Age spots are remarkably common, especially if you go tanning often. However, many people try to avoid developing age spots and do everything they can to remove them once they’ve appeared. So what are age spots, what causes them, and what treatments can help remove them? Here’s everything you need to know, along with tips on building prevention and treatment routines.
At Skin Deep Laser MD, serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook, Burleson, Mansfield, Grandbury, and Arlington, Texas, Dr. Laura Riehm offers professional age spot removal services. However, prevention is the best way to keep age spots from affecting your appearance.
Causes of age spots
Age spots are flat, brown, or grey marks of varying size and darkness. Much like freckles, they can develop anywhere and typically appear on the shoulders, back, forearms, and face. They are caused by the body’s production of melanin in the skin. The exact cause of age spots isn’t clear, but researchers have linked them to aging and sun exposure.
You might have more age spots if you:
- Use tanning beds
- Spend a lot of time outside
- Have fair skin
- Are over 40 years old
As long as your age spots don’t seem to be changing color or growing, there’s nothing to worry about. However, many people try to avoid developing these marks and want them removed if they appear.
Age spots prevention
Similar to freckles and tans, age spots can be prevented by taking precautions against the sun. However, many people underestimate how much time they spend in the sun, and how much of their body they should cover. Here are some tips on how to stay out of the sunlight better.
Avoid outdoor sun exposure between 10am and 3pm
Anyone who has spent the day at the beach knows it’s difficult to avoid sunburns when the sun is high. Midday is the brightest part of the day, and the sun’s UV rays are strongest during this time. Try to stay inside during this time, and make sure every outdoor excursion is made while wearing sunscreen.
Use sunscreen correctly
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to slather on a coat before leaving the house. Sunscreen shouldn’t be saved for beach trips, picnics, and outdoor sports. If you plan on spending any time outside, you should apply some to any exposed areas. Many women also use makeup that contains sunscreen to protect their faces.
You should also take measures to apply sunscreen correctly. Use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30, and make sure to apply a generous amount to every uncovered area. This includes places like your neck, ears, hands, and the backs of your calves. If you’re going to be out in the sun for more than two, make sure to set timers so you can re-apply your sunscreen.
Wear hats and cover-ups
If you’re taking a walk, having lunch outside, or doing any outdoor activity, wearing a hat or cover-up can ensure that your face and shoulders are shaded. These areas are the most prone to sun exposure since they’re the first places the sun hits on your body. Wearing a wide-brim hat and covering up your skin can protect it from UV rays, reducing the likelihood of age spots.
Treatment for age spots
If you have age spots, you probably want to know how they can be removed or faded. Luckily, there are treatments to help with existing age spots.
Skin rejuvenation with the PicoFOCUS®
The first option is laser therapy. PicoFOCUS is one of these treatments, and it uses lasers to remove and fade age-spots gently without damaging their skin. It also tackles other forms of sun exposure, acne scarring, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles, and melasma. Results of PicoFOCUS treatments are fast, and you can return to your regular schedule without much downtime.
IPL Photofacials
We also provide IPL photofacials for fast-acting, thorough treatment for age spots and other pigmentation issues. Low energy light from the ICON® MaxG™ IPL laser system is used to break up concentrated melanin and hemoglobin areas, which removes and fades things like age spots, melasma, port wine stains, and pigmented marks.
Like PicoFOCUS, the immediate results of IPL photofacials are fast and noticeable and will increase with each session. These facials also require no significant downtime so that you can return to your regular activities sooner.
Do you need treatment for existing age spots? Contact our office at 817-263-7546 or book a consultation online today.
