What should you know about reduce age spots?

Age spots, also called sun spots, are flat brown or tan areas caused by pigment-producing cells responding to cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They commonly occur on the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and forearms. Similar-looking dark patches can have other causes, so a new, changing, uneven, bleeding, crusted, or markedly different mark should be assessed before cosmetic treatment. Sun-damaged skin may also show fine lines and uneven tone; fading one spot does not remove the underlying exposure.

Use shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas, reapplying as directed for outdoor activity. A clinician may discuss a topical lightening medicine or procedures such as chemical peel, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment, or cryotherapy lesion removal. Choice depends on the diagnosis, skin tone, number and depth of spots, and risk of post-treatment pigment changes. Do not pick treated skin or use strong bleaching products without guidance.

Arrange a dermatology review for a mark that changes in size, shape, colour, or texture, or one that itches, bleeds, crusts, or fails to heal. Seek prompt advice if several marks change quickly. A clinician may examine the spot closely and, when needed, sample it before recommending a cosmetic procedure.

Ask whether the mark is a sun spot, which treatment suits its depth and your skin tone, how many visits may be needed, what temporary colour changes to expect, and how to protect the area afterward.