Age Spots Treatment

What are age spots?

Age spots are small, darkened and flat areas of the skin that are usually found across areas that have been frequently exposed to the sun. They are common across the face, hands, neck and décolletage area, and appear as light brown or black in colour, in a similar way to freckles, but with a harsher appearance.

What causes age spots?

Age spots are a type of hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition that describes the overproduction of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a natural skin pigment, and when it is overproduced, it can make our skin look darker and more uneven in texture. Age and over-exposure to UV light from the sun are both key reasons why someone may develop hyperpigmentation. This is why this skin condition is often known as ‘age spots’ or ‘sun spots.’ It is very common in adults above 40, who have spent more time in the sun over their lifetimes.

How does sunlight aggravate age spots?

One of the primary reasons for visible skin ageing (whether across the face or the body) is sunlight. Intense UVA rays from the sun can even pass through glass on a cloudy, overcast day. In contrast to UVB rays, you do not get the warning sign of burning with UVA, and these harmful rays can cause the most sun damage, leading our skin to look leathery and bumpy in texture while increasing the likelihood of wrinkle formation as well. This is why the most important anti-ageing step you can take is to apply a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, with SPF 30-50 in winter and at least 50 in the summer. This can help to minimise the formation of age spots while minimising lines and wrinkles.

How to get rid of age spots

Even if you rigorously apply sunscreen, you may still notice the appearance of age spots across your cheeks, face, legs or hands for example. It is often common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors, or people who travel widely and frequently throughout their lifetimes. Thankfully, there is a wide range of non-surgical and non-invasive treatment options that can help patients to get rid of age spots and minimise their appearance. At The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, we specialise in clinically proven procedures like microdermabrasion, chemical peels and cosmeceutical age spot creams that can generate transformative results.

Best treatments for age spots

When determining the best treatment to minimise the appearance of your age spots, we will advise you on a bespoke treatment plan at your initial consultation, after conducting a thorough skin assessment. The best results for your sun spots or age spots on the cheeks or face can often be achieved using a combination of methods, such as laser skin resurfacing like MOXI Laser, micro-needling, chemical peels and Forever Young BBL™, another incredible skin rejuvenating treatment that targets signs of ageing and skin imperfections.

If you would like to find out more about this and the treatments available at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialists, today to book an appointment at our clinics in London, Harley Street and Buckinghamshire!