How to Get Rid of Brown Age Spots on the Hands

Age spots are brown discolorations that develop on the back of the hands, face, neck, shoulders and arms. Although the actual cause of age spots has been debated, research indicates that prolonged sun exposure is the likely culprit. But there are other factors that determine a person's likelihood of developing them. Genetics may play a role in the development of age spots as well as diet, tanning, smoking and alcohol consumption. Taking measures to prevent the development of age spots is the best course of action but there are treatment options available for those who develop age spots.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bleaching Cream
• Lemon Juice
• Sunscreen

1. Apply a bleaching cream to the area of skin affected by age spots. A bleaching cream can help lighten the age spots thereby lessening the unsightly appearance caused by them.

2. Apply a sunscreen to the back of hands when outdoors. Sun exposure can cause the development of additional age spots and may darken existing age spots.

3. Use make-up to cover the age spots on the backs of your hands if their appearance is unsightly enough to make you uncomfortable. Use a good make-up in a shade close to your own skin tone yet dark enough to disguise the age spots.

4. Avoid tanning beds. Artificial tanning can be just as bad as tanning outdoors in the sun. Too much time spent in the tanning salon can aid in the development of age spots and it tends to make the skin leathery as you grow older. If you already have age spots tanning will only intensify their appearance.

5. Eat a healthy diet if you want to prevent age spots. The type of food you put into your body shows in the appearance of your skin. Include green, leafy vegetables and plenty of fresh fruit in your diet. Such foods contain necessary vitamins and nutrients vital to healthy skin.

6. Drink plenty of water each day. It is important to keep your skin hydrated for optimum health.

7. Avoid habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption that can harm your skin. Both can play a factor in aging your skin prematurely.

8. Use lemon juice to fade age spots. Apply undiluted lemon juice directly onto the affected skin. Do this daily until the age spots fade.

9. Consult your physician to discuss further treatment options. There are alternatives to fighting age spots such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Your physician can help you weigh the options and determine which course of therapy would be best for you. Options such as those listed above may be considered for skin that is more densely populated with age spots. Alternatives such as bleaching creams may be more suitable for those with just a few age spots.