How to Diminish Age Spots

Overview

Age spots are also often referred to as liver spots. The spots can appear anywhere on the body, but are most likely to be found on the hands, arms and face. The blemishes are typically flat on the skin and can be brown, black or gray in color. Age spots are given that name because they most often affect people over the age of 40. If you suspect you have age spots, make an appointment with a dermatologist. She may want to perform a mole check to look for signs of skin cancer.

Step 1

Try an over-the-counter bleaching cream. The most inexpensive way to treat age spots is to bleach the blemishes at home. Look for products that contain either kojic acid or glycolic acid. Some potential products you can use are Reviva Glycolic Acid Cream or Great Skin Spot Treatment with Kojic Acid. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to use the product.

Step 2

Put on sunblock to help diminish age spots. Sun exposure can cause age spots to appear more pronounced. Make sure you apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher each time that you leave the house.

Step 3

Request a prescription-strength treatment for age spots from your doctor. A prescription bleaching cream, along with a steroid, can be applied daily to help diminish age spots. Some medications used for age spots include hydroquinone and tretinoin.

Step 4

Set up a consultation with a plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. There are several procedures that can be performed by a doctor to get rid of age spots. Laser therapy destroys the pigment in the skin, causing the dark color to disappear. Cryotherapy involves the freezing off of the age spots using liquid nitrogen. Dermabrasion uses instruments to sand down the top layers of skin as a way to get rid of age spots. Multiple treatments of all procedures may be required for significant results.