What are age spots?
Age spots, also known as liver spots and solar lentigines, are flat tan, brown or black spots. They widely vary in size and usually appear on the face, hands, shoulders and arms, which are areas of the skin that are most exposed to the sun. Age spots are very common in adults over the age 50, however, younger people can get them too, especially if they spend a lot of time in the sun without sunscreen.
Are age spots harmful?
True age spots are harmless and don’t require treatment. For cosmetic purposes, age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed. However, preventing age spots by avoiding the sun and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday may be the easiest way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.
What you need to know about brown spots and age spots?
Age spots occur when the top surface layer of skin expands with more pigment and develops what can look like a large freckle. One may appear by itself, or a few may be clustered together.
Some people also have a hereditary predisposition to age spots. However, brown spots and age spots can resemble potentially harmful growths, such as precancerous scaly, red elevations called actinic keratoses. Dark spots, which may be cancerous, may also appear to be lentigines. This is why it is important to have any spot on your skin that is new to be properly evaluated by one of our providers.
Do's and Dont's for your brown spots and age spots.
Do:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen everyday.
- Have age spots evaluated by one of our providers.
Don’t:
- Smoke.
What treatment is available?
Fotofacial Using Intense Pulse Light
A “fotofacial,” uses intense pulses of light (IPL) to penetrate deep into the skin. Most appropriate for lighter skin, IPL™ causes collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines.
People who may benefit from a fotofacial have:
- Blotchy, sun-damaged, or discolored skin
- Freckles
- Large pores
- Wrinkles
During the procedure
Before treatment begins, a topical numbing cream will be applied. A cool gel is then applied to the treatment area to help cool the epidermis during treatment. Brief pulses of light will be applied through the lubricated handpiece; protective eye covering will protect you from the flashes of light.
After a fotofacial
Most benefits of IPL occur gradually in the weeks following treatment. Redness, swelling and associated discomfort may occur briefly after treatment. No downtime should be expected after the procedure. Some patients may require more than one treatment to achieve the desired results.
If you want more information on fotofacials and other treatments to help improve the look of your skin, schedule a complimentary consultation with our licensed aesthetician today.