone, and chemical exfoliants.
She added that those products range significantly in price from $75 to $200.
Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures are also an option.
And although they are more costly compared to topical treatments, they are usually more effective.
Also combining topical and cosmetic treatments gives you optimum results."
Laser treatments work by emitting energy and target melaninthe darker the spot, the more energy is emitted.
And multiple laser treatments are sometimes needed to achieve the desired results.
Always consult a doctor before trying a new form of treatment.
Chemical Peels
Another cosmetic procedure option is a chemical peel.
“My favorite way to treat brown spots is with chemical peels!
Some chemical peels contain just one acid, while others are a combination of multiple acids.
Bottom Line
Age spots are purely cosmeticyou don’t have to treat them.
In fact, treatments are not a sure fire way to eliminate their appearance.
However, there are several topical treatments and cosmetic procedures that can help lessen their appearance.
And be sure to always use adequate sun protection to help prevent them from forming.
Regardless of how you feel about age spots, be sure to have them regularly checked by a professional.
