Dealing With Facial Age Spot Problems

Age spots on the face are a big worry for many people. Caused by the skin’s over production of melanin when damaged by solar radiation, these spots can be seen as unattractive. They mostly show up in people over fifty, and are harmless, although they can mask skin cancer and other problems, leading to late diagnosis. They’re also considered an unpleasant sign of aging.

If you see an unusual looking spot on your body, like a textured one, one that is irregular in color, or a spot that is raised off the skin, be sure to ask your doctor about it. While most age spots are harmless, removing facial age spots is still a concern for many. Age spots in places like the face and hands can stand out a lot. That means they’re more than just a large freckle, and they can cause a lot of personal distress. Fortunately for many people, it’s possible to deal with age spots on your face.

Age spots then to show up in areas of our body that get the most exposure to the sun. The areas most likely to suffer from these blemishes are the face, arms, chest, and hands. They can be various sizes, from large freckles to almost as large as a quarter. Made up of melanin that’s been deposited in the upper layers of the skin, age spots are the body’s response to sun damage. That makes them much like moles or birthmarks. Fortunately, while those marks can be extremely hard to remove, facial age spots affect only the upper layers of skin, making them a lot easier to deal with.

Any time you try to remove age spots, you’re attempting to either reduce the visibility of melanin in your skin or to remove it entirely. There are a number of ways to do this. Over the counter age spot creams attempt to remove the color from the melanin or stop its production. They can be overly harsh, causing skin irritation. They also don’t always work. Many home remedies used to tackle facial age spots attempt to remove the topmost layers of the skin and to bleach existing melanin. These include using acids like vinegar or lemon juice.

Medical methods also remove skin layers, but usually more aggressively, taking off the cells that produce the offending melanin. Liquid nitrogen, chemical peels, and laser treatments are all among the options for dealing with facial age spots. They’re generally pretty effective, but can be painful and expensive. They may not be covered by your insurance, and might not be suitable for people who tend to scar easily.

No matter how you try to deal with an age spot on your face, you should always consult a doctor first. Professional skin care specialists will be able to tell you what your options are, and to help you figure out what will work best for you.