Treatments for age spots
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Medical grade skin care
Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids, either retinol or tretinoin gradually fade the spots over several months. The treatments might cause temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness. Medical grade sunshield is also a must to prevent further sun damage.
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Chemical peels
Medical Chemical Peels use acids at stronger concentrations to treat the desired area of skin. They reduce the appearance of age spots by removing the top layer of your skin (epidermis). Deeper peels may also penetrate the middle layer of your skin (dermis) to produce more dramatic results.
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Microdermabrasion polish
Polish your skin to perfection with the Obagi Professional-C® Microdermabrasion Polish Mask. This multifunctioning facial scrub and mask delivers a powerful boost of vitamin C to the skin, which reduces hyperpigmentation, fine lines and brightens the complexion, giving you a radiant glow
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Clear lift 4D
ClearLift 4D™ Laser Facelift takes years off of your face, neck, décolletage and hands, providing similar results to chemical peeling and laser resurfacing. Radiance, clarity and smooth texture are achieved by treating imperfections such as wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, uneven skin tone and skin laxity.
Age spots
What are they?
Age spots are small, flat dark areas on the skin. They vary in size and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Other names for age spots are sunspots, liver spots and solar lentigines
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They are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend a lot of time in the sun.
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Age spots are a sign the skin has received a lot of sun exposure and are an attempt by your skin to protect itself. Cosmetic treatments are available which can lighten or remove them.
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Age spots may affect people of all skin types, but they're more common in adults with light skin. Unlike freckles, which are common in children and fade with no sun exposure, age spots don't fade.
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Age spots:
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Are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation
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Are usually tan to dark brown
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Occur on skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, face, shoulders and upper back
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Range from freckle size to about 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) across
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Can group together, making them more noticeable
Should you see a Dr?
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Age spots themselves don't require medical care. However if you notice any that are black or have changed in appearance. These changes can be signs of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
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It's best to have any new skin changes checked by a doctor, especially if an age spot:
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Is black
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Is increasing in size
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Has an irregular border
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Has an unusual combination of colors
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Is bleeding
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is itchy
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Causes
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Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
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Use of tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.
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You will also be more likely to develop age spots if you:
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Have light skin
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Have frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn
Prevention
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To help avoid age spots and new spots after treatment, follow these tips for limiting your sun exposure:
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Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Because the sun's rays are most intense during this time.
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Sun shield, fifteen minutes before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunshield with a factor of 50. Apply even when the sun is not out.
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Cover up in the sun, consider wearing clothing designed to provide sun protection.
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