What are age spots?
Age spots are flat dark spots that sometimes resemble freckles. They can appear anywhere on the body. Although they usually appear as you age, they can also appear on younger people. Age spots are primarily a cosmetic concern; they don't cause any health problems but can be unsightly.

What are the causes of age spots?
Most age spots are caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. This exposure triggers melanin production. Melanin is the pigment in the skin that gives your skin its color. When too much melanin is produced, it can clump together to form age spots. Aging and genetics can also cause excess melanin.

How can I prevent age spots?
You can prevent age spots by wearing sunscreen and avoiding the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

What can I do to treat age spots?
Treatment of age spots focuses on lightening the skin. The melanin that is causing the discoloration is located below the skin's surface (the epidermis), so treatments must access this inner-layer. Popular treatments include IPL, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.

What are the benefits of IPL for age spots?
IPL is an acronym that stands for Intense Pulsed Light. This non-invasive treatment uses photo-rejuvenation to remove age spots. Light pulses deliver multiple wavelengths of energy to the skin. These wavelengths are absorbed into targeted cells that contain excess melanin, where they destroy the melanin clumps. When the melanin clumps are destroyed, the age spot disappears.

The major benefit of IPL is the reduced recovery time. With most age spot treatments, redness and swelling occurs as a result of the disruption of the epidermal surface of the skin. IPL doesn't disrupt the epidermis so no swelling occurs.

IPL is also an effective treatment for Rosacea, facial lines, and laser hair reduction. What are the benefits of chemical peels for age spots? A chemical peel is another treatment alternative for age spots. During a chemical peel, an acidic chemical solution is applied to your face. This causes the skin on the face to blister and peel. New healthy skin then forms in its place. When the new skin forms, age spots begin to fade. Chemical peels may be less expensive than IPL, but more treatments may be required to see an improvement in the appearance of age spots.

What are the benefits of microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion is another procedure that removes the top layer of skin to allow a new and healthy layer to form in its place. Microdermabrasion usually involves spraying crystals onto the face in order to exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin. It is a gentler, safer alternative to dermabrasion, which uses a brush or wheel to sand off the top layer of skin. There are few risks associated with microdermbarasbion, and it can be used alone or in conjunction with chemical peels to remove age spot. You may feel as though you have a brush burn on your skin for several days following the treatment, and the skin may be pink for six to eight weeks after a treatment. You should avoid exposure to sunlight during this time.

How do I choose the best treatment method for my age spots?
The best treatment for age spots depends on your personal situation. Time, money and desired results are all a factor in deciding the best course of action. Make sure you talk with your doctor about the number of sessions necessary to see results, the recovery period, and the side effects of each treatment before selecting a treatment plan.