Popular Brown Spot Treatments
Mayoral Dermatology provides permanent, safe removal of age spots with a variety modern treatments that do not involve surgery, anesthesia or uncomfortable pain levels.
Among the more popular treatments performed at Mayoral Dermatology:
Intense Pulsed Light phototherapythat targets age spots with an intense light beam that damages melanocytes responsible for brown spots on skin. As the skin immediately begins to repair itself, new cells are formed that do not contain heavy amounts of melanin. Consequently, age spots disappear and the skin is left looking smoother, refreshed and toned.
DermaSweep Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin by using a wand tip that provides vacuum action to gently remove the skins uppermost layer. This vacuum action also cleans pores, increases blood flow to the area and eliminates unhealthy skin debris utilizing a HEPA filter. In addition to reducing the appearance of unsightly age spots, the DermaSweep Microdermabrasion system stimulates collagen production that promotes epidermis firming and toning. Other uses for this versatile skin-reconditioning technique include diminishing surgical scars, smoothing wrinkles and correcting uneven skin texture.
Count On Vitamin C To Lighten And Brighten
Vitamin C is another big-deal ingredient we love for its ability to block free radicals renegade molecules that cause skin damage and wrinkles. But vitamin C is also an efficient spot fader with the ability to specifically target problem areas and even out skin tone. This makes it useful for the face as well as the backs of hands and the chest/neck area. But beware: Vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Do a patch test on your inside forearm and wait 24 hours before applying it for the first time to your face. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizing formulas such as CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides, Olay Vitamin C+ Peptide 24 Brightening Serum with soothing protective niacinamide, Honest Beauty Vitamin C Radiance Serum With Hyaluronic Acid with moisture enhancing hyaluronic acid or Peach & Lily Transparen-C Pro Spot Treatment with nourishing vitamin E. Apply it under your morning sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF, since vitamin C is known as an ideal partner to counteract UV rays.
Ambi Fade Cream for Normal Skin Urban Skin Rx Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum La Roche Posay Dark Spot Corrector Glycolic B5 Serum.
What Do Age Spots Look Like
Age spots are common and generally harmless. Men and women around the age of 50 could start to see age spots develop on the surface of their skin. The spots are caused by years of exposure to UV rays and people who spend a lot of time in the sun could see spots sooner than 50. Allow us to remind you the importance of sunscreen! Age spots first make their appearance on areas that see the sun most like your hands, arms, shoulders, the upper back, and the tops of your feet. The size of age spots vary but the characteristics are similar. When identifying age spots youll see the following traits:
- Tan, brown or black coloration
- Flat and oval areas of skin discoloration
Age spots and skin discoloration is treatable, contact Kallgren Dermatology to learn more!
You May Like: Very Dry Skin On Legs
Are Liver Spots Cancerous
Liver spots are not cancerous, and they will not negatively impact skin health in any real way. However, according to Dr. Walker, While age spots themselves are entirely benign, they are often a warning sign that a patient is at greater risk for skin cancers since they indicate prolonged or more extensive exposure to sunlight, which is the most common cause of skin cancer.
Since liver spots may be a warning sign that patients are at increased risk for skin cancers, Dr. Walker encourages these patients to schedule annual professional exams with their dermatologist, examine their skin for new or changing spots every month, and learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer by heart:
- A Asymmetry The spot is not the same on both sides
- B Border The border is not even and round but scalloped, rippled, or otherwise irregular
- C Color Very dark brown or black coloring, coloring different from other similar spots, or a mixture of colors within one spot
- D Diameter Liver spots can actually grow fairly large, but any spot bigger around than a pencil eraser may be a sign of melanoma and should be examined by a dermatologist
- E Evolution The spot changes or grows, especially if this evolution occurs quickly
Other warning signs that an age spot may be more serious include:
- The spot is painful or irritated
- The spot is itching
Flag A Spot Thats Slow To Heal
Moles and skin spots can get scraped, bumped, and cut, but an otherwise healthy mole should heal quickly. If it doesnt heal within three weeks, that can be a sign of skin cancer, says Dr. McNeill, noting that this includes melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell cancers. That cancer warning holds true even if, say, the bleeding or oozing happens only occasionally if the skin sore heals and then comes back or if a scab develops and the scab takes a few weeks to heal.
Also Check: How Severe Is Skin Cancer
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Chicken Skin Under Eyes
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
Many nonprescription fade creams and lotions for lightening age spots are available for sale. These may improve the appearance of age spots, depending on how dark the spots are and how often you apply the cream. You might need to use such a product regularly for several weeks or months before you notice results.
If you want to try an over-the-counter fade cream, choose one that contains hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Some products, especially those that contain hydroquinone, may cause skin irritation.
You could also apply makeup to help make age spots less noticeable.
