How to Get Rid of Age Spots (and Avoid Them) – Cleveland Clinic

Your doctor has told you that those brown spots that appeared suddenly on your skin are nothing to worry about – they are simply age spots. That’s great news.

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But if you don’t like how they look, you might be wondering how you got those spots, how can you get rid of them and how to avoid getting more.

Age spots, which are sometimes called liver spots or solar lentigines, happen after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, says dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD. They can be tan, brown or black, vary in size and usually appear on the areas most exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms.

“Age spots are common in adults older than age 50,” Dr. Kassouf says. “But younger people can get them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun or use tanning beds.”

How age spots develop

Your skin contains melanin, which gives your skin its color. Melanin also gives you a tan when your skin is exposed to UV light.

Age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped in the skin or is produced in high concentrations, such as when your skin is exposed to lots of UV light, Dr. Kassouf says.

Anyone can develop age spots, but you may be more likely to develop the condition if you have light-colored or fair skin or have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn.

Older women are more susceptible to age spots — and sun damage — because they have reduced amounts of melanin in the skin.

If you noticed you have spots that have grown or changed in size, are multicolored or bleed, see your dermatologist. These could be cancerous and need to be treated immediately.

How to prevent age spots

Sometimes the best place to start is before you develop age spots. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen to prevent them from occurring in the first place, or to prevent them from reoccurring. Mineral-based sun blocks with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the best for both our skin and for the environment. But don’t forget about sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses too! If you drive a lot, you might even want to consider getting an ultraviolet protective coating on the driver’s side window of your car.

What you can do about age spots

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of age spots, you can lighten or remove them. The pigment is at the base of the epidermis — the topmost layer of skin — so any treatments meant to lighten the age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.

Age spot treatments include:

• Prescription lightening creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months.
• Laser and intense pulsed light therapies can target melanin granules and melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface.
• Freezing, or cryotherapy, involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment.
• Laser resurfacing, which can remove sun-damaged cells to freshen skin and fade spots.
• Chemical peel, which involves applying to the age spots an acid that releases the outer layer of your skin.

These procedures can have side effects, so discuss your options carefully with your dermatologist, Dr. Kassouf says.  It’s important to make sure your dermatologist is specially trained and experienced in the technique you’re considering, she says.

Home treatments

You can purchase over-the-counter fade creams and lotions for lightening age spots in department stores and drugstores and on the Internet. These may improve the appearance of age spots, depending on how dark the spots are and how often you apply the cream, Dr. Kassouf says.

“Regular and consistent use over the course of several weeks or months may be necessary to produce noticeable results,” she says.

When buying a nonprescription fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid, Dr. Kassouf says. Some of these products, especially those that contain hydroquinone, may cause skin irritation.

6 Ways to Get Rid of Age Spots on Your Hands, Say Dermatologists

Nothing says “welcome to middle age” like age spots, especially when they show up on your hands. They give your years away at first handshake and seem to multiply in record time.

But what are those pesky marks, anyway? Also known as liver spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines, age spots are extra specks of pigment caused by too much exposure to the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays, explains Noelani González, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York. That’s because UV rays cause our skin cells to produce melanin (which are responsible for skin pigment) in hyper-speed. The result? Age spots. These can appear flat and brownish in color, or even as raised, wart-like growths known as seborrheic keratosis.

That’s why applying (and reapplying) sunscreen regularly is the best over-the-counter method to minimize the look of age spots—and prevent future ones from popping up. And the hands are often-neglected here: In one 2013 study, researchers found that, of the 214 beachgoers surveyed, less than half of them applied sunscreen to the back of their hands, although women did so more than men.

Sunscreen not only keeps your hands looking younger for longer, but also protects you from serious health issues, like skin cancer (particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which is known to develop on the back of the hands, per the study above).

But in addition to sunscreen, what can you do once the aging process has already started? The skin care aisle is bursting with products that promise to return your hands to their former glory, while in-office treatments have become more advanced than ever. We reached out to top dermatologists to, well, give us a hand. Here are their top suggestions.

How to get rid of age spots on your hands

Ake NgiamsanguanGetty Images

1. OTC lightening creams and serums

If you’re hoping for something that will make your hands look like you dipped them in the fountain of youth, you won’t find it in a cream or serum. No over-the-counter treatment will make your age spots disappear completely, according to Marina Peredo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York.

However, some creams and serums will lighten spots, but they’re most effective on those that are caught early and haven’t developed deep pigmentation yet. Here are a few effective ingredients to look for:

• Hydroquinone
• Tranexamic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Kojic acid
• Licorice root extract
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C

There are tons of options on the market, but the dermatologists we talked to recommend the products below for lightening age spots:

SkinMedica Lytera 2. 0 Pigment Correcting Serum

SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%

When you find a cream or serum you like, apply it directly to the age spots with your fingertips. Just make sure that any unusual skin spots (like those that have a darker surrounding ring) are checked out by your dermatologist for skin cancer before you try any lightening techniques.

2. Prescription creams

While they still won’t make every dark spot invisible, prescription treatments can lighten spots even better than over-the-counter medications. Dr. Peredo suggests Tri-Luma, a topical cream that lightens, exfoliates, and reduces inflammation in the skin on your hands and face. While it’s meant to be used for eight weeks, some people see improvements within a month.

Two other commonly prescribed treatments include hydroquinone (which slows the production of melanin) and tretinoin (a retinol cream that reduces pigmentation and evens skin texture), according to Ariel Ostad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Side effects can include itching, redness, or dryness, but are typically minimal.

3. Intense-pulsed light (IPL)

“Hands down, the easiest and most effective option for age spots is IPL,” says Anthony Youn, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and author of The Age Fix. “This destroys the pigment, causing the age spot to turn darker and slough off after about a week,” he explains. The treatment has no downtime and is pretty much pain free, but may require up to four session for the best results.

4. Cryotherapy

Best for single age spots or small clusters of them, your derm will apply liquid nitrogen (a freezing agent) to your skin during this in-office procedure. “This freezes and destroys the pigment-making cells, causing the spots to flake off,” says Dr. González. Once your skin starts to heal, it will appear lighter, but a few treatments may be necessary.

5. Chemical peels

A chemical peel involves your dermatologist applying an acid to the area, which burns the outer layer of your skin. As this layer of skin sheds and peels, a new, healthier layer will form. The depth and frequency of these peels will vary depending on the severity of your age spots and the type of acid used. Side effects can range from none to a few days of peeling and dryness, says New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO.

6. Laser treatments

Certain treatments can effectively target age spots on the hands—and can’t wash off like a cream. One popular option is PicoWay, which uses ultra-short, picosecond (trillionths of a second) pulses to break down melanin pigment into tiny particles. The pigment is then eliminated naturally by the body.

