Age spots, areas of concentrated pigment that develop due to exposure to the sun, are also called liver spots and solar lentigo. These spots are flat to the skin, and tend to be dark in color. Usually they're tan or brown, but they may come in other colors, too. They're most common on the arms, chest, face, hands and neck, and become more frequent as we age. These areas of the body receive the most exposure to the sun.
Age spots are harmless, but they closely resemble growths caused by cancer of the skin. They're also considered unattractive by many people, so there are a number of age spot treatments available. Some are more effective than others, and they vary in invasiveness and cost. A medical age spots treatment could involve bleaching agents, liquid nitrogen, chemical peels, or lasers. Many of these treatments are expensive and painful. That means there's a lot of interest in home age spot treatments that cost less and are more pleasant to use. Creams for age spots are a popular over the counter option, but not everyone wants to use them. That's because some age spot cream products are more effective than others.
There are several different kinds of creams for age spots and similar preparations. You can find a lot of them at your local drug store, including exfoliating and bleaching products. Bleaching age spot creams can contain ellagic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, or kojic acid. These active ingredients do their job by attempting to lighten deposits of melanin in your skin, inhibiting the production of a particular enzyme that encourages this pigment to deposit. This is important to know, because many people worry that a bleaching cream could cause light spots. However, it's not possible for age spot creams to lighten your skin beyond its original color.
Down sides of bleaching creams for age spots include the possibility of skin irritation and the cost. These creams are not always effective on every user, too. That's why there are other options available. Creams for age spots containing Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids, and retinoids can be used to fade brown spots of any kind. You should know that this is a slow process, so bleaching agents may be used in conjunction with these ingredients. This produces a more effective result.
Most creams for age spots increase your sensitivity to the sun. That means it's extremely important to take the right precautions when using them. Make sure you use sunscreen regularly and wear clothing that covers you from sun exposure. This is a good idea in general, since it's UV radiation from the sun that causes these spots in the first place. If you're using age spot cream, and it doesn't seem to be working, the next step is talking to a doctor, dermatologist, or other professional who can tell you what your options are. Medical treatment of age spots includes chemical peels, liquid nitrogen, and laser therapy, all of which are effective. However, these treatments can also be rather harsh and can be costly. That's why most people try over the counter methods and age spot creams before talking to a doctor.
Published by Julia Neville on July 19, 2008 10:38 PM