Spot Treat With A Cocktail Of Proven Ingredients
Attacking stubborn discolorations is not a one-solution-fits-all deal. In fact, another answer is to try a potent but safe mix of a few ingredients that even out the skin in what amounts to a group effort. The most effective OTC brightening products combine scientifically proven brightening agents like kojic acid with antioxidants like a vitamin C and/or a retinol for synergistic results, Kim says. Look for other mixes that include two tried-and-true ingredients hydroquinone and kojic acid. Youll find hydroquinone in Ambi Fade Cream for Normal Skin along with alpha hydroxy acid and vitamin E. Or try a kojic acid blend Urban Skin Rx Retinol Rapid Repair & Dark Spot Treatment with niacinamide and C, Dr. Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum with C and lactic acid, or La Roche Posay Dark Spot Corrector Glycolic B5 Serum with glycolic acid.
Read Also: Are There Different Kinds Of Melanoma
Age Spots Versus Melanoma
Brown spots on skin are more likely to appear as we age because the skin becomes thinner and more transparent. Melanin clumps lying just below the surface of the skin are more easily seen when the skin loses its elasticity and density. You will recognize an age spot by its flatness and dark brown to light brown coloring. Small age spots resemble freckles while larger ones may look like brown, non-protruding, asymmetrical moles. Age spots do not change their appearance nor do they itch, bleed or crust over like precancerous growths.
If you can feel an age spot by running your finger over the area because it is protruding, it may not be an age spot. Suspected age spots that begin to grow, change color, bleed, become sore and protrude from the surface of the skin should be checked by a physician as soon as possible. Additionally, age spots may fade during winter when they are not exposed to sunlight. Precancerous and cancerous growths do not fade.
Is It A Mole Freckle Or Sunspot How To Tell The Difference
Read Time: Three Minutes
Do you have a dark spot on your face or arms? Its quite common. Many people have discoloration on their skin, but how do you know if that spot on your skin is a mole, freckle or sunspot ?
Most often, moles, freckles and sunspots are no cause for concern, according to Matthew Hurley, MD, a family medicine physician with the Phelps Health Medical Group. However, some dark spots can be signs of skin cancer. So, how can you tell the difference?
Moles are caused by cells in your skin called melanocytes that grow together in clusters.
Most people have about 10 to 40 moles, which can be found anywhere on their bodies, but some individuals can have more or less, Dr. Hurley said. Moles are usually raised and can range from fleshed-colored to dark brown.
You can be born with moles, or they can develop over your lifetime.
Freckles and sunspots are usually found on areas of your skin that have been exposed to the sun, especially your face, hands and arms.
Freckles occur when too much melanin is produced. People usually develop freckles based on their genetics, Dr. Hurley said.
Freckles are flat, small and are normally found together in groups. They appear at a young age and typically fade as people get older.
If you are light-skinned, you are more likely to get freckles and sunspots. You also are more likely to get moles if you have light skin, but your family history and sun exposure affects your chances of moles, too.
You May Like: What Does Melanoma Look Like
What Age Spots Look Like
Age spots are very common and are usually harmless. When you hit 50 years old, youll probably start seeing age spots on your skin, especially if you have pale complexion. Theyre caused by years of exposure to UV rays from the sun. If youre out in the sun a lot, you may start getting age spots earlier than usual. Thats why its so important to take care of your skin while in the sun!
Youll usually find age spots on your hands, shoulders, arms, tops of your feet and upper back. These are the areas of your body that see the sun the most. Though age spots vary in size, youll usually see the following characteristics when identifying an age spot, according to Mayo Clinic:
- Flat and oval areas of skin discoloration
- Tan, black or brown in color
- Appear in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun
If you have age spots or any other type of cosmetic brown spot, we can help erase them. Learn more about our brown spot treatments here!
What Are Liver Spots Or Age Spots
Liver spots or age spots are common names for solar lentigines on the back of the hands. The term liver spot is actually a misnomer since these spots are not caused by liver problems or liver disease. While lentigines do tend to appear over time, they are not in themselves a sign of old age but a sign of sun exposure.
Recommended Reading: How Is Melanoma Treated If Caught Early
Schedule An Ipl Treatment
Intense pulsed light treatments and broadband light treatments are a next-level doctor solution. IPL/BBL acts as a magic eraser for red and brown sun damage, Hartman says. Downtime is minimal, and no anesthesia is necessary. This treatment has best results when applied in a series and continued as a preventive one. These treatments use scattered light in a less focused way than lasers. They are better for lighter rather than darker skin tones. Expect initial redness, darkening of the skin and peeling as the treated skin flakes off a week later. Youll need to take a few days downtime and avoid the sun. Also, your doctor will advise whether to treat hands and chest to IPL when the face is done. Facial skin reacts differently to brown spot treatments than body skin, Hartman explains. Start conservatively with one area say the face before moving on. I also factor in the patients lifestyle, tolerance to pain, the amount of topical anesthetic that can be safely applied and differences in sun exposure in the various areas to be treated.
