Treating Age Spots
Call them what you will, but liver spots, solar lentigines or age spots are unattractive blotches that appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms. Usually they’re accompanied by other telltale signs of skin damage – including lines and wrinkles, rough skin, dryness, red veins, or translucent skin. As you get older, there may be danger of skin cancer development; so many people simply choose to get a skin treatment to avoid further damage from the sun and the elements.
UV rays, tanning beds and excess sunlight are generally the culprits behind the darker pigmentation, but as we age, the body produces extra melanin, which also contributes to the appearance of “liver” spots. There are other speculations. For example, pregnancy or certain kinds of birth control pills that create shifting hormone levels have been rumored to cause them too. Some researchers even believe that handling psoralens, such as parsnips, limes and parsley before going out in the sun increases your likelihood of getting age spots. Medicine culprits may include antibiotics like Tetracycline, diuretics (water pills) and antipsychotics, like Thorazine. But then again, in some cases it’s mostly hereditary.
Your “liver spots” may be cancerous melanoma if you notice certain distinctive abnormalities. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from long-term sun exposure. This cancer begins with tan or brown lesions that slowly darken and enlarge. Additionally, they usually have irregular borders, uneven coloring and are slightly raised.
The first line of defense that many people choose to get rid of age spots is medication. Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Gels are the latest in age spot skin treatments and are referred to by many dermatologists as “THE age spot skin treatment.” The AHAs will remove dead skin cells and skin damage to produce rejuvenated layers in a matter of weeks. In the US, there are over 200 manufacturers of AHAs from which to choose.
Another popular option is laser therapy to combat spots and repair damaged skin by destroying excess melanocytes. Laser treatment requires several visits and may be expensive, but the results are effective, with “liver” spots usually disappearing within weeks. This is a rewarding option because the probability of scarring is very low. As far as skin solutions go, this may be expensive, although for more serious cases, it’s ideal.
For the brave or desperate, chemical peels are an alternative for pesky age spots. Impatient people won’t appreciate this option, but it works very well over several treatments. The chemicals will cause your skin to peel like a sun burn, which sounds disgusting but will also rework your skin into a baby-bottom smooth finish. Chemical peels have also been used as a successful skin treatment for acne and eye wrinkles. But whenever you go out into the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen generously!
By Beauty Editor