This option typically comes with less pain and fewer treatments, so “patients appreciate the minimal down time and the quickness of the procedure,” says Andrew Menkes, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Menkes Clinic in Mountain View, CA. It’s so painless, he doesn’t have to use a numbing agent before administering a treatment. It is pricey though, ranging from $450 to $750 per treatment.

Although lasers have become much safer over the years, they can carry the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—darkening or lightening of the skin—depending on your skin color, tone, and location of your age spots. Any laser treatment can cause PIH, especially if you’re not careful about staying out of the sun or using sunscreen after treatment.

Additional reporting and writing by Vivian Manning-Schaffel and Kasandra Brabaw

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How to Get Rid of Liver Spots

You know those annoying brown spots that show up on your face, hands, and chest in your 30s and older? Well, they’re known as liver spots and sunspots, and most, if not all of the time, we want to hide them. “These spots are caused by overactive melanocytes (the area in your skin that creates pigment). Sun is a primary factor for these spots, as it accelerates pigment production in the skin,” says esthetician Candace Marino.

Though liver spots are most frequently caused by sun exposure, they aren’t always; some brown spots on the face (melasma) can be caused by a surge in hormone levels due to pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause. Unlike sunspots, melasma spots tend to fade once hormones moderate. A dermatologist can diagnose melasma by using a special light. “The best prevention for liver spots is aggressive sun protection starting from a young age,” says Jason Miller, MD. He recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen, “especially physical blocking agents with zinc and iron oxide,” and sun-protective clothing such as shirts, hats, and sunglasses.

Brown spots are mainly a cosmetic problem—they likely cause no health risks—but they can be annoying. There are ways to tone them down and camouflage them. Read on for esthetician- and dermatologist-approved prevention and treatment options for liver spots.

Meet the Expert

• Candace Marino is a celebrity esthetician known as The LA Facialist. Her impressive client list includes the model Miranda Kerr, the singer Grimes, and many more.
• Jason Miller, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical dermatology, including skin cancer removal and cosmetic dermatology.

When to See a Doctor

Liver spots or age spots often do not require medical care, as they are harmless. Those with fair skin who have had frequent sun exposure are most at risk of developing sunspots. If you aren’t sure if you have age spots or something else, talk to your doctor. It is a good idea to get regular skin check-ups from a dermatologist to check for melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. 

According to experts, if your spots change in any way, then you need to have them looked at. Warning signs include:

• Spots that change in size and get larger
• Irregular borders
• Bleeding 
• Unusual color combination
• Black spots

If your age spots aren’t fading as fast as you would like with over-the-counter and lotions, talk to your doctor about in-office procedures, including peels and lasers, for faster results. Prescription creams can also work on stubborn spots. 

FAQ

• Despite the name, liver spots have nothing to do with your liver function. As noted above, liver spots—or the more accurate name of sunspots—are caused by sun exposure. It is thought the name of liver spots started because they are the same dark color of the liver—and were once mistakenly thought to be a sign of liver issues.

• No, age spots or liver spots will not progress to skin cancer and don’t require any treatment—unless you don’t like the look of them and want them removed. You should check in with your doctor if you are unsure if they are truly age spots or if your spots change shape, color, or have irregular borders.

• Start by using a color-correcting concealer over the dark spots. Use orange for medium to dark skin tones, bisque for those who have light to medium tones, and a peach tone if you have fair skin. Next, apply a foundation over the concealer with a sponge and finish it off with powder.

• Apple cider vinegar contains malic acid, which can help fade age spots. It must be diluted with water before applying to the skin at a ratio of one part apple cider vinegar to four parts water.

Dark Spots: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dark spots on the skin can happen at any time but most commonly appear in middle age. They are most often a consequence of past sun exposure or exposure to artificial ultraviolet (UV) light used in tanning beds.

The spots are also associated with certain skin conditions and can be a side effect of some medications.

Other Names for Dark Spots

• Age spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Liver spots
• Solar lentigines

Dark spots are generally harmless, but there are times when they could be cancerous. If they bother you, they can be lightened or removed.

This article explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dark spots.

Getty Images

Dark Spot Symptoms

These spots can range from light to dark brown or black in color. They are flat and generally oval-shaped.

Dark spots can develop anywhere. But they are most likely to appear on parts of the body that receive the most sun exposure. These include:

• Face
• Backs of the hands
• Shoulders
• Arms
• Back

While individual spots are usually small, several can group and form larger areas of darkened skin.

Verywell / Nusha Ashjaee

Causes

Dark spots are the result of the overproduction or collection of melanin, a skin pigment that makes skin darker. They can also result from free radical damage.

Exposure to UV Light

The sun and tanning beds are the most significant cause of dark spots.

Hyperpigmentation often appears during middle age. That’s when the skin starts to show the consequences of sun exposure. This is especially true if you didn’t use sunscreen and other sun-protective measures consistently earlier in life.

People with light hair or skin and who have had many sunburns, or severe ones, are at particular risk.

However, other things may lead to dark spots. These other causes may act alone or in combination with UV exposure.

Skin Conditions

There are several different skin conditions and diseases that can cause dark spots. However, these are not the same as age-related dark spots. They include:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Skin discoloration following a scrape, rash, or acne
• Melasma: Also known as pregnancy mask or chloasma
• Linea nigra: A dark, vertical line that appears lengthwise down the middle of the abdomen during pregnancy
• Riehl’s melanosis: A form of contact dermatitis that’s believed to be caused by sun exposure
• Poikiloderma of Civatte: A benign (non-cancerous) condition that turns parts of the neck a reddish-brown color
• Erythromelanosis follicularis: A reddish-brown pigmentation of the face and neck

Medications

Certain medications can cause dark spots because they make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure (also known as photosensitivity). They include:

• Estrogens, such as Vagifem, Climara, and Estrace
• Tetracyclines, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Adoxa (doxycycline), Declomycin (demeclocycline), and Minocin (minocycline)
• Amiodarone used to treat irregular heartbeat (brand names include Cordarone and Pacerone)
• Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant (brand names include Dilantin and Phenytek)
• Phenothiazines used to treat mental and emotional disorders (brand names include Compro and Thorazine)
• Sulfonamides used to treat infections (brand names include Bactrim and Septra)

Other Causes

Dark spots may also be seen in these conditions:

Recap

Dark spots usually occur in middle age. They are often the result of sun exposure, but they can be caused by other things, too.

Skin conditions, pregnancy and certain medications or medical conditions may cause dark spots.

People who have fair skin, light hair, and who have had serious or multiple sunburns are most at risk of developing dark spots.

Diagnosis

Your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist can usually diagnose dark spots with a physical examination. Unless a spot looks suspicious, a biopsy or further testing is not necessary. 

Treatment

Dark spots don’t hurt, and they have the same texture as the rest of your skin. Most of the time, they don’t pose any health risks. So you don’t have to get rid of them, although many people choose to for cosmetic reasons.

