How to Get Rid of Age Spots for Asians
Asians are at higher risk for skin hyperpigmentation problems such as age spots--often called liver spots. Age spots are benign, flat, brown spots due to lifelong sun exposure, and usually occur on parts of the body regularly exposed to sunlight, such as the arms, hands and face. Although age spots usually are benign, they may affect your self-esteem. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Use sunblock. The best way to prevent more age spots is to use sunblock everyday. In addition to prevention, many of the fading treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so sunblock is an absolute necessity.
-
2
Use a lightening cream. There are several creams and lotions on the market that include lightening agents such as hydroquinone and kojic acid that may fade age spots in the epidermal layers of the skin. Trying lightening cream first will help you determine if further action is necessary. However, age spots seem to be less responsive to lightening creams, according to Dr. Andrew Weil.
-
-
3
Visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist will use something called a "Wood's Lamp" to see if your age spots go past the epidermis and into the dermis. She also will be able to prescribe more potent lightening agents or Retin-A creams that may help fade your age spots, as well as tell you whether or not further action is necessary.
-
4
Get laser therapy. Most laser therapy is inappropriate for Asian skin because darker skin tones may absorb the laser light and further damage the skin. Some new generations of lasers, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), create less heat, which is better for Asian skin. These procedures should be used only by a licensed physician.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are living in Asia, be aware that some lightening agents, such as hydroquinone, may be banned for use in cosmetic products.
Use sunblock with at least 30 SPF and above and that is for broad spectrum UVA and UVB light. Reapply throughout the day. Make sure to wear it even on cloudy days, as the damage is caused by UV rays that are still present. Don't forget to apply it to your hands.
In addition to sunblock, wear hats and long sleeves to protect your face and arms from the sun.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hats image by AGITA LEIMANE from Fotolia.com
