Age Spots – What Causes Them and How Can We Treat Them?

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown, or black spots that typically develop on the face, hands, arms, and other areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. Although age spots are generally harmless and do not require medical treatment, they can be aesthetically displeasing and affect a person’s self-esteem and how they feel

Aetiology:

The exact cause of age spots is unknown, but it is believed that they develop due to long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays damage the skin cells that produce pigment, called melanocytes. This leads to an overproduction of melanin, which results in the formation of age spots. Age spots are more common in people with fair skin, and their incidence increases. We see lots on the Isle Of Man

Prevention:

The best way to prevent age spots is to limit sun exposure and use sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 days, even on cloudy days. We LOVE the OBagi sheet tint.

It is also recommended to avoid sunbeds, as they can cause similar damage to the skin as the sun.

Aesthetic Medical Treatments:

There are several medical treatments available for the treatment of age spots. These treatments are usually cosmetic and aim to improve the appearance of the skin. Some of the common treatments for age spots are:

1. Cryotherapy: This treatment involves freezing the age spots with liquid nitrogen. The cold temperature destroys the melanin-producing cells, and the age spots eventually peel off. At Tracey Bell, we don’t use this older type of treatment
2. Laser therapy: This treatment uses high-intensity light to break down the melanin pigment in the age spots. The body’s natural healing process then removes the pigment, resulting in the fading or disappearance of the age spots.IPL and Erbium are the favourites. We use Lumecca By INMODE
3. Chemical peels: Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, which exfoliates the top layer and removes the age spots. The newly growing skin is usually smoother and has a more even tone.
4. Microdermabrasion: This treatment involves using a device that sprays tiny crystals onto the skin, exfoliating the top layer and removing the aged spots. The newly growing skin is usually smoother and has a more even tone. If you want a solution at home, the go-to treatment i’d definitely use, would be the Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish Mask
5. Topical treatments: Several topical creams and serums are available to lighten the appearance of age spots over time. These creams usually contain ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or vitamin C, which can help gradually fade the age spots.

Age spots are a common sign of ageing, and they develop due to long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays. While they are generally harmless, they can be aesthetically displeasing. Therefore, limiting sun exposure and using sun protection measures is the best way to prevent age spots. Several medical treatments are available for the treatment of age spots, and the choice of treatment will depend on the individual’s preference, the severity of the age spots, and the expected outcome.

So What Can I Use From Obagi to Help with Age Spots?

Obagi Medical is a well-known skincare brand that offers a range of products for various skin concerns, including age spots. Here are some topical treatments in the Obagi field that can be used to treat age spots:

1. Obagi Nu-Derm Clear: This skin-brightening cream contains 4% hydroquinone, which helps to fade age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation. It also contains antioxidants and exfoliants that help to improve skin texture and tone.
2. Obagi-C Rx System: This complete skincare system includes a Vitamin C serum, a cleanser, and a sunscreen. The Vitamin C serum contains L-ascorbic acid, a potent antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and fade age spots. The cleanser and sunscreen help to protect the skin from further damage.
3. Obagi-C Fx System: This is another complete skincare system that includes a Vitamin C serum, a cleanser, and a sunscreen. The difference between this system and the Obagi-C Rx System is that the Vitamin C serum in this system contains arbutin instead of hydroquinone. Arbutin is a natural skin-brightening ingredient that can help to fade age spots and other types of hyperpigmentation.
4. Obagi Tretinoin Cream: This prescription-strength retinoid cream can help improve skin texture and tone. It works by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which can help to fade age spots and other signs of ageing.

It is important to note that hydroquinone and retinoids are potent ingredients that can cause skin irritation, mainly if not used correctly.

At Tracey Bell, We will always provide you with evidence-based results and a review of what topical range is best for you.

And don’t forget Lasers

What types of Lasers treat age spots?

Several types of lasers can be used to treat age spots, including:

1. Intense pulsed light (IPL): IPL is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target pigmented areas of the skin. It works by heating the melanin pigment in the age spots, which causes it to break down and be absorbed by the body’s natural processes. We Use Lumessa by Inmode at Tracey Bell
2. Q-switched lasers emit short bursts of high-energy light that can break up pigmented areas of the skin. Q-switched lasers can effectively treat age spots, as they can target the melanin pigment without damaging the surrounding skin.
3. Fractional lasers: Fractional lasers deliver laser energy to a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving small areas of untreated skin in between. This allows for faster healing and can reduce the risk of side effects. Fractional lasers can effectively treat age spots, as they can target the pigmented areas of the skin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
4. Erbium lasers emit short pulses of light that the water can absorb in the skin cells. Erbium lasers can be effective in treating age spots, as they can target the pigmented areas of the skin without causing damage to the surrounding

So an overview of Age Spots; we hope you enjoyed the read and understand a little about some of the treatments and creams that are available