Dark spots can be faded or removed completely with prescription drugs, medical procedures, and at-home treatments.

Topical Treatments

Prescription bleaching creams gradually diminish the appearance of dark spots. This usually takes several months.

Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in prescription skin lightening creams. It works by reducing melanin production. However, long-term use has some risks, so you should only use it on a short-term basis.

Some research has indicated that hydroquinone may cause cancer at higher concentrations. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration has limited the concentration of hydroquinone to 3% to 4% in prescription products and 2% in over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Several other OTC products treat dark spots. They might lessen the appearance of spots but may not eliminate them. Look for creams that contain retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, deoxyarbutin, or kojic acid.

Side effects, including redness, swelling, and skin irritation can occur with any topical medication. Skin lightening products contain abrasive ingredients that also make the skin extremely sensitive to UV exposure. So it’s essential to wear sunscreen with SPF consistently throughout treatment.

Cosmetic Procedures

Healthcare providers and estheticians can use medical procedures to treat dark spots on any part of the body. They are often used along with topical treatments. However, some may not be appropriate for people with sensitive skin. Options include:

• Laser treatment: This uses focused light energy to remove skin layer-by-layer, which burns off dark spots. Risks include bruising, swelling, redness, tightness, scarring, infection, and changes in skin texture.
• Chemical peels: These contain salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid, which remove the top layer of skin. This may result in healthier and more evenly toned skin beneath. However, skin irritation is a possible risk.
• Microdermabrasion: There are two types of microdermabrasion. Both physically remove cells on the surface of the skin. With crystal microdermabrasion, a machine sprays fine crystals through a wand that rubs against the skin and scrapes away cells. For diamond-tipped microdermabrasion, the abrasive end of a wand is used for this purpose instead. The skin may be pink for a while afterward, but these techniques are considered low-risk.
• Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery fades age spots by freezing them with a liquid nitrogen solution. This causes the darkened skin to peel away from the body. Risks include permanent whitening of treated areas.

Recap

Dark spots are usually not serious. Most often, they do not require treatment. However, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.

Skin lightening creams, laser treatment, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and cryosurgery are all options for removing dark spots.

Prevention

As you age, dark spots may be inevitable. However, there are some ways to help avoid getting dark spots or prevent faded ones from returning. These include:

• Use SPF: Be diligent about wearing and reapplying sunscreen every two hours. Reapply more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot.
• Cover up: When outdoors, wear a hat, long sleeves, and pants. SPF fabrics can offer added protection.
• Avoid peak sun hours: UV exposure is usually greatest between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Summary

Dark spots commonly occur as people age. They are often the result of past sun exposure. But they can also be due to some skin conditions, medications, and certain medical conditions.

Often your healthcare provider or dermatologist can diagnose dark spots by looking at them. But in some cases, they may do a skin biopsy to be sure.

Dark spots are usually harmless. Even so, some people choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include skin lightening creams and cosmetic procedures.

You may not be able to prevent dark spots entirely. But, you can reduce your risk by using sunscreen, staying covered up when you are in the sun, and staying out of the sun during peak hours.

A Word From Verywell

Visit your dermatologist annually for a skin checkup, even if you think any oddities on your skin are harmless. Though a dark spot is likely nothing to worry about, remember that skin color changes can sometimes be a sign of cancer. That’s particularly true when paired with other changes such as bleeding, itching, and redness.

In rare cases, what can appear as a sunspot such as a solar lentigo may, in fact, represent a type of melanoma called lentigo maligna. If your healthcare provider sees a potentially harmful dark spot, they can perform a biopsy to check for something more serious, like skin cancer.

Melanoma, Age, Sun or Liver Spots? How to Tell the Difference

• Cherry hemangiomas. Small red dots that are smaller than a pencil eraser, these are caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels in the skin. They are common and can appear anywhere, but they are not linked to skin cancer.
• Lentigines. These are flat, tan-to-dark spots that look similar to freckles. They usually range from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime, but they could be bigger or smaller. These are what most people typically think of as age spots or liver spots. They are usually located on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
• Seborrheic keratoses. These can be flat or raised and range from pale to dark brown or black. They are often scaly or wart-like, although they are not warts. “They can be due to sunlight, age, and are also genetic,” says Dr. Wolf. People who have many of these skin changes have probably seen them before on a first-degree relative. They are also linked to skin tags, another kind of benign skin growth.

Melanoma in its early stages can resemble lentigines or, sometimes, seborrheic keratoses. “If a melanoma arises in a pre-existing mole, it is raised and smooth,” says Wolf. “If it arises on normal skin, it starts as a flat brown to black growth, then grows out or down.”

If a bump grows on a mole or in a previously flat, discolored spot, see your dermatologist right away to get checked for possible skin cancer.

One reason to call your dermatologist immediately is that if melanoma is diagnosed early, “it can be cured with surgery,” says Wolf. But once it starts to deepen or spread to other parts of your body, melanoma can be difficult to treat.

If you see a suspicious spot on your skin, run through the ABCs of melanoma, says Wolf. They are:

• Asymmetry means that the growth is different on one side than on the other. One side is typically bigger.
• Look at the border. “If it is irregular, that’s a suspicious sign,” says Wolf.
• The color of the lesion (or growth) is also telling. Lesions with more than one color are suspicious. The darker the lesion, the greater your concern should be.
• Melanomas tend to be larger in diameter than a pencil eraser. Wolf warns that this guideline isn’t completely reliable, however – melanomas can be very small and still be problematic.
• Consider the evolution (or change) of your skin spot. Sudden changes, bleeding, itching, and pain all require a doctor’s appointment for further diagnosis.

When your doctor is concerned about a particular spot, he or she might remove part or all of it and send it off for a biopsy.

If you simply have age spots, as is the case most often, you have several options if they bother you for cosmetic reasons. A dermatologist can remove or lighten the spots (although insurance might not cover this procedure). Your doctor might recommend freezing the spot, using a chemical peel, or trying a laser treatment. You can also help prevent new ones by using sunscreen regularly.

Dark Spots on Hands – Skin Care – Garnier

Our hands are often and overlooked body part that needs our care as much as our face does. In fact your hands may give away your age easier than your face, so preventative care is key. Over the years with sun exposure and other environmental factors dark spots can form on our hands, which can make them look less youthful and less even-toned. We’re giving you the 411 on why dark spots form and outlining a skin care routine that will help fade their appearance over time.




Why Do Dark Spots Form?

Sun exposure can lead to excess melanin production, which can result in brown spots forming on your face, hands, and neck. Another cause of dark spots is skin trauma which can form through picking at your skin, for example when you don’t let a scar heal and pull off the scab.

In your skin there is a substance called melanocyte which produces melanin. If melanocyte becomes overstimulated it can produce too much melanin. The sun is the number one cause of dark spots. The easiest way to avoid dark spots is by being diligent about wearing SPF and limiting sun exposure.

