Removing age spots can be an unending task if one does not resign oneself to remain out of the sun. Treatments will only keep the discolorations at bay for so long before the color comes back, if precautions are not taken. Precautions for keep the age spots lessened or even gone are to avoid over exposure to the sun, wearing protective clothing in the sun and using a sunscreen with high sun protection factor (SPF).
The best, most effective method to remove age spots is laser treatment. Lasers use high intensity wavelengths of light to heat the melanin in the skin and bring it to the surface. The skin then will slough off the area of pigmentation naturally. Several different wavelengths of light are available to achieve this end. The most popular lasers to accomplish this are the IPL and Alexandrite, although some pulse dye lasers and Nd: YAG lasers can also be quite effective. 2-6 treatments may be needed for complete pigmented lesion clearance. Costs can range from $250 - $2000 for laser treatment.
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are helpful to decrease and remove age spots as well. Chemical peel depending upon the depth may take 1-3 treatments. This treatment involves applying a chemical to the surface of the skin for several minutes. The chemical dissolves away the surface layer of skin to reveal new skin. As it does this the age spots are dissolved away reveal smoother more even toned coloring. Microdermabrasion works with a similar principal, using gentle crystals and vacuum suction to softly scrape away the top layers of skin. New skin cells are then stimulated and collagen is inspired to regenerate itself. The brown coloring of the age spots is lessened or even removed during the process. Several sessions at weekly intervals are required for best results.
Topical bleaching solutions are the least intrusive and least time consuming of all the age spot removal treatments. Solution such as hydroquinone, kojic acid or Retin-A will help to lighten and even in some cases inhibit the production of the melanin within the skin. Often six months or more of consistent treatment is needed for effective outcomes. It is important to remember that all age spots should be evaluated by a skin specialist or dermatologist to determine which treatment is best and to determine if other disease processes are not a factor. |
