How to remove age spots
You can get rid of age spots with different methods: using over-the-counter and prescription products, home remedies, or with professional skin treatments.
Here I present some methods that could help you.
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| How to remove age spots |
Age spots are smooth brown, black or yellow spots that appear on the neck, hands and face. They are mainly caused by exposure to sunlight and usually appear after the age of 40. These stains are not dangerous by any means, so there are no medical reasons to get rid of them. However, they can reveal a person's real age, which is why many men and women remove them for aesthetic reasons.
What causes age spots?
Age spots are caused by increased production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin is produced in cells called melanocytes, which are found in the most superficial layer of the skin. Melanin protects the skin from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage cell DNA and cause skin cancer.
Over time, sun exposure causes melanocytes to multiply and clump together, forming age spots. Other factors that can influence the appearance of these spots are aging, hormonal changes, oxidative stress, genetics and some medications.
How can you remove age spots?
There are different treatments to eliminate or fade age spots, which vary in their effectiveness, cost, and risk of side effects. Some of the most common are:
- Whitening creams: these are products that contain ingredients that inhibit melanin production, such as kojic acid, azelaic acid or vitamin C. They are applied to spots once or twice a day for several months. They can lighten stains, but they do not eliminate them completely. Additionally, they can cause irritation, allergy, or hypopigmentation (loss of color) to the surrounding skin.
- Use hydroquinone . Hydroquinone is a very effective whitening cream that can significantly reduce age spots. It is available in concentrations up to 2% in over-the-counter forms, although stronger concentrations require a prescription from your doctor. Keep in mind that hydroquinone has been banned in many European and Asian countries due to its carcinogenic potential. However, it is still available in the United States.
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- Use Retin-A . Reduce wrinkles with Retin-A as it is an excellent anti-aging skin product used to combat fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin's texture and elasticity, and fade discoloration and sun damage, including age spots. Retin-A is a derivative of vitamin A, which is available in cream or gel, in different concentrations. You can only get it with a prescription, so you need to go to your doctor to use it. It helps remove age spots by exfoliating the skin, removing the outer hyperpigmented layer and leaving behind fresh, new skin.
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- Use products that contain glycolic acid . Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that is commonly used in chemical peels. It works by exfoliating your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age wrinkles. When it is over-the-counter, glycolic acid is found as a cream or lotion, and is left on the skin for a few minutes before washing it off. Glycolic acid can be harmful to the skin, sometimes leaving red areas or causing discomfort. Always moisturize your skin after using this product.
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- Use sunscreen. Sunscreen won't help reduce the appearance of your existing spots, but it will help prevent new ones from forming (since they are primarily caused by sunlight). Additionally, sunscreen will prevent your sun spots from becoming darker or more obvious.
- Chemical peeling: consists of applying an acidic substance to the skin, which causes exfoliation of the superficial layers and stimulates cell regeneration. It can improve the appearance of spots, but requires several sessions and can cause redness, burning, inflammation or infection.
- Laser: is a procedure that uses a beam of intense light to destroy melanocytes without damaging the surrounding tissue. It can remove spots completely or significantly reduce them, but it is more expensive and can cause pain, burns, scarring, or changes in skin color.
- Cryotherapy: it is a technique that consists of applying liquid nitrogen to the spots to freeze and eliminate them. It can be effective, but can cause blisters, scabs, infection, or hypopigmentation.
- Use lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid and helps whiten age spots. Just add some fresh lemon juice directly to the sun stain and leave it there for 30 minutes before washing it off. Do it twice a day and you will see results in one or two months
- Use home remedies. There are several home remedies you can try to remove age spots. For example, mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of natural yogurt and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it there for 15 minutes before washing it off. You can also mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of chopped onion and apply the mixture to your skin. Leave it there for 15 minutes before washing it.
How can you prevent age spots?
The best way to prevent age spots is to protect yourself from the sun from childhood. To do this, it is recommended:
- Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF) (at least 30) and protection against UVA and UVB rays. Apply it half an hour before going out in the sun and reapply it every two hours or after sweating or getting wet.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, when the rays are most intense.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
Additionally, you can take care of your skin's overall health by following a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (such as fruits and vegetables), drinking enough water, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
Conclusion
Age spots are benign changes in skin color that are mainly due to sun exposure. Although they do not pose a health risk, they can affect self-esteem and aesthetic appearance. There are various treatments to eliminate or reduce them, but they can also be prevented with adequate sun protection and comprehensive skin care.
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