Medical cosmetic professionals share what age spots are and which treatments are best to remove them.

What Can Be Done About My Liver Spots?

Hopefully, most people experience aging. We all want to age gracefully and keep healthy-looking skin for as long as possible. While freckles can be cute, age spots, sometimes called liver spots or sunspots, are often seen as something that makes us look older. They are similar in that they are darker than the average skin color and are created due to uneven melanin production or distribution in the skin. 

Age spots are not harmful, but some treatments can make them less noticeable if that is what is desired. This article will examine five common questions about age spots and their treatment. 

FAQ #1: What Are Age Spots?

As previously stated, age spots are concentrated patches of melanin under the surface level of the skin. They look a lot like freckles, but unlike freckles, age spots do not fade without treatment. They can also be larger than the typical freckle, up to 1 inch across. They typically appear on the face, arms, shoulders, and back.

FAQ #2: What Causes Age Spots?

The cause of age spots is straightforward: sun exposure. Repeated exposure to the sun causes the skin to bring out its defenses. Producing melanin is the skin’s way of protecting itself against damage. That is why people with lighter skin get “tan” in the summer; it is part of the body’s protection for itself.

This is also why lighter-skinned people are more prone to age spots. They tend to come up on areas exposed to the sun regularly, such as the back of the hands and the tops of the feet, likewise the tops of the shoulders, decollete, and the upper back.

FAQ #3: Can I Prevent Age Spots?

Preventing age spots is possible to a certain extent, and there are four clear and simple suggestions on how to keep your skin as spot-free as possible.

• Use sunscreen with  30 spf or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves or hats
• Don’t use tanning beds.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours, from 10 am to 2 pm.

This will help reduce the chances of getting age spots. The sun is most intense from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and this is valid year-round but certainly worse in the summer.

FAQ #4: Do I Need Medical Treatment?

Age spots are not harmful and don’t need to be cared for by a doctor. However, if age spots that are usually tan to dark brown in appearance turn black or get bigger, they may need to be examined for skin cancer. Of course, this is a severe condition and should be dealt with immediately, but age spots are not a health concern. 

FAQ #5: What Can C10 Do For My Age Spots?

At C10 Wellness & Rejuvenation, we have several methods for treating age spots:

• IPL: Intense pulsed light or IPL uses concentrated light to attack the darker spots in the skin, causing fading. It is meant to overheat the darker cells and kill them, allowing the body’s immune system to remove the darker tissue. 3-4 sessions are recommended for best results, but our team will advise you on how many sessions you need to achieve your desired results. 
• Dermabrasion: Also called dermaplaning, this process gently removes the top layers of skin, revealing the fresh, renewed skin underneath. Age spots will fade after multiple procedures.
• Microneedling: This method creates microscopic holes in the skin to stimulate the body’s healing response. Increased collagen production can make skin appear smoother and less wrinkled, and it can also help skin look smoother and more evenly toned.
• SkinBetter Science Skin Care Line: This beauty line is about more than just looking your best. It is also about protecting your skin. With everything from sunscreen to serums, SkinBetter Science products can help you achieve beautiful glowing skin.

When clients come in for their first appointment, they can get a complimentary skin analysis and a consultation with a nurse practitioner to determine where to start their skincare journey.

About C10 Wellness & Rejuvenation

Based in South Miami, C10 Wellness & Rejuvenation offers many treatments to make our clients feel like complete 10s. Our staff is board-certified and ready to help you reach your potential. Call today for a consultation and a free skin analysis.