How Do You Treat Sunspots on Skin?
Question Answered By Susan - Face & Skin Advisor
Question: I’ve recently been getting sunspots on my skin.
They’re quite ugly. Is this going to get worse? How do you
treat sunspots on skin? -Lisa from Washington
Answer: My name is Susan from ellensbeauty.com and I’ll be
answering your question today. Finding sunspots (also called age
spots and liver spots) on your skin for the first time can be
quite distressing. It is a common misconception that these spots
are attributed to old age. Sunspots can in fact appear at any
age and from many different causes. They typically appear on the
hands and face. Frequently going to a tanning salon may cause
these spots to appear on a younger person, but people with lighter
skin are more at risk.
Having sunspots is not a serious condition and may be treated by a dermatologist. If left untreated, sunspots can darken over time and may even come together forming large unattractive marks on the skin. Most people assume that sunspots are a natural part of aging and are therefore untreatable, but consulting with your dermatologist yields several treatment options. There are special creams and lotions available to help with sunspots. But before running to the dermatologist, there are several over the counter creams you can try. However if the spots are darker, prescription creams are typically more effective.
Certain ingredients may help fade sunspots. These ingredients can be found in over the counter creams. When looking for over the counter skin cream, make sure it has deoxyarbutin, hydroquinone, or glycolic acid. Prescription skin creams typically contain more of these ingredients than their over the counter counterparts so if you do have darker spots it may be better to see your dermatologist first as they will be able to prescribe you a stronger medication. Your dermatologist will probably also make up a sun avoidance program to help minimize the damage after successful treatment.
Prevention of sunspots is half the battle. But follow these recommendations even if you have sunspots as it will help prevent further damage. The best and most effective way to prevent sunspots is to minimize your sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10:00am – 4:00pm). If you can get a moisturizer with sunscreen built it, you will be protected most of the time. Whenever you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, make sure you wear sunscreen that’s SPF 15 or higher (if you can’t find a moisturizer you like with sunscreen built in). Also make sure that the sunscreen will block ultraviolet A and B rays. Wearing a broad brimmed hat will help protect your face from sun exposure. Wearing long sleeves and pants will help to protect your arms and legs.
Having sunspots can be a grim situation, but there are options for you. I recommend you either see your dermatologist immediately if you have darker sunspots, or try some over the counter creams if the sunspots are lighter. If the sunspots grow very rapidly or have more than one distinct color, it’s best to contact your dermatologist immediately as these may be signs of a more serious condition.
Having sunspots is not a serious condition and may be treated by a dermatologist. If left untreated, sunspots can darken over time and may even come together forming large unattractive marks on the skin. Most people assume that sunspots are a natural part of aging and are therefore untreatable, but consulting with your dermatologist yields several treatment options. There are special creams and lotions available to help with sunspots. But before running to the dermatologist, there are several over the counter creams you can try. However if the spots are darker, prescription creams are typically more effective.
Certain ingredients may help fade sunspots. These ingredients can be found in over the counter creams. When looking for over the counter skin cream, make sure it has deoxyarbutin, hydroquinone, or glycolic acid. Prescription skin creams typically contain more of these ingredients than their over the counter counterparts so if you do have darker spots it may be better to see your dermatologist first as they will be able to prescribe you a stronger medication. Your dermatologist will probably also make up a sun avoidance program to help minimize the damage after successful treatment.
Prevention of sunspots is half the battle. But follow these recommendations even if you have sunspots as it will help prevent further damage. The best and most effective way to prevent sunspots is to minimize your sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10:00am – 4:00pm). If you can get a moisturizer with sunscreen built it, you will be protected most of the time. Whenever you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, make sure you wear sunscreen that’s SPF 15 or higher (if you can’t find a moisturizer you like with sunscreen built in). Also make sure that the sunscreen will block ultraviolet A and B rays. Wearing a broad brimmed hat will help protect your face from sun exposure. Wearing long sleeves and pants will help to protect your arms and legs.
Having sunspots can be a grim situation, but there are options for you. I recommend you either see your dermatologist immediately if you have darker sunspots, or try some over the counter creams if the sunspots are lighter. If the sunspots grow very rapidly or have more than one distinct color, it’s best to contact your dermatologist immediately as these may be signs of a more serious condition.