Your Dark Spot Skin Care Routine

With a few simple steps in your skin care routine you can help fade the appearance of dark spots over time.

Step #1: Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands throughout the day to remove dirt and bacteria. If you have dry skin use a product formulated with ceramides or gentle moisturizer to lock in moisture and ensure that your skin doesn’t dry out. Steer clear of antibacterial soaps as they are drying and can throw off your skin’s natural barrier function.

Step #2: Exfoliate

Use a gentle scrub to slough away dead skin cells on the surface of your hands — this will help fade the appearance of dark spots as new skin appears. Make sure you don’t irritate or damage your skin during this time, this should be like a gentle massage to awaken your skin, slough off dead cells. A super easy scrub to make that will have your hands feeling super soft and looking amazing is almond oil mixed with brown sugar. Mix them together and rub over your hands, then wash off with warm water to reveal super soft skin.

Step #3: Use A Dark Spot Corrector

Dark spot correctors aren’t just for your face — you can use them wherever dark spots appear on your body including your hands and your chest. A dark spot corrector formula packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C or retinol is the perfect way to ensure cell turnover happens in the areas of your hands that have dark spots. They will help reduce the appearance of dark spots and they will gradually fade away.

Step #4: Moisturize

After applying the dark spot corrector make sure the product is fully dry then apply a hand cream of choice. Depending on how dry your skin is you can use something nourishing with emollients or use something light. Products formulated with shea butter are fantastic for dry hands and help get rid of dry, cracked skin. As always products formulated with antioxidants are great for your hands also. Look out for hand creams and lotions with formulas including green tea, reservatrol, vitamin E or retinol to help brighten, smooth and hydrate your skin.

Step #5: SPF

This is probably the most important step of the whole routine. As you probably know sun exposure is the number one cause of aging in skin and even if it looks like a cloudy day you will still be exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Go for something with at least SPF 15. If you’re fair-skinned we recommend at least SPF 30. Smooth SPF gently over your hands if you know you’re going to be spending time in the sun. You’ll help prevent dark spots from forming and sun damage, which will keep your hands from looking old prematurely.

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD)

 

Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.

Age or “liver” spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage, and are referred to by doctors as solar lentigines. These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.

Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the “mask of pregnancy” on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. If one is really bothered by the pigment, the birth control pills should be stopped.

Changes in skin color can result from outside causes. For example, skin diseases such as acne may leave dark spots after the condition clears. Other causes of dark spots are injuries to the skin, including some surgeries. Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face and arms. Freckles are an inherited characteristic.

Freckles, age spots, and other darkened skin patches can become darker or more pronounced when skin is exposed to the sun. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect he skin from overexposure. The usual result of this process is skin tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented. Wearing a sunscreen is a must. The sunscreen must be “broad spectrum” (i.e. it blocks both UVA and UVB). A single day of excess sun can undo months of treatment.

Most prescription creams used to lighten the skin contain hydroquinone. Bleaches lighten and fade darkened skin patches by slowing the production of melanin so those dark spots gradually fade to match normal skin coloration. Prescription bleaches contain twice the amount of hydroquinone, the active ingredient, as over-the-counter skin bleaches. In more severe cases prescription creams with tretinoin and a cortisone cream may be used. These may be somewhat irritating to sensitive skin and will take 3-6 months to produce improvement.

There are now several highly effective laser treatments. The q-switched ruby and other pigmented lesion lasers often remove pigment without scarring. A test spot in an inconspicuous place will need to be done as they sometimes make things worse instead of better.

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The medical information provided in this site is for educational purposes only and is the property of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice and shall not create a physician – patient relationship. If you have a specific question or concern about a skin lesion or disease, please consult a dermatologist. Any use, re-creation, dissemination, forwarding or copying of this information is strictly prohibited unless expressed written permission is given by the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. 

90,000 Pigmented spots on hands – how to get rid of brown spots on hands?

Date of publication: 24 July 2020

Everyone who has encountered such a problem dreams of getting rid of age spots on the hands and preserving the result for a long time. An aesthetic defect does not lend itself well to masking by means of decorative cosmetics and requires additional cosmetic procedures.

The reason for the appearance of age spots on the hands lies in the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the epidermis while in the sun.Excessive sun exposure stimulates the production of melanin in melanocytes. Some of these cells rise to the surface of the skin, leading to sunburn. Some of them are deposited in the area of ​​the granular layer of the epidermis, leading to the cumulative accumulation of the dye (pigmentation).

As a result of this accumulation, brown or yellow-brown spots appear. Their favorite localization is the face, shoulders, neckline and hands. Less likely to appear on the legs. They can arise spontaneously or after the next appearance in the sun.

Predisposing factors for staining:

• heredity;
• lack of vitamins PP and C;
• pathology of the digestive system;
• Natural aging processes of the skin.

Before removing age spots on the hands, most experts advise to find out the main reason for their appearance. It is recommended to check the functioning of the liver and kidneys, as well as conduct additional research on the likelihood of helminthic invasion.

When a specific problem is identified, it is necessary to eliminate it through effective therapeutic methods. After using any product, you must maintain the effect obtained. To do this, you need to adhere to certain preventive measures:

• you should go out in the sun for a short time, be sure to smear the skin with means to protect against ultraviolet radiation;
• closely monitor your health, regularly undergo annual preventive examinations;
• use high-quality skin care creams;
• take vitamin and mineral complexes on a regular basis;
• stick to proper nutrition.

Pigmented spots on the hands will not disappear on their own if the correct diet is followed. Doctors incorporate nutrition into their full range of treatments. This will allow natural deoxidation of the body and will act as a preventive measure in terms of their reappearance.

Nikor-Med experts advise to include in your diet more fruits, berries, vegetables and herbs. Green onions with bell peppers, cabbage, sorrel, parsley, strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and dill are useful.Shown are freshly squeezed juices from tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus fruits, young potatoes.

It is necessary to closely monitor the appearance of pigmentation on any part of the body. If spots on your hands begin to appear in large quantities, increase in size or change color, you should contact a medical center. You should always be aware of the risk of skin neoplasms formation.

Removing age spots is the goal of many women and men, as they cause aesthetic discomfort.Modern salon procedures make it possible to deal with this problem quite successfully, after which it remains only to preserve the result obtained. When finding out the exact cause of the appearance, followed by elimination and adherence to a set of preventive measures, it is possible to cope with senile spots for many years.

Our doctors will help you get rid of age spots using the erbium laser – Fotona XP.

Come to Nikor for health and beauty.

90,000 Pigmented spots on hands: reasons and how to get rid of

Pigmented spots are small areas of skin with discoloration, they appear darker in comparison with the general skin tone of the hands.Experts from Velvet Handles will tell you why they appear and how to lighten age spots on your hands, what care and prevention features should be taken into account.

