How to Remove Sun Spots While You Age

Keep aging skin clear.

Photo-aging tends to lead to Sun spots on the skin. The spots develop as you get older and when not protected adequately from the Sun. Sun spots, also known as hyper-pigmentation, are patches of discoloration on the skin. As the skin turns over more slowly as you age, it can be difficult to remove the brown marks. Learn how to remove Sun spots as you age and reverse the hands of time.

Things You'll Need

• Face cream containing kojic acid
• Retinoid cream or gel

Instructions

1. Get microdermabrasion treatments done on your skin. There are home kits but it is best to visit a dermatologist for this type of treatment. The doctor removes top layers of skin using crystal particles. It usually takes multiple visits but can significantly fade Sun spots.

2. Apply a face cream that contains kojic acid three to four times per week. Kojic acid is formed from Japanese sake. It fades Sun spots by inhibiting tyrosinase. Put a pea-size amount on Sun spots before bed.

3. Obtain a prescription for a prescription retinoid. This is a cream made from vitamin A that can dramatically fade Sun spots as you age. They can be harsh on sensitive skin.

4. Put a tiny dab of a prescription retinoid cream to Sun spots one to three times per week. It can take three to six months for the spots to fade.

5. Get laser treatments done on the Sun spots. Done by a dermatologist, the therapy removes the pigment from the skin using pulsed-dye lasers. You will usually need multiple treatments.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day.

• Have a physician examine Sun spots to ensure they are not cancerous.

References

• MSN Health; Age Spots: How to Remove Age Spots; Robert Danoff, D.O., M.S.
• Health Central: How Do I Get Rid of the Brown Spots on My Face?