How to Get Rid of Aging Dark Spots on Face
Age spots, also called liver spots, are dark spots on the skin caused by too much sun exposure. They typically show up on the face, the chest, the back of hands, arms, feet and shoulders. Age spots usually occur later in life, but can show up in younger people who tan often. Age spots can be prevented, faded or removed.
Things You'll Need
- Sunblock
- Hydroquinone
- Alpha hydroxy acid gel, beta hydroxy acid gel or Retin A
- Chemical peel
- Dermatologist
Instructions
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Stay out of the sun or use sunblock to prevent more age spots on the face and to keep current age spots from darkening.
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Use a bleaching solution, such as hydroquinone, on the face. Use hydroquinone on fair skin, not dark skin. Apply to age spots on the face each night. Get a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist for hydroquinone.
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Get a prescription for alpha hydroxy acid gel, beta hydroxy acid gel or Retin A from your dermatologist. Apply gel or Retin A to your face each night, covering the age spots. Stick to a nightly regimen for six months and see lightening of large age spots and the disappearance of small spots.
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Get a chemical peel from a qualified esthetician. Try an alpha hydroxy acid peel, which involves applying a mild acid to the face and then allowing the skin to heal. Expect the peel to fade age spots.
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See your dermatologist to permanently remove age spots. Be prepared for her to use a scalpel to cut away the age spot, use an electric needle to remove it or use a laser to remove it. Expect these methods to leave a scar or a white spot. Know that laser treatments involve the least pain and the fastest healing time.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Helmut the Horrible: Flickr Creative Commons