Why do age spots appear on the hands

Uneven skin pigmentation is one of the companions of age. But without proper protection, hyperpigmentation can appear much earlier, even on young skin: the provoking factor for the formation of spots is ultraviolet light. The sun’s rays catalyze the formation of the pigment melanin from the amino acid tyrosine.Even in urban conditions, when the body is covered with clothes, the hands are always vulnerable to the sun. After a hot summer, spots may appear on them, which spoil the appearance and do not go away on their own.

Additional reasons that increase the risk of age spots on the hands include the following:

• hereditary characteristics and predisposition of the body – for example, thinning skin is more susceptible to such a problem;
• Lack of important vitamins PP and C in daily diet affects metabolic processes and skin tone;
• problems with the digestive system can affect the condition of the hands and the whole body;
• Stress often leads to local disruption of the natural production of melanin – as a result, pigment spots of various sizes appear;
• Natural aging of the body gradually leads to focal hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Types of spots on the skin of the hands

Pigmented spots are considered a fairly common cosmetic defect that worries many women. The active production of melanin in the cells of the dermis and its “floating” to the surface of the skin causes hyperpigmentation, makes the tone uneven. Such spots can have various shapes: from small dots to marks of impressive size.

Depending on the main reasons for the appearance of age spots on the skin of the hands, they are divided into 2 large groups.Primary spots are caused by disturbances in the production and distribution of the melanin pigment. These disorders are congenital and acquired (for example, under the aggressive action of ultraviolet radiation), can manifest themselves at different ages. Secondary age spots appear after the healing of mechanical damage to the skin or dermatological problems. They lighten quite easily with special care.

Lightening and prevention of age spots on the hands

Many women are interested in what to do when age spots appear on their hands.It is important to understand that such manifestations on the skin do not form in 1 day. The process of the appearance of hyperpigmentation is quite long. As a rule, first a light spot appears, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and other negative factors, it darkens and becomes more noticeable. That is why it is necessary to start an independent struggle with such spots as early as possible, when the first signs of a problem appear.

What should I do if there are already visible age spots on my hands?

By focusing efforts on working with the melanin pigment, you can prevent the formation of dark spots, as well as lighten the already marked ones.

By using sunscreens with a high SPF index, you can prevent the appearance of age spots under the influence of ultraviolet radiation by suppressing the synthesis of melanin in favorable conditions.

Additional tips for the prevention of age spots on the hands:

1. Gentle cleansing. Special products maintain a healthy hydrolipid balance on the skin surface, which is important for a well-groomed appearance and youthfulness of hands. Cream-soap Velvet Handles Moisturizing and softening delicately cleanses, makes the skin smoother and more silky, does not dry out and does not provoke a feeling of tightness.
2. Active care. To prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce its manifestations on the skin, you should pay special attention to home hand care. Special creams with a regenerating and anti-aging effect improve the condition of the hands, help to reduce dryness and severity of age spots. Intensive hand cream Velvet Handles Skin youthfulness actively moisturizes, helps the skin retain moisture and prevents dryness. The active ingredients in the composition support the natural mechanisms of cell regeneration, even out the overall tone and microrelief of the skin.

One of the ways to lighten hyperpigmented skin areas is to use peels. Already formed spots on the hands can be lightened with acid peels. Fruit acids activate the processes of exfoliation and renewal of the skin, making the tone more even. For the complete removal of hyperpigmentation, you may need to consult a specialist and a course of similar procedures in the salon.

Sun protection and special care is the basis for the prevention and correction of age spots on the hands.Such actions prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation, help to even out skin tone and eliminate signs of dryness.

How to get rid of age spots on the hands for older people – Rossiyskaya Gazeta

Light tan is always in fashion. But unevenly colored skin with pigmentation makes us older and “unkempt”. Of course, cosmetologists offer both professional products and peeling procedures, but this is expensive, and for many, going to such a salon is generally unavailable. On the other hand, there are tons of simple “homemade” recipes.Which of them is profanity, and which really works? We deal with the beautician Polina Martynova.

Polina Martynova: There are different types of pigmentation. The well-known freckles are typical for people with fair skin. In spring and summer, when the sun is active, there are more of them and they are brighter, and in autumn and winter, the skin whitens and clears up. The second type – nevi or moles, they can be flat or convex and are found in many people – this is normal. Moles are not treated with cosmetics, only in some cases they are surgically removed.By the way, a mole should be monitored: if its color or shape changes, the mole grows, it is necessary to see a doctor so as not to miss melanoma.

Another type of pigmentation – melasma (or chloasma) – these are large, with uneven edges areas of “darkening” of the skin, usually brown. They appear in women and are associated with hormonal changes – during pregnancy, any disruptions in the hormonal system. Finally, older people are characterized by age-related pigmentation, the so-called lentigo, which manifests itself with age on the arms, legs, and body.

What are the reasons for the appearance of pigmentation?

Polina Martynova: Any pigmentation is hypermelanosis, when melanin production is increased in certain areas of the skin. The reasons are different: as I said, age, hormonal disorders, and also pathology of the thyroid gland, liver and biliary tract, ovarian dysfunction. A hereditary factor is not excluded. Therefore, if the skin color has changed, if something bothers you, of course, you need to be examined.But the same freckles are typical for absolutely healthy people, and they do not bring any harm, except for aesthetic discomfort.

Pigmentation also sometimes occurs due to improper use of cosmetic procedures (for example, after photoepilation). It can be triggered by taking photosensitizing drugs – this side effect is, in particular, some hormonal drugs.

But all age spots have a common property: they are sensitive to ultraviolet light.Therefore, if you decide that you need to get rid of stains, this means that you will not only have to deal with your skin for a long time and painstakingly, but also constantly protect yourself from the sun. In summer, when UV radiation is more intense, you will have to protect yourself more, but in winter, on sunny days, the use of creams with UV filters is mandatory.

If it is not possible to treat pigmentation with a cosmetologist, is it possible to cope with it with “home” remedies?

Polina Martynova: In many cases, you can help yourself at home.By the way, you need to know: with pigmentation, it is even harmful to abuse peels. Because, on the one hand, they even out skin tone and remove blemishes, but on the other hand, they increase its susceptibility to ultraviolet light. So it’s important to keep the balance. When it comes to home remedies, they are completely harmless. But it is important to understand: two or three or even ten procedures will not achieve the effect. You need to act for a long time, patiently and consistently. And at the same time – constantly avoid direct sunlight.

How to use home remedies?

1.Cucumber gruel

Apply to clean skin. You can add a few drops of lemon juice.

This is a very good tool, confirms Polina Martynova. In addition to the whitening effect, this “treatment” moisturizes dry and soothes inflamed skin.

2. Lemon

Diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10, you can wipe the stains with this mixture, you can, if the skin is not very dry, apply for a while by soaking gauze. After the procedure, hands and especially the face are smeared with an emollient cream.

