How to Remove Age Spots

Age spots, also called liver spots

Age spots are patches of darkened skin caused by exposure to the sun. Also called solar lentigo or liver spots, they are commonly seen in those over the age of 50. While age spots are not harmful, they are a cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing and upsetting to some people. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to remove age spots safely and easily.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter hydroquinone treatment
• Aloe vera
• Lemon juice
• Vitamin E capsules or oil
• Sunscreen with SPF of 30 or greater

Instructions

1. Visit a dermatologist to verify that your darkened patches are age spots and not skin cancer or another medical condition. Your doctor may wish to perform a biopsy if skin cancer is suspected, although most age spots are easily diagnosed by physical examination.

2. Bleach your age spots with hydroquinone. This method of removing age spots is especially effective for those with fair skin. People with darker skin may see less dramatic results and are more prone to side effects from the treatment, such as irritation and redness. Avoid sun exposure while using hydroquinone, as the solution will be rendered ineffective by sun exposure.

3. Treat your age spots with freezing, dermabrasion, or acid applications. While these methods are effective at removing age spots, they work by destroying the top-most layer of the skin. This can potentially result in scaring or white spots.

4. Undergo laser treatments to remove age spots. Laser treatments are less irritating than freezing or acid applications, and they are more precise and less likely to cause skin damage. It may take multiple treatments with lasers to completely remove age spots, according to the Mayo Clinic.

5. Apply alpha or beta hydroxy acid gel to your age spots each night before bed. This treatment works to gradually reduce the appearance of age spots, and is also useful for lightening freckles and other types of hyperpigmentation.

6. Ask your doctor for a prescription of Retin-A. Retin-A, when used once a day for at least six months, will remove smaller age spots and significantly lighten larger spots. It is important to protect your skin from the sun while using topical Retin-A products.

7. Get a chemical peel on the areas of skin affected by age spots. According to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, chemical peels work by dissolving damaged sections of skin. When new skin growth takes place and replaces the skin layer removed during the chemical peel, the age spots will be lighter or nonexistent. Chemical peels generally cause temporary redness, irritation and discomfort.

8. Try natural remedies to remove age spots. Applications of lemon juice, aloe vera and vitamin E oil may effectively remove age spots for some people.

9. Protect your skin from additional sun damage by wearing sunscreen every time you leave the house. Continued sun exposure will make existing age spots darker and negate the beneficial effects of many treatments.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a doctor as soon as possible to rule out skin cancer if your age spot itches, peels, or bleeds.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic
• University of Minnesota Medical Center