As we age, skin discoloration is a common problem. Age spots can be seen mostly on areas with a lot of sun exposure such as the face, chest and neck. They are one of the most well recognized features of aging skin, and those who want to look younger often turn to their aesthetic physician or dermatologist for help.
"Age spots can occur anywhere and basically, they form from sun exposure over a long period of time," says Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale board certified dermatologist Dr. Janee Steinberg. "The melanin in the skin is picked up by the sun and is deposited in spots. It comes out in various places on different people."
Actual Laser Treatment Results of Dr. Janee Steinberg
When it comes to treating age spots, Dr. Steinberg likes to use a YAG laser. "It's the most efficient and effective laser. It's simple and it's easy. Patients don't need any type of numbing." Treatment is quick and simple, and while you may not want to be seen for a while, you can get back to normal activity pretty quickly. As Dr. Steinberg describes, "The procedure causes a scab for about 5?7 days depending on what part of the body you're treating and how many spots and the size of each spot. It's a pretty simple procedure and its quick, it's easy and the patients recover quickly."
One popular laser treatment for skin is Fraxel. While this is not a YAG laser, it's often used to treat skin discoloration, but is also used for fine lines or even stretch marks. The Fraxel? family of products includes the Fraxel re:store laser system, the Fraxel re:pair laser system, the Fraxel re:fine laser system, and the Fraxel re:store Dual. The line has quickly become the industry standard for fractional aesthetic skin treatments. Unlike traditional laser devices, Fraxel brand fractional laser systems treat only a fraction of skin at a time, leaving the surrounding area intact for fast healing.
Actual Laser Treatment Results of Dr. Janee Steinberg
For those who don't want to go the laser route, there are other topical treatments that can help. "Products with hydroquinones would be effective such as those in the Obagi line." The best way to prevent age spots is a good sunscreen, but they're also necessary to maintain the results after treatment. "Sunscreens are essential because all of your good work to clear it up is undone by one trip in the sun, or on a cruise without sunscreen," says Dr. Steinberg.
If you have age spots, don't keep covering them up with makeup or being embarrassed by your aging skin. See your aesthetic physician for help to find a better way to manage your skin discoloration.