The whitening effect is due to citric acid and vitamin C. “Now there are lines of cosmetics containing vitamin C, which also have a whitening effect. You can also buy lemon essential oil and add drop by drop to milk or a gel for washing, to your usual cream – the effect will be the same. But I warn you: you cannot use essential oils in pure form. This is too concentrated a product, “Martynova warns.

3. Sour milk and other fermented milk products

Compresses from curdled milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream (for dry skin) are useful.Their effect is based on the action of another acid – lactic. Keep it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse and lubricate the treated areas with cream.

4. Bell pepper

The action is due to the high content of vitamin C. Sweet pepper gruel is applied to problem areas, washed off after 15 minutes.

5. Yeast

This is a “live” pasty baker’s yeast. They are diluted with milk or yogurt (you can add lemon juice).Yeast contains many B vitamins – they nourish the skin and make it elastic. Well, the whitening effect is also provided. “There is only one warning: yeast masks are not used on an inflamed face with rashes, this can aggravate the situation,” the cosmetologist comments.

6. Parsley

Parsley juice, gruel from fresh herbs is applied to the skin for the same 15-20 minutes, and then washed off with water. Finally, it is smeared with cream.

Polina Martynova: “And one last piece of advice.Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Of course, age spots on the hands and body do not paint anyone. Freckles, on the other hand, suit many people, give them individuality and enthusiasm. Therefore, before decisively getting rid of them, think again: is absolutely white skin worth the daily painstaking care, constant use of protective creams, wearing a wide-brimmed hat in sunny weather? In England, for example, freckled faces are considered the standard of beauty. “

How to remove age spots on the hands?

Sign up for a procedure

Brown spots on the hands and forearms result from exposure to sunlight on weakened aging skin, therefore they are called solar, or age lentigo.But sometimes they appear in young women, especially when several predisposing factors are combined.

Causes of age spots on the hands:

• Age;
• Changes in hormonal levels due to pregnancy, menopause, rapid puberty;
• Poor quality hand cosmetics;
• Constant unprotected contact with household chemicals;
• Disorders of metabolic processes;
• Lack or excess of certain substances caused by malnutrition;
• Heredity;
• Certain medicines;
• Aggressive exposure to UV rays.

Modern cosmetology knows many ways to deal with this aesthetic defect 100%.

Methods for removing age spots on hands

Hardware removal of hyperpigmentation	To remove excess pigment, different types of radiation are used, more often IPL light exposure. The result of the procedure directly depends on the quality of the equipment used. So, when removing pigmentation on the hands, the M22 platform has proven itself highly.
Chemical peels	Stimulates the renewal of skin cells, destroys accumulations of pigment in its upper layers.
Injection methods	The introduction of preparations based on hyaluronic acid into the skin (biorevitalization, mesotherapy) creates favorable conditions for cell renewal, increases the skin’s immunity and thus helps it cope with pigmentation disorders.

For a quick and reliable result, the doctor can combine these techniques. It is important to use professional cosmetics with ingredients that suppress excess melanin production and protect your hands from the sun.

Age-related lentigo sometimes degenerates into malignant melanoma, some dermatologists consider it a borderline skin formation. That is why a dermatoscopy should always be done before removing such stains, which will allow the doctor to rule out an unfavorable outcome.

How to remove age spots on hands?

Hands with thin and delicate skin are especially prone to the formation of age spots. Where do these spots come from?

Pigmented spots are formed when melanocyte cells begin to produce too much of the natural pigment, melanin, in certain areas of the skin. It is responsible for coloring human skin, hair, iris. The higher the concentration of melanin, the darker the color becomes.At a young age, the pigment is formed under the influence of bright sunlight. Thus, our body is protected from ultraviolet radiation.

But at a more mature age, hyperpigmentation may already appear, which is a consequence of the thinning of the basement membrane, which separates the epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) from the dermis (the underlying layer of the skin). As a result, the pigment embedded in the deep layers of the skin begins to show through on the surface, unevenly forming age spots.

Patients are often interested in whether it is possible to somehow remove these ugly defects from the hands without damaging the skin?

Sure! At A Clinic we use the most modern and effective ways to eliminate pigmentation, even the most complex form – age.

Removing pigment with photorejuvenation

The essence of the technique is to activate regenerative processes in tissues, which is achieved using intense pulsed light.During the procedure, a special device Ellips Flex works through each problem area.

During the removal of age spots, a cooling gel is applied to the treated surface, and a light pulse is passed through it. This is necessary for the correct effect of the beam of light on the spot. The target for the ray is the pigment melanin. As a result, the age spot first darkens, and then disappears, the skin color evens out.

When carrying out such rejuvenation, certain layers of the epidermis are also gently warmed up by a light beam.This heating has a very beneficial effect, as it activates the synthesis of collagen fibers. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic and even, thickens, acquires a healthy shade, wrinkles are smoothed out.

Removal of age spots with laser

Laser treatment is a good method for removing age spots of any complexity.

We at A Clinic successfully remove pigment from the skin surface with a Fraxel laser. The laser beam penetrates deep into the skin without damaging its outer surface in any way.A laser pulse with a specially tuned wavelength acts on the melanin granules under the skin, which are heated. In this case, the destruction of excess pigmentation occurs, but the surrounding tissues do not heat up and are not injured. The doctor treats with a laser only the places of accumulation of melanin (the pigment spots themselves), which makes this procedure point-like. In addition, in the microzones of laser exposure, the regeneration of new structural proteins that participate in the renewal of our skin – collagen and elastin – begins.Therefore, the skin of the hands after Fraxel will look noticeably rejuvenated – dense and elastic, as in youth.

Fraxel is the safest way to treat excess pigment. Usually, with a low concentration of age spots, it is enough to carry out one laser treatment. However, if age spots are age-related, then a course of treatment may be required.

Mesotherapy Melsmon for the elimination of age spots

The Japanese placental drug Melsmon creates real miracles in getting rid of pigmentation.

Melsmon contains more than 100 components, including:

• all 20 amino acids existing in nature, including essential ones, which perform plastic and many other functions in the body;

• mucopolysaccharides, necessary for the construction of connective tissues;

• nucleic and organic acids, nucleosides that enhance protein biosynthesis;

• vitamins B2, B3, C, D, PP, which provide the antioxidant effect of the drug and are catalysts for metabolic processes;

• enzymes – catalysts of metabolic processes in the body;

• minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, selenium, etc.)), which are involved in the construction of the skeleton, the formation of hemoglobin and regulate the exchange of vitamins and hormones.

All these components are perfectly absorbed by our body. Melsmon activates the appearance of cells instead of damaged, altered and worn out, at the same time preventing their uncontrolled division. A healthy microenvironment is created around each skin cell: if the cell is not actively dividing, then Melsmon activates this process, and if it is hyperactive, it normalizes, as, for example, with melanocyte cells, which are responsible for the production of pigment.Thus, the mechanism of suppression of hyperactive division is activated. As a result, age spots fade and disappear.

