How Do I Fix Sunspots on My Face?

Sun spots become more common with age.

Sun spots---also known as liver spots or age spots---occur when the skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun's rays or from tanning beds. These small patches of brown discoloration are more common after the age of forty, and sun spots tend to appear on exposed body areas such as the face, backs of the hands and forearms. Most sun spots are completely harmless and require no treatment. However, it is possible to fade sun spots if they are a cosmetic concern.

Things You'll Need

• Sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher
• Prescription or nonprescription fade cream product

Instructions

1. Consult a qualified dermatologist before treating your sun spots. A dermatologist will examine your skin to rule out melanoma or other types of skin cancer, and recommend a suitable treatment program.

2. Apply sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection every day to all body areas that get sun exposure. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours. This may help fade existing sun spots and prevent further sun damage to the skin.

3. Apply a prescription or over-the-counter fade cream containing the active ingredients hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Use alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) as directed by the manufacturer or your dermatologist.

4. Undergo laser therapy. The laser destroys melanin-producing cells (known as melanocytes) without damaging the skin's surface, causing sun spots to fade gradually with multiple treatments.

5. Undergo dermabrasion. This treatment involves buffing away the surface layer of skin so a new, more evenly pigmented layer of skin can grow in its place.

6. Get a chemical peel. During this procedure, acid burns away the surface layer of skin to reveal less sun-damaged skin underneath. One or more treatments may be needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient when using fade or bleaching creams. Some may need to be applied twice daily over a period of several months to achieve results.

• Some fade or bleaching products, especially those that contain hydroquinone, can irritate skin. Perform a skin patch test on a small area of skin on your inner arm before using a fade cream. If redness, burning, itching or any other sign of irritation occurs over a 48-hour period, do not use the product.

• Prescription-strength fade creams (at 4 percent hydroquinone) tend to be more effective than over-the-counter products, which cannot legally contain more than 2 percent hydroquinone in the U.S. Creams that exceed these limits may be unsafe, so buy non-prescription fade creams from reputable retailers to be sure of the ingredients and potency.

• Laser therapy, dermabrasion and chemical peels carry the risk of adverse side effects. Discuss these fully with your dermatologist before deciding on the most suitable treatment for you.

• Many skin lightening or bleaching options carry a risk of skin discoloration so adequate sun protection using a sunscreen with SPF30+ (a sun protection factor of 30 or higher) is strongly advised.

• Sun spots are usually harmless, but consult your doctor if you develop any new symptoms, especially if you notice a change in the appearance of a sun spot.

References

• AgingSkinNet: Age Spots
• MedLinePlus: Liver Spots
• Mayo Clinic: Age Spots - Causes
• Mayo Clinic: Age Spots - Lifestyle and Home Remedies