09 May Liver Spots, Age Spots And Sun – Oh My!
At Parson Skin Center we offer help for age spots by use of chemical peels, facials, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, and IPL treatments – so don’t despair. We know, they aren’t pretty, and the fact that they are called “age spots” make them even worse!
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are flat, tan, brown or black spots that appear on the skin. They vary in size and are most commonly seen on the face, hands, shoulders and arms — areas that get the most sun exposure. Yes, people may associate age spots with adults over the age of 50, but, it’s a fact, young adults can get them as well, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are flat, tan, brown or black spots that appear on the skin. They vary in size and are most commonly seen on the face, hands, shoulders and arms — areas that get the most sun exposure. You may associate age spots with adults over the age of 50, but young adults can get them as well, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
What Causes Age Spots?
Age spots are caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, and using a tanning bed can also contribute to the development of age spots. The pigment in the upper layer of the skin that gives your skin its normal color is called melanin. When UV light comes in contact with the skin, the rays accelerate the production of melanin, creating a tan on the skin to help protect deeper layers of skin from damage caused by UV rays. Age spots appear on areas of the skin that have had frequent and prolonged sun exposure because the melanin is produced in particularly high concentrations.
So what’s your best defense against age spots? Proper protection from the sun is the number one way. Anyone can develop them, but you are more likely to get age spots if you have light-colored or fair skin, or if you have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburns. True age spots are harmless, but if you notice spots that have changed in appearance, check in with a doctor. It may be a sign of melanoma.
Visit a health care professional if you notice that your age spot:
~is darkly pigmented
~is rapidly increasing in size
~has an irregular border
~has an unusual combination of colors
~is accompanied by itching, redness, tenderness or bleeding
Treatments For Age Spots
If you want your age spots to be less noticeable, treatments are available to lighten or remove them. Since the pigment is located at the base of the epidermis — the topmost layer of skin — any treatments meant to lighten the age spots must penetrate this layer of skin.
Medications
Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. Use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is strongly advised if you use medication treatments. The treatments may result in temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness.
Prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) used alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid may gradually fade the spots over several months. Use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is strongly advised if you use medication treatments. The treatments may result in temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness.
Laser and intense pulsed light therapy
Laser and intense pulsed light therapies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface. Treatments with a laser or intense pulsed light typically require two to three sessions. After treatment, age spots fade gradually over several weeks or months. Laser therapy has few side effects, but it may result in slight discoloration of the skin. Sun protection is necessary after laser or intense pulsed light therapy.
Laser and intense pulsed light therapies destroy melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) without damaging the skin’s surface. Treatments with a laser or intense pulsed light typically require two to three sessions. After treatment, age spots fade gradually over several weeks or months. Laser therapy has few side effects, but it may result in slight discoloration of the skin. Sun protection is necessary after laser or intense pulsed light therapy.
Freezing (cryotherapy)
This procedure involves using a cotton-tipped swab to apply liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the age spots to destroy the extra pigment. As the area heals, the skin appears lighter. Freezing is typically used on a single age spot or a small grouping of age spots. The treatment may temporarily irritate the skin and poses a slight risk of permanent scarring or discoloration.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion consists of sanding down (planing) the surface layer of your skin with a rapidly rotating brush. This procedure removes the skin surface, and a new layer of skin grows in its place. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once. Temporary redness and scab formation can result from this treatment.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a less aggressive approach that leaves mild skin blemishes with a smoother appearance. You’ll need a series of procedures over months to get the full effect. If you have rosacea or tiny red veins on your face, this technique could make the condition worse.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels involve applying an acid to your skin. This acid burns the outer layer of your skin, down to the age spots. As the skin peels, new skin forms to take its place. It’s possible you will need several treatments to see results. Sun protection is advised after the treatment and temporary redness is likely. There is a possible risk of permanent skin color change.
Contact Dr. Shaun Parson’s Skin Center in Scottsdale
If you are tired of looking at those dreaded age spots, why not just do away with them? Dr. Parson’s Skin Center can help with all the latest and greatest treatments that are easy and, best of all, effective. Come into the Parson Skin Center and let Dr. Parson and his staff create a treatment plan that will banish those age spots once and for all. Give Dr. Parson’s Skin Center a call at (480) 282-8386 for your consultation.