The famous Japanese doctor Yoshida Kentaro, who has been working with Melsmon for more than 20 years, confirms the high effectiveness of the drug in the fight against pigmentation. Injections have relieved this pathology of many who have not been helped by any other methods.

“When I first started working with Melsmon, I was approached by a fashion model whose career was threatened by a bright spot in the middle of her forehead,” Kentaro said in an interview.- It appeared in a woman after sunbathing and did not respond to bleaching. The patient was very worried, as the producer threatened her with breaking the contract if she did not immediately get rid of the defect that had arisen. Success awaited us: already ten days after the start of therapy, the problem disappeared without a trace. Since then, I have been using Melsmon to treat pigmentation of a wide “geography” and any “age”.
90,000 PIGMENT SPOTS – DANGEROUS OR NOT?

Pigmented spots are not a skin disease, but they do represent a serious cosmetic defect.The main reason for the appearance of age spots is an increased level of melanin in skin cells. There are many factors that provoke the formation of age spots on the body.

What is the danger of age spots?

The danger of age spots is that a malignant neoplasm can be disguised under them, therefore, before starting any type of treatment, you should consult a specialist.

The pigmentation should be especially alert:

• protrudes above the skin;
• is growing intensively;
• changes color dramatically;
• become painful, sore, or itchy.

Do not get rid of age spots on your own – this can provoke their active growth. How to remove age spots and whether it is worth doing it can only be determined by a specialist – a dermatologist.
The reasons for the appearance of age spots on the body are:

• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
• genetic predisposition;
• hormonal imbalance caused by pathological processes in the endocrine system, or changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy;

90 017 skin injuries: severe cases of acne, furunculosis, chemical and thermal burns, etc.;

• skin aging;
• Frequent stress, neuropsychiatric disorders;
• lack of vitamin C;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc. Preventing the appearance of such defects is much easier than getting rid of them!

The following recommendations will help with this:
– avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
– Use a high protection sunscreen;
– limit visits to the solarium;
– use high-quality cosmetics for the skin;
– Eat a sufficient amount of foods rich in vitamins: vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs.

Treatment of age spots

The basic principle of pigmentation treatment is to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. A dermatologist will conduct a comprehensive examination of the body and, if necessary, will refer to related specialists: gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, etc.

It is impossible to completely get rid of some forms of pigmentation. First of all, this applies to freckles and senile lentigines. With the right approach, you can only reduce the size and intensity of the color of the formations, even out the skin tone.

90,000 Pigmentation in summer: what to do and how to get rid of age spots on the face and body

Pigmentation on the skin is a fairly common phenomenon. But if cute freckles in a child are perceived by others as decoration, then for a girl and a woman, brown spots on the body can become a serious cosmetic defect. Such marks become the subject of close attention of the interlocutor.

Important: Pigmented spots on the body can cause the development of complexes, uncertainty about one’s own attractiveness.Is it worth it to endure such inconvenience and risk the emotional background if the problem is simple enough to solve?

Specialists of the medical center “Lazersvit” are ready to tell you which protection against pigmentation on the face will be the most effective, and how to prevent the appearance of marks in the summer, when the risks of hyperpigmentation are especially high. We also invite all interested parties to visit our clinic to consult a dermatologist and undergo treatment for skin hyperpigmentation.

Age spots: causes of

Hyperpigmentation, which occurs in summer, is a change in the color of certain areas of the skin.Typically, the spots are irregular, dark brown, brown or brownish red. They are painless, do not protrude above the surface of the skin, do not increase or insignificantly change the density of the skin at the site of formation.

A is caused by melanocytes cells, which produce pigment. When the skin pigment melanin accumulates in a certain area of ​​the epidermis, dark spots appear. Sun exposure provokes activation of pigment production. The hereditary factor also plays an important role in these processes.For example, freckles are inherited. And in the summer they begin to be more noticeable due to the aggressive effects of solar energy. Excess melanin in the human body can also be produced due to unstable hormonal levels and poor ecology.

Pigmentation from the sun most often appears on the face, on the skin in the décolleté, on the neck, shoulders, and on the arms. Men, as a rule, do not pay attention to this “sunny” effect. In children, freckles on the body after sunburn also do not cause psychological discomfort.Well, for girls, age spots and freckles can become a big psychological problem. And attempts to make up them with cosmetics do not give a positive result. After all, the accumulation of melanocytes does not occur on the surface, but in the deep layers of the epidermis.

Types of age spots

Pigmented spots are classified as follows:

• Solar lentigo are age spots that appear against the background of age-related hormonal changes and excessive sun exposure.Most often, skin defects of this type are located in the upper part of the body – on the shoulders, on the face, on the chest.
• Freckles are small spots that appear in clusters on the face, back and chest. This skin pigmentation from the sun is the smallest cosmetic defect. Most often, freckles do not require treatment, and with the onset of the cold season, when the sun loses activity, they become less noticeable.
• Chloasmas are large enough, uneven brown spots that appear due to prolonged exposure to the sun, serious hormonal changes.

How to protect yourself from the appearance of hyperpigmentation in the summer?

When experts have named the cause of age spots on the face and body, it remains to hear how to prevent this effect in the warm season.

It has already been said that persistent sun spots appear due to the active production of melanin, provoked by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays. So, in order to avoid hyperpigmentation, it is enough to limit exposure to the sun:

• Sunbathing on the beach or in the solarium should be avoided.
• Stay in the open sun without protection should be limited to 5-7 minutes.
• Hands, décolleté should be covered with a light cloth. You can protect your face from solar radiation with a wide-brimmed hat, a summer umbrella.
• You can protect the skin from aggressive external influences with moisturizing serums with antioxidants.

Well, if you still have to stay in the open air in the summer during the daytime, you need to use protective creams with special filters that filter out aggressive ultraviolet radiation.

Methods for the treatment of age spots

Before determining an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, it is important to identify why a cosmetic defect appeared in a particular patient. If it is solar pigmentation, the chances of complete removal of the defect are much higher than with the appearance of senile or hormonal spots. This is due to the fact that in the second case it is necessary to check the hormonal background, which may be the cause of the formation of skin pathology.

Important: If the balance of hormones is disturbed, the treatment should be complex.It provides for the medication restoration of hormonal levels and the removal of external manifestations. Without this, it will be impossible to get rid of the excessive production of melanin, and the defect will return even after the skin lightening procedure.

As for the therapy itself, the treatment of pigmentation in the summer is carried out in several ways and with a complete rejection of sunbathing for a certain time. After all, it is important to stop the running process of melanocyte production.

Specialists today offer a large number of procedures and manipulations to remove age spots.And the most popular, versatile and effective are mesotherapy and laser treatment.

