How to Get Rid of Skin Spots

Skin spots can be caused by skin trauma, sun exposure, medications and hormonal changes. The most common spots are age spots, often called liver spots. These are brown, flat spots that are larger than freckles. Age spots are caused by years of sun exposure. People over 40 can start seeing age spots on the hands, face and other areas exposed to sunlight. Skin spots are harmless, but many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. See your physician if you are concerned about the spots. Ask your physician to recommend a dermatologist if you don't already see one regularly.

2. Use sun block or sunscreen, wear protective clothing and stay out of the sun as much as possible to minimize further damage.

3. Apply a skin-lightening or bleaching cream. Over-the-counter products are available at drug stores and online. A dermatologist can prescribe a stronger solution.

4. Try a home remedy. Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, buttermilk, castor oil, dandelion sap and lemon juice are some popular home remedies used to remove skin spots. Apply to the spots once or twice a day. If you use lemon juice, wait until it dries before going into the sun.

5. Ask your dermatologist about cryotherapy and laser therapy. With cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the spots. Laser treatments remove areas of damaged skin, layer by layer. Treatments are available that can remove dark spots without scarring.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your dermatologist or physician if the spots develop irregular borders or change in color, since this can be a sign of skin cancer.