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How Do I Choose the Best Age Spot Remover?

Kesha Ward
Kesha Ward

Age spots are dark patches on the skin that are typically caused by sun exposure. Although age spots are not painful, individuals with the pigmented patches aim to find an age spot remover for cosmetic reasons and to improve the appearance of the skin. The most effective age spot remover is usually one that can be applied directly to the skin. The most effective age spot remover will work by stimulating the growth of new cells while fading existing spots.

There are a number of treatments for age spots; the least invasive age spot removers are generally available as creams. Creams containing vitamin A or alpha hydroxy typically work best. These ingredients help to exfoliate the skin as well as encourage the growth of spot free skin. An age spot remover that contains vitamin E is especially effective to improve and heal damaged skin.

Trying over-the-counter skincare products is usually the first step in lightening them.
Trying over-the-counter skincare products is usually the first step in lightening them.

If you do not see an improvement in your skin after using an over-the-counter age spot remover cream, you should contact your doctor for a stronger medication. A prescription age spot treatment will often contain stronger bleaching agents that will work by fading the age spots. While using an age spot remover with bleaching properties, exposure to the sun should be limited. Extended sun exposure could cause hypopigmentation and cause white spots on the skin.

Age spot removers are generally available as creams.
Age spot removers are generally available as creams.

If you are looking for a more invasive age spot remover, you may want to consider getting a chemical peel or dermabrasion. Both procedures are performed by skin care professionals and can successfully reducethe appearance of age spots. Both dermabrasion and chemical peels work by gradually removing the upper layer of the skin. Unfortunately these age spot remover treatments can cause discomfort but will provide immediately visible results.

During cryotherapy the spots are frozen and the pigment is broken up.
During cryotherapy the spots are frozen and the pigment is broken up.

Cryotherapy is an ideal treatment if there are only a few spots. During cryotherapy the spots are frozen and the pigment is broken up. The broken pigment improves the appearance of the spots. Although effective, there are risks associated with cryotherapy. Scarring or discoloration of the skin could result from the treatment.

Laser therapy can also be used to reduce the appearance of age spots. Laser therapy may not be ideal for everyone with age spots because the cosmetic procedure is expensive. The treatment is typically not covered by standard medical insurance and several sessions may be needed to achieve desired results.

Laser therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of age spots.
Laser therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of age spots.

Before you consider undergoing any treatment or therapy for age spots, you should consult with your physician or dermatologist. Cancerous growths can be masked by age spots. If the spots are removed, it could be more difficult to detect cancerous growths. You should undergo a thorough skin cancer screening before undergoing age spot treatment.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@talentryto- I have a friend who had laser treatments for her age spots, and she is very happy with the results. Her skin looks great, and she only had to undergo four treatments to achieve her goals.

If you decide to have laser treatments, you must keep in mind that the number you will need will depend on the severity and number of your age spots. The more you have and the darker they are, the more treatments you will need to get the results that you want. In turn, the more last treatments you have, the higher the total cost. Only you and your doctor can determine a treatment plan and a total cost for you.

As far as pain is concerned, my friend said that she only had minimal discomfort. Your doctor will most likely use a skin numbing cream before your treatments, so you shouldn't experience much pain but only mild, stinging sensations during the procedure. However, each person's reaction to laser treatments is different, so your doctor can also give you a good idea about what your experience may be like if you decide to have your age spots treated.

Talentryto

I'm looking for some information from someone who has had laser treatments to remove age spots. I'm considering having it done, but I'm concerned about the cost and the pain.

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    • Trying over-the-counter skincare products is usually the first step in lightening them.
      By: Николай Григорьев
      Trying over-the-counter skincare products is usually the first step in lightening them.
    • Age spot removers are generally available as creams.
      By: Peterfactors
      Age spot removers are generally available as creams.
    • During cryotherapy the spots are frozen and the pigment is broken up.
      By: Gordon Lau
      During cryotherapy the spots are frozen and the pigment is broken up.
    • Laser therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of age spots.
      By: mkrberlin
      Laser therapy can be used to reduce the appearance of age spots.
    • People who hope to lighten or remove existing age or sun spots should limit their exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
      By: Antonioguillem
      People who hope to lighten or remove existing age or sun spots should limit their exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays.