Can I Get Rid Of Age Spots? How Can A Dermatologist Help?
Read Time: 8 minutes Is there a way to get rid of dark spots that show up with age? With a dermatologist’s help, getting rid of age spots may be possible.
An Unwanted Side Effect Of Aging
Age brings vast amounts of wisdom and experience. Getting older can also bring blemishes on the skin called age spots. Age spots are also called dark spots, liver spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines. These spots are brown, tan, or grey and look like freckles. While freckles can go away, age spots stick around, creating unsightly skin. Can a dermatologist help get rid of these spots?
How are age spots formed?
Age spots are the skin’s response to sun exposure. Over time, UV exposure causes the skin to produce more melanin. The melanin clumps together and show up as age spots. These spots are common on the back, legs, arms, face, and shoulders. Anyone at any age can get age spots through increased exposure to the sun or tanning beds. Persons with fair or light-colored skin are more at risk. Hormones and genetics play a small part; however, the sun is the main culprit.
Focus on prevention before cure
Age spots can be frustrating. Many people look for ways to lighten or get rid of these blemishes completely. Prevention is usually the best place to start. Build the habit of using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide. Reapply for every 2 hours of sun exposure and use protective clothing. People who use sunscreen have 24% fewer signs of skin aging. Avoid tanning beds as UV rays are the leading cause of spots. Practice proper skin hygiene through washing and cleansing regularly. Finally, try a double cleanse to protect the face further.
Turning to medication
There are a range of available treatments on the market geared to clear up the skin. These include gels, ointments, and lightening creams. Age spots live at the upper layer of the skin. Unfortunately, many products are unable to bring the spots to the surface. Others may cause an unwanted reaction. There are several at-home remedies favored over the years, including aloe vera, buttermilk, lemon, and turmeric. Choosing the right treatment could be confusing. This is where the guidance of a dermatologist comes in.
Time to bring in the professionals
A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in skin health. The doctor can help by advising on the best course of action to clear the age spots. Before providing recommendations, a dermatologist will check for cancer. Some dark patches may be squamous cell carcinoma or another type of skin cancer. Once the doctor gives the all-clear, there are several prescription ointments and creams that can help. These creams contain more potent ingredients, including steroids to brighten age spots gradually.
Try these advanced treatment options
Prescription ointments will help, but there are faster methods a dermatologist can recommend. Laser treatment, for instance, can destroy the cells creating the age spots. Dermatologists can also use cryotherapy. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to destroy the affected cells. Ask a dermatologist about other techniques like dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels. These advanced procedures vary in effectiveness and price. Speak with the dermatologist for the best available option.
Look younger, feel younger today
Clearing up age spots can increase confidence and bring a new lease on life. As a first step, make sure to restrict any further sun damage by using sunscreen. There are many non-prescription solutions on the market. Thousands of people spend time and money trying to find the right medication. Skip the hassle and speak with a dermatologist. The doctor will come up with a customized solution to make the skin look clear, young, and glowing again.