How Are Age Spots Diagnosed
Any new, changing, or concerning pigmented lesion should be evaluated by a skincare professional to rule out a serious and deadly skin cancer called melanoma.
At your visit, the dermatologist can help diagnose an age spot by performing a physical exam and evaluating your skin and skin growth. If necessary, your doctor may even perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Don’t Miss: Best Dry Dog Food For Itchy Skin
What Is An Age Spot
An age spot is an area of darkened skintan to dark brown in appearance and round, usually between and ¼ in diameteron areas of skin that get lots of sun exposure. In the dermatology world, these spots are called lentigines.
Age spots vary in color and size compared to the other two most common dark spots:
- Cherry hemangiomasred dots usually less than in diameter caused by an overgrowth of blood vessels near the skin
- Seborrheic keratosesflat or raised light brown to black spots with a wart-like appearance
All three of these hyperpigmentation types are benign and not linked to skin cancer. However, skin cancers can look very similar, so you need to know how to carefully examine age spots.
What Is The Difference Between Age Spots And Skin Cancer
While age spots can heighten the look of aging, they are not harmful and are usually small, flat, dark brown spots. Skin cancer, on the other hand, has many other tell-tale signs. The ABCDEs of detecting skin cancer is a helpful acronym to use when doing a self-examination of your skin.
- Asymmetry: One side of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
- Border: Irregular or scalloped edges.
- Color: Varied shades of tan, brown, and black or sometimes white, red, pink, or blue.
- Diameter: A spot that is larger than 6mm . In some cases, it can be smaller.
- Evolving: Mole or skin lesions suddenly change size, shape, and/or color.
You May Like: Does Immunotherapy Work For Melanoma
How Can I Avoid Moles
Since sun exposure can lead to moles, Dr. Hurley suggests that you avoid spending too much time in the sun. When out in the sun, make sure you apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your skin every two hours.
Dr. Hurley said wearing sunscreen on your face, even if you dont plan to be in the sun too long, is important. Also, wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your head and face from the sun.
In addition to sun exposure, Dr. Hurley said that tanning beds, tobacco and exposure to other substances known to cause cancer can lead to skin cancer. He recommends you avoid these things.
Are Moles Freckles And Sunspots Cancerous
To tell if your mole, or moles, may be cancerous, Dr. Hurley recommends you remember the ABCs of skin cancer.
- A is for asymmetry Is the mole asymmetric? Are the two sides shaped differently?
- B is for borders Are the borders irregular?
- C is for color Does the mole have two or more different colors?
- D is for diameter Has the mole grown over a quarter-inch in diameter?
- E is for evolving or changing moles Has the mole changed in size, shape or color? Are you having new symptoms like itching or bleeding at the mole site?
Freckles and sunspots are not cancerous, but Dr. Hurley said that in some cases, cancerous moles can often look similar to a sunspot early on. He suggested closely watching any new skin lesions or spots you develop.
Read Also: Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin And Stomach Reviews
Melanomas That Could Be Mistaken For A Common Skin Problem
Melanoma that looks like a bruise
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including the bottom of the foot, where it can look like a bruise as shown here.
Melanoma that looks like a cyst
This reddish nodule looks a lot like a cyst, but testing proved that it was a melanoma.
Dark spot
In people of African descent, melanoma tends to develop on the palm, bottom of the foot, or under or around a nail.
Did you spot the asymmetry, uneven border, varied color, and diameter larger than that of a pencil eraser?
Dark line beneath a nail
Melanoma can develop under a fingernail or toenail, looking like a brown line as shown here.
While this line is thin, some are much thicker. The lines can also be much darker.
Also Check: Does Skin Cancer Make You Tired
Opt For A Laser Procedure
This dermatologist solution is the priciest one. Lasers are ideal for more immediate pigmentation improvement on mature skin thats saggy and wrinkled, Hartman says. They have the ability to penetrate deeply to affect the pigment on the surface, but also the collagen found deeper in the skin. Using the right laser is key since some are more focused in treating discolorations. For example, pigment-specific lasers work selectively to destroy excess pigment spots in a particular area, while fractional-resurfacing lasers nab precancerous sun damage and build collagen for firmer skin allover. Dont kid yourself: No matter what anyone says, expect at least a few days to a week or even 10 days of downtime. Some patients want only one or two spots treated, while others want large numbers treated or the whole face, Kim says. If youre doing a procedure for purely cosmetic reasons, its wise to make sure your skins healing response is satisfactory before embarking on treating a large number of spots. Only a board-certified dermatologist can choose the right laser and settings for you, and not all skin tones can be treated with the same approach whether lasers or IPL. Lasers have replaced other more extreme procedures like dermabrasion and chemical peels. Very few dermatologists perform dermabrasion anymore it’s been supplanted by lasers, Kim says.
You May Like: Can Squamous Skin Cancer Spread