The natural aging process has a great influence on our skin, particularly if we have spent much of our lives exposed to the sun. As we get older, dark blemishes, known commonly as age spots, may begin to appear on the face and back of the hands. Although they are generally harmless, those who have age spots may be motivated to remove them for cosmetic purposes, and at Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery, we help eliminate age spots so that you can retain youthful skin for years to come.
Why Do Age Spots Occur?
The appearance of age spots often occurs when the skin on our faces and hands begins to expand with an abundance of pigment. The excess melanin in the skin creates dark marks that result in blemishes we commonly refer to as age spots. There are many reasons why age spots may appear, the most prevalent being UV light exposure, which is capable of catalyzing the production of melanin in the skin and creating dark spots. Heredity may also be involved when it comes to those who have age spots.
Treating Age Spots
Age spots are benign pockets of pigment and are usually not a cause for medical concern. However, age spots may appear along with precancerous lesions that could progress into a serious form of skin cancer if left untreated. Even if age spots are noncancerous, it is still important that you have these spots examined by a physician at Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery to ensure the health of your skin.
Age spots can also cause many cosmetic concerns that affect your overall appearance, and because they tend to appear after the age of 50, age spots are often associated with older individuals. Cosmetic treatments are available that can reduce the appearance of age spots and promote a even skin tone.
Chemical peels
A chemical peel is designed to resurface the skin in order to remove any imperfections that may be accelerating the aging process. At Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery, we provide the glycolic peel, which breaks apart the top-most layer of skin and allows a new and fresher layer to surface. The glycolic acid content offers a lighter peel that can be used on most skin types and involves minimal downtime
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion rejuvenates the top-most layer of skin by using an abrasive tool that inflicts slight trauma onto the skin’s surface. To address the wounds, your body naturally produces a healing agent called collagen, which floods into the wounds and restores the skin to a new and healthy state. Age spots, acne scarring and fine lines are significantly reduced after receiving this procedure.
Laser therapy
When used for pigmentation issues such as age spots, laser therapy can target the melanin in the skin and destroy the associated skin cells. After several treatment sessions, you will notice that your complexion looks balanced and smooth with your age spots significantly diminished.
Lightening creams
Bleaching creams allow you to lessen the appearance of age spots within the comforts of your own home. With continued use, Lightening creams can fade brown spots on the skin over time. The creams are prescribed by a physician based on your skin’s condition as well as your medical history. We will also provide you with thorough instructions for their use. In order for the creams to be completely effective, it is best to use them on a daily basis. Bleaching creams can also be combined with in-office procedures to enhance results.
Antioxidant skin care
Various antioxidants have been proven to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. At Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery we provide antioxidant skin care creams along with cosmetic facials that each work to promote healthy and youthful skin. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E as well as many others are vital ingredients in skin care regimens that help slow the aging process.
To determine the method of treatment used on your skin, it is best to participate in a consultation with a physician at Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery. Here we will perform a skin evaluation that helps us choose the most effective measure for the condition you are facing. Any one of the skin care procedures we offer can help combat age spots, and our physicians can decide which one is the most suitable for you. If you would like more information about the treatment options we provide for age spots, please contact Laserderm Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Surgery at 631-979-0909 and schedule a consultation.