The American Academy of Dermatology has clearly stated that the main reason for which age spots appear on the skin is the prolonged or chronic exposure to the sun. Age spots are deposits of melanin, suggesting that the skin in that location has been damaged by UV rays (the excess melanin deposits appear as a form of protection). Well, before you worry, you should know that there are plenty of ways, in which you can make these age spots less visible or even eliminate them altogether.
#1 Eye Cream
If you want for these unsightly age spots to be less visible, do not pick just any eye cream. In fact, the best eye cream against age spots is the one that contains retinol. This active substance can be used to minimize the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles but it also works wonders on areas of excessive pigmentation, hence the recommendation for age spots. Test the retinol eye cream on a small surface of the skin first, to ensure that your skin can handle such products.
#2 Hydroquinone cream
Hydroquinone cream can be extremely effective at removing age spots, as it inhibits the production of melanin. Many people present hydroquinone cream as being as effective as the laser intervention, but you have to keep in mind this solution is not recommended for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, a product such as hydroquinone cream might cause further irritations. Otherwise, you can use this cream to make age spots less visible or even escape from them forever (provided you will no longer expose yourself to the sun).
#3 Q-switched ruby laser
In the past few years, more and more rejuvenating procedures have been performed with the help of laser therapy. Today, the q-switched ruby laser is recommended as an effective solution against age spots and other hyper pigmentation present on the skin. Keep in mind that, in general, only one session is required but the skin will require some time to heal. Also, the treatment might be expensive, so consider your budget.
#4 Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often recommended for beautiful, healthy-looking skin, so it makes sense to be recommended as a solution against age spots as well. Whether you are planning on using products that contain vitamin C or resort to natural lemon juice, it is guaranteed you will enjoy the skin brightening properties it has to offer. Keep in mind that such products make the skin sensitive to the sun, so you might want to avoid immediate exposure.
#5 Chemical exfoliants
Sometimes, the only solution to make age spots less visible is to use chemical exfoliants. The chemical peel can be performed as an in-office procedure or at home, depending on your personal preferences. The best chemical exfoliants are glycolic or salicylic acid. Keep in mind that the skin requires time to heal and that it is for the best to avoid sun exposure, to keep the risk of infection down to a minimum.
#6 Kojic acid
An interesting solution against age spots is represented by kojic acid, a substance with skin brightening properties. It is important to understand that, while kojic acid might fade away age spots, it can also irritate the skin (especially if you are the sensitive skin type). For this reason, it is recommended to test it on a small skin surface first.
These are only a couple of ways in which you can minimize age spots or even eliminate them altogether. You can also use true derma, an anti-aging cream which promises to make the signs of aging, age spots included, less visible.