8 Age Spot Treatments That Actually Work

Age spots are one of those skin concerns that aren’t a threat to your health but they can alter your appearance in a way that affects your self-confidence. Age or sunspots are the result of an overproduction of melanin, which can be triggered by age, sun exposure or genetics. While you won’t be able to keep an uneven complexion away forever, there are steps that you can take to reduce the appearance of age and sunspots.

Effective Age Spot Treatments for Men and Women

Effective Age Spot Treatments for Men and Women

If dark spots are an issue you’re currently struggling with, here are the most effective ways to treat them.

1) Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not a nice-to-have product, it’s a must! And it should be used on a daily basis if you truly want to experience the full benefits. While sunscreen is essential for preventing future age spots, it can also prevent existing spots from getting darker. Speak to a clinician about recommended sunscreen options that are ideal for dark spots.

2) Vitamin C

When most people think vitamin C, they think about supplements and orange juice but vitamin C can also be used as a topical antioxidant to prevent free radical damage. Topical vitamin C serums are also known to inhibit enzymatic processes, which are responsible for producing excess melanin.

3) Laser Treatments

While laser treatments cost slightly more than topical options, they do offer more dramatic results. The laser energy delivers heat into the deeper layers of the skin, which helps break up the pigmented cells without damaging the surrounding skin. Several treatments are required to see significant results but none of them will require any downtime. These age spot removal laser details will provide you with more information on what to expect.

4) Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is an ingredient that is designed to inhibit the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the production of melanin. Hydroquinone can produce visible results in about 8 – 12 months and can be purchased over the counter. The severity of the age spots will determine whether or not this is an ideal treatment though.

5) Microdermabrasion

This exfoliating treatment uses small particles to gently remove the dead and damaged skin cells. Microdermabrasion treatments don’t damage the skin tissue though, which means downtime is not required. Microdermabrasion is ideal for mild cases of age spots and pigmentation.

6) Kojic Acid

This ingredient is commonly used in a number of skin lighteners and is often used in conjunction with hydroquinone. Unfortunately, this treatment option is not ideal for those with sensitive skin since it can cause inflammation and irritation. You will need to use it for several months before you’ll see any results.

7) Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are designed to gently remove the upper layer of the skin, which helps reduce the appearance of age spots and rejuvenates the skin. Chemical peels also help encourage collagen production, which means patients can expect long-term effects that create a natural glow.

8) Microneedling

Microneedling is slightly more invasive because it uses a device with several fine needles to gently pierce the skin in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These micro-injuries help to encourage healthy cellular activity that will also reduce the appearance of pigmented cells. Microneedling can be combined with topical treatments for better results.