Many people want to remove age spots, because they think them unsightly. No treatment is actually required as they usually pose no threat.
It is a good idea to have new blemishes examined by your doctor or dermatologist; just to be sure the cells are not precancerous. But in most cases, the only concern is a cosmetic one. Here are some treatments that can remove the spot or lighten it.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves the use of very low temperatures to destroy the darker skin cells. This is the same process used to remove warts, moles and precancerous cells.
Liquid nitrogen is usually used to freeze the cells up to a certain depth. The side effects of Cryotherapy are usually few.
There is some pain and some scarring may occur. The site may become red or blister, scab over and peel after a few days. There is a slight risk that healthy cells or nearby nerves will be damaged.
The procedure is less expensive than other treatments, but is still relatively costly and is not covered by most health insurance plans, when the goal is to remove age spots.
If the procedure is being done to remove precancerous cells, Cryotherapy is usually covered. Laser Treatment Laser treatments or electro-surgery are other alternatives.
These are more costly and some people say they are more painful. The lasers used to remove unwanted tattoos may also work to remove age spots, depending on the depth of the pigmentation. Not all dermatologists use laser therapy.
Cryotherapy is most common. Other than the initial pain, laser therapy is typically unaccompanied by side effects.
Fade Creams
Fade creams can be purchased with a prescription or over the counter. They usually contain an ingredient called hydroquinone, depending on where you live. The use of the ingredient has been banned in some countries of the European Union because of a potential cancer risk.
Creams containing natural ingredients are also available. These require continued use to be effective. Typically a daily application of nut grass extract over the course of several weeks will even out the skin’s pigmentation.
Not all of the natural fade creams contain nut grass extract. Some contain an ingredient derived from bird droppings. The nut grass extract has more supportive research for its effectiveness. It works by inhibiting melanin production.
Anti-aging creams containing natural ingredients are another safe choice. They can help fade and remove age spots over time by improving the skin’s ability to rejuvenate.
The best ones contain a variety of antioxidants at a relatively high concentration. Antioxidants work to reverse the damage done by the sun.
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