Age Spots
If you are of a certain age and noticing dark patches on sunexposed skin you may be developing age spots. Age spots also called liver spots appear on some peoples faces hands legs feet and other sunexposed skin as they get older They are brown or black patches of skin with sharply defined borders Theyre small and flat with a rounded shape and look similar to large freckles
They tend to occur more often in people who spend a lot of time in the sun People whose close relatives have them are also more likely to develop age spots They can occur in people as young as their 20s but they appear more often around age 50 or 60
Changes in the Skin
Age spots are actually collections of the cells that give skin its color For reasons not fully understood as people get older these cells have a tendency to grow in clusters The clusters form between the top two layers of skin the epidermis and the dermis With all those cells producing pigment in the same place at the same time a dark spot appears
Not a Sign of Disease
Some people think that liver spots are a sign that something is wrong with the liver Thats not true The spots are just a normal part of aging
Some people also worry that age spots are cancerous or that they could turn into cancer Again not true However because they appear on sunexposed skin and because sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer its possible to have both age spots and cancer at the same time If you have a spot that changes color has irregular edges has a rough surface bleeds or crusts over and wont heal or that shows other signs of skin cancer see your doctor
Bleaching and Lightening
The smooth clear skin you have when youre young naturally thins and becomes less elastic and more delicate giving a clue to your age But liver spots can make you feel especially old If youd like to get rid of them bleaching and skinlightening treatments may help
Bleaching creams Bleaching creams work slowly to decrease the amount of pigmentation color in the spots They are available at the drugstore or can be prescribed by a doctor
Freezing A doctor applies a very cold substance directly to the spot freezing and destroying it As the area heals new skin should form without the discoloration
Tretinoin This prescription cream is a form of vitamin A Used regularly it can help lighten the spots
Chemical peels The skin is treated with a chemical which makes it blister and peel Newer smoother skin takes its place
Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion A roughsurfaced tool is used almost like sandpaper to remove the damaged layer of skin Microdermabrasion is gentler and has less risk of scarring
Laser therapy Laser light is used to destroy the top layer of skin and encourage growth of fresh new skin from underneath
Home Remedies
Women and men have tried all kinds of home remedies to get rid of liver spots Most of these havent been studied so its not known if they really work Here with no promises are some suggestions from books and web sites dedicated to natural remedies
Lemon juice The acid in lemon juice is thought to work like fancier creams to remove the top layer of skin Try rubbing it on the spots twice a day for several weeks
Red onion Red onions acids may work the same way
Castor oil Castor oil applied twice a day may smooth roughlooking spots Roughlooking spots should always be checked by a doctor first to rule out cancer
Prevention
The best way to prevent age spots is to stay out of the sun Use sunscreen wear hats and protective clothing and stay indoors during the middle part of the day when the sun is strongest If you already have some dark spots sun protection will help prevent further damage
If you are of a certain age and noticing dark patches on sunexposed skin you may be developing age spots. Age spots also called liver spots appear on some peoples faces hands legs feet and other sunexposed skin as they get older They are brown or black patches of skin with sharply defined borders Theyre small and flat with a rounded shape and look similar to large freckles
They tend to occur more often in people who spend a lot of time in the sun People whose close relatives have them are also more likely to develop age spots They can occur in people as young as their 20s but they appear more often around age 50 or 60
Changes in the Skin
Age spots are actually collections of the cells that give skin its color For reasons not fully understood as people get older these cells have a tendency to grow in clusters The clusters form between the top two layers of skin the epidermis and the dermis With all those cells producing pigment in the same place at the same time a dark spot appears
Not a Sign of Disease
Some people think that liver spots are a sign that something is wrong with the liver Thats not true The spots are just a normal part of aging
Some people also worry that age spots are cancerous or that they could turn into cancer Again not true However because they appear on sunexposed skin and because sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer its possible to have both age spots and cancer at the same time If you have a spot that changes color has irregular edges has a rough surface bleeds or crusts over and wont heal or that shows other signs of skin cancer see your doctor
Bleaching and Lightening
The smooth clear skin you have when youre young naturally thins and becomes less elastic and more delicate giving a clue to your age But liver spots can make you feel especially old If youd like to get rid of them bleaching and skinlightening treatments may help
Bleaching creams Bleaching creams work slowly to decrease the amount of pigmentation color in the spots They are available at the drugstore or can be prescribed by a doctor
Freezing A doctor applies a very cold substance directly to the spot freezing and destroying it As the area heals new skin should form without the discoloration
Tretinoin This prescription cream is a form of vitamin A Used regularly it can help lighten the spots
Chemical peels The skin is treated with a chemical which makes it blister and peel Newer smoother skin takes its place
Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion A roughsurfaced tool is used almost like sandpaper to remove the damaged layer of skin Microdermabrasion is gentler and has less risk of scarring
Laser therapy Laser light is used to destroy the top layer of skin and encourage growth of fresh new skin from underneath
Home Remedies
Women and men have tried all kinds of home remedies to get rid of liver spots Most of these havent been studied so its not known if they really work Here with no promises are some suggestions from books and web sites dedicated to natural remedies
Lemon juice The acid in lemon juice is thought to work like fancier creams to remove the top layer of skin Try rubbing it on the spots twice a day for several weeks
Red onion Red onions acids may work the same way
Castor oil Castor oil applied twice a day may smooth roughlooking spots Roughlooking spots should always be checked by a doctor first to rule out cancer
Prevention
The best way to prevent age spots is to stay out of the sun Use sunscreen wear hats and protective clothing and stay indoors during the middle part of the day when the sun is strongest If you already have some dark spots sun protection will help prevent further damage
No comments:
Post a Comment