Mesotherapy is an injection method for treating various skin pathologies. The essence of the technique lies in the introduction of special preparations into the upper and deep layers of the epidermis that lighten melanin. To obtain a lasting effect, a course of procedures may be required, which can take 6-8 weeks. This method is suitable for small specks of light brown or yellow color.

Important: The cocktails are compiled by a dermatologist individually for each patient. As a rule, they contain vitamin C, linoleic acid, glutathione and several other components.

If you want to remove dark spots on the skin from the sun faster, then the laser is the best solution. A special medical device delivers a laser beam of a certain intensity and depth of impact. The laser beam destroys pigment cells without affecting adjacent tissues.This is a big plus of the method.

Important: Point exposure is impossible when using any other means and methods.

Laser removal of skin pigmentation is so popular that I would like to dwell on this technique in more detail.

Laser removal of age spots

If you develop brown spots on your skin after sunburn, you probably want to know more about the procedure for laser treatment of hyperpigmentation. The method is characterized by high speed, safety, efficiency.After 1-2 procedures, a positive result is visible. Brown spots become much lighter, and with a shallow occurrence of pigment cells, their complete disappearance is observed.

Important: The laser method completely eliminates infection and bleeding. After all, the beam cauterizes the wound. And since it acts pointwise, no scars remain on the skin.

Another reason to choose this method of treating age spots is the relative painlessness. The laser pulses are so short that the pain receptors do not have time to react.Well, if the patient has a low pain threshold, the doctor may suggest a local anesthetic. Immediately after the procedure, the patient can return to his usual lifestyle.

Important: A person may experience a slight burning sensation and discomfort at the site of exposure. In this case, it is necessary to protect the skin with a special regenerating ointment.

The doctor will definitely tell you about the postoperative care. But rehabilitation is simple and does not require particularly strict restrictions.

Important: Laser removal of age spots in summer provides for refusal to visit the beach, river and pool, prolonged exposure to the sun for a period of complete restoration of the skin.Therefore, if you are not ready for such sacrifices, it is better to postpone the treatment until the fall.

What is the procedure for laser removal of age spots?

Previously, the doctor conducts an examination, examines the patient’s skin condition, identifies obvious and hidden defects, and develops a treatment plan. On the day of the manipulation, it is important to give up decorative cosmetics, the use of creams, lotions.

When the laser is tuned to the desired operating mode, the doctor begins treatment. The laser beam is point-directed at the pathological areas of the skin.The impulses destroy pigment cells. And in their place, new healthy tissue will subsequently appear.

The procedure is not performed for pregnant and lactating mothers, people with skin diseases, severe mental disabilities, patients under the influence of alcohol. We ask you to take these restrictions seriously and be sure to undergo a preliminary examination by a dermatologist. Otherwise, the medical center for diagnostics of moles “Lazersvit” reserves the right to refuse a visitor to carry out treatment.

Is it possible to remove age spots with a laser in summer?

Removal of pigmentation in summer is not prohibited. However, after the procedure, it will be necessary and at the same time difficult to protect the skin from the active sun. Therefore, dermatologists recommend not rushing to remove pigmentation in the summer, but wait until early autumn. The optimal period for treatment is from September to April.

How to deal with pigmentation on the face in the summer: prevention

In order for the pigmentation on the face to be less pronounced in the summer, it is important to refuse to stay in the open sun.This recommendation is the main way to prevent brown spots. Also, in the summer, it is recommended to limit complex cosmetic procedures that can weaken the protective functions of the skin. Paradoxically, after visiting the salon, age spots on the face after sunburn appear much more often.

Frequently asked questions and answers about age spots

How many procedures do you need to completely remove age spots?

Based on the experience of our clinic, it can be determined that 3 or more procedures may be required to remove large brown and reddish brown spots on the skin.But it will be possible to say for sure only after a visual examination of the skin by a dermatologist, as well as the first procedure, which will assess the degree of skin reaction to laser exposure. But it is important to say that even after the first procedure, a positive result is achieved.

What is the rehabilitation period?

No special recovery period is required. The procedure is carried out on the day of treatment and immediately after it you can return to your daily activities. You may need to use protective and restorative creams.In general, after 10-14 days, the skin will completely recover.

Can pigmentation be treated at home?

Any qualified dermatologist will tell you that it is impossible to cure hyperpigmentation with folk remedies. Self-medication in the form of various aggressive lightening agents can cause burns.

I am not in the sun. Why is my skin covered with age spots?

There may be several reasons for the manifestation of such a defect.These include hormonal imbalance during pregnancy, age-related skin changes. Only a doctor, after a thorough examination, will be able to determine why this problem affected a particular patient.

Examination and removal will be performed by the country’s leading dermatologists

They completed training abroad and examined more than 50,000 patients

Ladygina Evgeniya Igorevna

Doctor dermatologist

Specialty:
Has specialties of dermatologist and dermatovenerologist.

Work experience:
3 years

Education:
Graduated from V.N.Karazin Kharkiv National University in 2018.

Treatment of diseases:
Dermatoscopy. Diagnosis of skin neoplasms. Laser removal of moles, warts, warts and papillomas.Elimination of tattoos, age spots.

Belskaya Elena Alexandrovna

Chief Physician. Dermatologist

Specialty:
General medicine.

Work experience:
17 years.

Education:
Kharkov State Medical University 2003

Treatment of diseases:
D Treats chronic skin diseases: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema. Fights skin infections – pyoderma, fungal diseases.Removes permanent makeup, tattoos. Reveals and treats skin neoplasms: warts, condylomas, hemangiomas, moles.

Krasiy Irina Nikolaevna

First category dermatologist.

Specialty:
General medicine.

Work experience:
17 years.

Education:
Kharkov State Medical University 2003

Treatment of diseases:
Diagnostics, treatment and removal of skin neoplasms (warts, papillomas, condylomas, moles, contagious molluscs, hemangiomas, vascular networks, pigmentation), treatment of chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis), skin infections (pyoderma, fungal diseases), removal tattoos, permanent make-up.

Bidnichenko Natalia Levonovna

Doctor dermatologist of the highest category

Specialty:
Dermatology.

Work experience:
15 years.

Education:
Odessa State Medical University 2003

Treatment of diseases:
Treats skin diseases – psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. Helps get rid of pyoderma and other skin infections. Identifies dangerous neoplasms and removes them. Checks papillomas, moles, hemangiomas, keratomas, fibromas, condylomas, spider webs.

Biyukova-Polshakova Irina Lazarevna

Second category dermatologist

Specialty:
Dermatology, Trichology, Clinical Psychology.

Work experience:
11 years.

Education:
Bukovina Medical University 2007
Odessa National Medical University 2012

Treatment of diseases:
Specializes in the elimination of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.Diagnoses and treats skin infections such as pyoderma. Identifies dangerous neoplasms and selects methods for their removal.

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