Age Spot Treatment
Skin blemishes can be a nuisance to your appearance if they appear in areas noticeable to others. An age spot also known as a liver spot or solar lentigo, are one such skin blemish. Light brown or black in color and measures a few millimeters in size. These small patches or blemishes, though painless, may be costly to remove or can be treated with over the counter medicine.
Age spots are mainly caused by the over exposure of the skin to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This proves even more hazardous if a sunscreen is not used. Therefore the best way to avoid getting these blemishes is to take precaution or lessen the amount of time spent in the sun. Perhaps, you are not able to stay out of the sun and you are not able to keep up appearances. You continue to and cover up your age spot with makeup but that’s just not enough. However, there are many treatment options available.
Over the counter medicines containing hydroquinone, such as skin bleaching creams are inexpensive. For the average person this may be an excellent solution. Creams or topical solutions sold over the counter are usually in low dosages. If you feel that you need something stronger as your age spots are severe, you will have to obtain the medicine by a prescription.
There are also many home remedies available for age spot treatment. These require no additional purchasing as they usually include items found in your medicine cabinet or cupboard. Items such as tea tree oil and lemon juice. But perhaps you are able to afford other alternatives which might have a more lasting effect such as laser therapy.
Laser therapy destroys the melanin cells which causes the dark pigmentation of the age spot. This can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. Patients undergoing the treatment may not see the results until after a few months.
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy is common and effective. It delivers sharp bursts of intense red or blue light on the blemish destroying the sun damage area and making way for new skin cells. Cost of this treatment is dependent on the size of the spot and may range from $300 to $600.
Dermabrasion as the word suggests, is the abrasion and scraping of the skin. The recovery period then, may be a few months as the new skin would take time to grow over the affected age spots area. Treatment ranges from $1000 to $3000.
You can opt for a chemical peel. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to as much as $5000. The amount you pay is dependent on the depth of the peel; superficial, medium or deep. This involves a chemical solution applied to smooth the texture of the skin by removing the affected outer layer.
Whatever your pick, you would have made the right choice. You don’t have to live with your age spot anymore.