How to Get Rid Of Your Age Spots

Treatment for age spots

Too much time in the sun without protection and getting older can result in embarrassing age spots. Although they aren't harmful, you may want to get rid of them, especially if they're large. It is possible to fade these discolored patches of skin over time using various natural treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Alphahydroxy lotion
• Hydroquinone cream
• Lemon juice
• Cotton swabs
• Sunblock

Instructions

1. Apply an alphahydroxy lotion directly to brown patches of skin. The acid in this type of lotion acts like a gentle chemical peel, exposing newer skin and fading age spots over time. Use it two to three times a day. If irritation occurs, use it only once per day and then gradually build up to more frequent use as your skin gets more accustomed to it.

2. Use a cream that contains hydroquinone to bleach age spots. This will help lighten your skin and even out your skin tone, but it's not an overnight remedy. It may take several months before you notice an improvement.

3. Dip a cotton swab in lemon juice, and then rub it on any age spots as a completely natural way to bleach your skin. Lemon juice has been a successful home remedy for freckles and skin discoloration for centuries, though results vary with each user. This method also takes longer than if you use a lightening cream or alphahydroxy lotion, though it's cheaper and gentler.

4. Prevent future age spots from forming by using sunblock each time you go outdoors during the day, especially between noon and 3 p.m., when the sun is highest in the sky. Be sure to choose an SPF that's suitable for your skin type. Generally, the lighter your skin, the higher the SPF you want to use.

5. Contact a dermatologist if home treatment of age spots doesn't work and you want to get rid of them completely. She may recommend laser treatment to remove age spots or a prescription-strength cream or lotion to fade them more quickly than over-the-counter products can.

Tips & Warnings

• It took years for your age spots to develop, so try to be patient as you fade them. It could take several months, and in some cases, they may require professional help to permanently treat them.

• Use of alphahydroxy lotion, hydroquinone cream or lemon juice can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Age Spots (liver spots) Treatments and Drugs
• Mother Nature: Age Spots