What Causes Age Spots? Get Rid of It

Are you experiencing any stubborn, small, flat, brown or dark spots on your face, hands, arms, or shoulders?

If so, you are having age spots, which are also known as liver spots or sunspots. But you don’t have to panic about it. These age spots don’t cause any harm to your body and your skin. This is a common skin concern that many individuals encounter as they age.

They appear on skin areas that are usually exposed to the sun. However, they can be bothersome for those who want clear and even skin.

But if you’re seeing signs like deeply black spots, large spot size, abnormal spot border, and colour combination, you should see a doctor as they can be signs of melanoma. If that’s not the case, you’re good to go.

Well, the best way to avoid them is to take some precautions and gain knowledge as much as you can. Also, there are several treatment options that work best for age spot removal.

Now, before going any further, let’s talk about the main causes of Age spots.

Sun: Longer and repetitive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays originating from the sun can accelerate the production of melanin in the skin. It eventually produces these pigmented spots.

Aging: As your skin ages, it becomes susceptible to discolouration and makes it less capable of repairing itself. Thus, it is more prone to the development of pigmented lesions.

Genetics: Genetic factors can also cause such spots in your body. If your parents or other close family members have experienced age spots, you may be more predisposed to developing them as well.

Prevention Tips for Age Spots

Statistical data reveals that an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Skin Cancer Foundation found that regular sunscreen use can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. So, it’s necessary to note some age spot prevention tips.

• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen cream with a high SPF daily, even on cloudy days.
• Wear proper clothing and accessories like hats or sunglasses to cover your skin when spending time outdoors.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (typically 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
• Monitor your skin for abnormal spot changes and consult a dermatologist.

Advanced Treatment Options for Age Spots Removal

Topical Treatments: You can use some over-the-counter and prescription creams, lotions, and serums containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids. They can help lighten age spots over time by blocking melanin production and promoting cell turnover.

Laser Therapy:  Some effective laser therapies, like intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or fractional laser therapy, can precisely break down the excess melanin without any harm. This is the most effective procedure that is typically performed and suggested by certified dermatologists.

Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the age spots using liquid nitrogen for 5-6 seconds. This procedure causes the spots to peel off as the skin heals. However, this is quite an irritating and risky procedure and shouldn’t be tried at home.

Chemical Peels: Dermatologists may use chemical peels to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. These peels typically contain acids that stimulate skin renewal.

In The End

While age spots are a natural part of aging, you can still prevent them in the long run. The most effective method to get rid of these age spots is laser therapy. It takes only 25 to 60 minutes to remove all the age spots, resulting in spotless skin.

With a highly experienced team of dermatologists, our clinic offers the best and most secure age spot removal process. To connect with Dr. Tanja Philips or book a consultation, give us a call at 01184 300 007.