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Fading the age spots
STAR HEALTH DESK
Age spots are characterised by their flat, dark appearance and their small size. They range in size and most frequently show up on areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. Age spots, also known as sunspots, liver spots, and solar lentigines.
They are more common if you are over 50, but you can get them if you are younger and you spend a lot of time outside. They don’t require treatment, but your doctor may take a sample to make sure it is not cancer. They can lighten them with bleaching products or remove them if you want. To prevent them, use sunscreen and avoid the sun.
Beware of Mercury: Check your skin lightener label for mercury. It can damage your liver and nerves. Mercury-containing products can cause serious health issues in those around you. The bottle or tube may say “mercury” or “mercuric”. Mercury products may also contain calomel, cinnabaris, hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, or quicksilver.
Get a prescription: Adermato-logist could save you time and money on ineffective creams. Your doctor can help figure out which formulas, if any, will be best for your skin. Prescription remedies are stronger than the over the counter ones.
Age spot procedures: A procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream for dark spots. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels. Keep in mind that procedures cost more than creams. They also come with more risks. Your doctor can help you weigh your options.
Laser treatment: Your doctor can remove age spot-causing cells with narrow light beams without harming your skin. It may require multiple treatments. Lasers may initially crust or darken spots. These side effects usually pass quickly.
Freezing (Cryotherapy): Your doctor will briefly apply liquid nitrogen. This freeze spots. Your skin will lighten as it heals. This treatment may cause pain, swelling, blisters, and redness. It may leave scars or darker patches.
Dermabrasion: Doctors use a rapidly brush to sand down spotted skin to replace it. It may take multiple attempts. Swelling, redness, and scabs may result. Your skin may also heal slowly.
Microdermabrasion: It “sands” the skin with tiny crystals. Age spots can be faded with repeated treatments over months. It may cause redness or flaking.
Microneedling: The doctor makes tiny, evenly spaced holes in your skin with fine needles. Your body heals small wounds by producing youthful collagen and elastin. This response improves age spots and other skin damage.
Chemical peel: Your doctor will remove age spot layers with an acid-based solution. New skin will replace it. You may need to repeat it. This procedure may scar, infect, or change your skin color. Food Lemon juice, oatmeal, and honey can help age spots. These will not harm your skin but will not help age spots. Use doctor-recommended treatments to fade those spots.
Age spot prevention: These tips will lighten age spots and prevent new ones. Avoid intense sunlight. Apply and reapply a good broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside. Protect age spots with gloves, hats, or other clothing.
Consider your skin type: Fair-skinned people get more age spots. But anyone can get them. Given your skin color, type, and other factors, a doctor can advise you on how to fade age spots.
Pigment spots are typically harmless, but they can have a negative impact on a person’s sense of self-confidence. Certain types, such as melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer, can pose a significant risk to one’s life. Consult your physician as soon as possible if you notice any changes in the size, shape, or color of your pigment spots, or if they start to itch or bleed. Changes in any of these characteristics should prompt you to seek medical attention.
Source: WebMD