How to Prevent and Treat Age Spots

The light from sun contains UV, or ultraviolet, rays that can tan or burn a person’s skin. UV rays cause excess pigment to accumulate in the skin and form the spots that are called by several names: sun spots, age spots, or liver spots.

Though they are most commonly known as age spots, this is a misleading term as it has little to do with a person’s actual age. Technically, the spots are overlarge freckles that are induced by the sun. Because it takes sun exposure over time for these spots to form, they are called age spots. However, anyone with significant sun exposure can
develop these spots.

Whatever name they go by, people do not like the appearance of these spots on places where they have had the most sun damage, namely their faces, hands, arms or ears. They are not threatening or dangerous, but they are unsightly. The best way to prevent sun spots is to avoid the sun from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. when damaging rays are at their peak and to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day.

Unfortunately, sun spots are quite common. To lighten or reduce the appearance of sun spots, topical prescriptions are recommended as a first measure. If more powerful
results are desired, Medical Dermatology Specialists offers some in-office procedures that specifically treat and work to remove troublesome age spots or other skin disorders. They include:

• Microdermabrasion – a gentle procedure that softly exfoliates the topmost layer of skin to remove discoloration and other types of sun damage. Collagen is stimulated and thickened during the procedure, leading to a vibrant complexion. Sometimes called a non-surgical facelift, this is one of the most popular dermatological procedures and is less costly than some of the more invasive treatment options.
• Chemical Peels – usually applied to the neck, face or hands, chemical peels are a solution of chemicals that provide a controlled blistering that causes skin to burn away to reveal the next layer.
• Laser Treatments – handheld wand lasers pinpoint the darker parts of age spots to resurface the skin.

The best cure for age spots is preventing them from happening in the first place. If you do have spots that you would like to have removed, contact our trained staff at Medical Dermatology Specialists to discuss the best treatment options for your specific concerns. We look forward to serving you soon.