Although there are various factors behind the patches of darker skin often referred to as ‘sun spots’ or ‘age spots,’ one of the primary causes is, as the name suggests, over-exposure to the sun over long periods. The good news is that while these patches or spots can be annoying and often don’t respond quickly to at-home, topical remedies, treatment for age spots can be relatively easy and very effective. Here are our favorite methods for sunspot removal.
One of the most effective sun spot treatments is Photofacial or Intense Pulsed Light laser treatment, which can be performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands. For Photo Facial to be completely effective, you will likely need a series of 3-4 treatments spaced about a month apart, but you will see results even after the first treatment. This is a non-ablative treatment, which means that the top layer of the skin is not removed; instead, the laser heats the skin in a way that stimulates the body’s collagen production without the more aggressive abrasion of the surface of the skin. This means recovery can be achieved quickly, with little or no downtime.
Another option that is incredibly gentle and yet still effective is a HydraFacial. This treatment bathes the skin with a mixture of moisturizing and hydrating serums after gently removing the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Not only can hyperpigmentation be improved, but you will also see increased vibrancy and elasticity and fewer fine lines and wrinkles. What could be better?
The chemical peel is another of the best age spot removers, although this may require slightly more recovery time than the previous options. However, for many, this is a very effective method for treating age spots, with the added benefit of helping with other issues such as fine lines, acne scars, or uneven texture. This process also works by stimulating your body’s collagen production while encouraging your skin to shed the top layer of cells which have become damaged.
The best part about all of these treatment options is that they don’t just work for hyperpigmentation; they simultaneously stimulate the skin to look its best on multiple fronts, including encouraging a brighter complexion, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and smoothing out uneven tone and texture. We call that a win!