Age spots are neither glamorous or wanted. They’re something that some of us will get after a certain age (read as the big 4-0) and although they aren’t harmful, they can be frustrating to see appearing.
Sometimes, they’re known as liver spots. It does seem a little odd though as they’re actually not linked to the liver, but sun exposure instead. Just like many battles our skin can face when being out in the sun, age spots are one of them.
They tend to look brown or black in color and are likely to appear over the body on the parts that we expose to the sun the most. For some in warmer climates or those who like to holiday a lot, it could be across the body – but the most common of places are the hands and face – as they’re always out and exposed to light for most of us.
But, just because we get them, doesn’t mean that we have to suffer in silence and stick with them. Just like wrinkles or dark circles, there are solutions that we can try to minimize them. Some are really fun and effective and others are more invasive, but they still have the same goal and trials will depend on what you feel most comfortable with.
First things First
Just like many side effects of skin ailments, it is worth doing all you can to prevent things like age spots from forming in the first place. So, if you’re yet to get any or only have a few and would like to stop any more from forming if you can, cover up!
Sun exposure is the main cause for liver spots, so if you find yourself out in the sun a lot for work, wear a high SPF and reapply it frequently. If you enjoy spending time in the garden or even laying out, do the same. It’s important to protect your skin to keep these nasty spots away.
It’s also a good idea for health reasons too!
Getting Down to it …
So, starting with the softer, home remedies, there are a few things you can try first to reduce the appearance and even out the skin tone.
Hydroquinone
Perhaps the most common and widely recommended treatment, hydroquinone is an over the counter bleaching product. Dermatologists dub it safe and effective, despite it causing some irritation to the skin in some cases.
Acids
This isn’t as scary as it first reads, but things like lemon juice are a really good organic treatment. As lemons are very acidic, it can get to work on evening out the tone. Buttermilk does the same thing because it contains lactic acid, so it’s worth giving them a go. Alternatively a honey and yoghurt combination has also been used as a bleach for age spots at home too.
Evening
Evening out the skin tone can be so important whilst working on reducing age spots. Using brightening moisturisers can really help – especially those that contain vitamin C. At the same time, a vitamin C supplement or foods rich in it will also have the same effect.
Products with things like glycolic or salicylic acid in will also be a plus. They’re both natural exfoliants and will help to add some more radiance into the skin and shed the cells quicker – which we all know means new cells will form!
Retinol
Most commonly known for its anti-aging properties, Retinol is also great for treating age spots. It works quickly to produce more cells and get rid of old ones, so it’s great for working on liver spots. It doesn’t have that bleaching quality like some treatments, but the exfoliant will really help to get some fresh new layers of skin coming through in no time at all.
Just like other treatments, those that are a bit more invasive can be seem as more effective, but with such hype around all of the above (particularly with the first) it’s worth giving them a go and seeing how you get on before committing to something a little more drastic. Here’s is our best retinol creams.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can be great for combating a number of skin problems with acne and aging concerns being two of the most common alongside pigmentation and age spots. The peels work to remove the top layers of skin quickly to reveal newer and fresher skin underneath. It can take a few before the appearance really looks better, but they definitely work.
Dermabrasion
Working in a similar way to the chemical peels is dermabrasion. A rotating brush is used to buff off the outer layers or skin, just like in the chemical peel, so that newer skin can come through. It allows for a blemish free finish – however in both cases, irritation, redness and scabbing are side effects that are worth considering.
Laser treatment
It is also possible to treat age spots with a laser procedure. Now this one is more commonly known as being expensive, but it’s effective all the same. It also isn’t going to change the appearance overnight and can take a few treatments before an difference is noticed.
Like with any sort of invasive treatment or surgery options, it’s really important to do your research before you decide. Finding out potential side effects, how the procedure works and of course the associated costs should help you decide if any are right for you.
So, now that you’ve been presented with some really effective ways, you’ll definitely get somewhere with treating your age spots.
Click here to see the treatments we recommend for getting rid of age spots.
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