What Is Age Spot Removal?

Age spots can appear after prolonged sun exposure, as well as due to the natural aging processes of our skin. Some of them can be easily removed, while others are more difficult to eliminate and require thorough treatment.

Age spots – what are they? 

Age spots, also known as liver spots, or in medical terminology, lentigo, are flat lesions resulting from the accumulation of melanocytes (pigment cells) and the overproduction of melanin (the pigment present in the skin). These spots have various shades of black and brown. They usually appear on the forearms, chest, back, hands, and face. 

The causes of lentigo on the skin surface include: 

• the aging process of the skin (senile lentigo),
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (sun lentigo). 

Age spots can sometimes resemble a developing melanoma in appearance—special attention should be paid to changes with black color and raised surface. Age spots are not classified as skin diseases and do not pose a health risk, provided they are not cancerous lesions. Nonetheless, they are often removed for aesthetic reasons. 

Removing age spots

Many brightening products for discolorations are available on the market. However, age spots develop in the deeper layers of the skin, and none of the cosmetics can effectively lighten them. The best solution is to visit a beauty clinic and consult a dermatologist, who will choose the appropriate procedure. Common methods for removing age spots include deep peeling, cryotherapy, and laser therapy. 

Laser removal of discolorations works by breaking down the accumulated melanin into smaller particles, which are then absorbed by the body and no longer visible. The procedure is completely safe. It is one of the most popular methods. Cryotherapy involves freezing skin lesions with liquid nitrogen. Spot treatment effectively eliminates discolorations but may be associated with scarring. For peeling, the typically used substances for removing age spots are glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid. The procedure reduces pigmentation and stimulates the growth of properly functioning cells. Genetic predispositions and hormonal changes also significantly influence the formation of age-related discolorations. This does not mean they have to be accepted. Modern dermatology and cosmetology offer many treatments that can permanently address the issue of age spots and allow you to enjoy youthful, healthy-looking skin. 

Home remedies for removing age spots

Age spots can also be treated with alternative methods such as Chinese medicine or light therapy. A recommended method for reducing skin discoloration is light therapy—a slightly less effective but much safer alternative to laser therapy. Various herbs and acupuncture, commonly used in Chinese medicine, can be applied to treat skin discoloration. The effectiveness of treating age spots is also demonstrated by glucosamine—a medication used in cases of joint degeneration. To lighten age spots, vitamins with strong antioxidant properties are used—primarily vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene and selenium.