Sun Spots: An Ounce Of Prevention . . .

Shannon Buettow
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Q. How can I make age/sun spots fade from my face? I do not wish to have a face peel.



A. Just so everyone knows exactly what we mean when we say "age spots" or "sun spots," let's clarify (although I'm sure that if you have them, you know it!).

They look like large freckles. They are flat and brown and are not a problem except that a lot of people who have them don't like the way they look.

Most people get them around 40 years of age.

They are most commonly found on the face, hands and neck. This is because these are the areas that usually see the sun most frequently throughout a person's life.

Basically they are sun damage.

The way to tell if they really are most likely sun damage is to check a place on your body that doesn't usually see the light of day, like say your gluteousbottomous.

If you're worried about a spot, see a doctor. Some people also develop dark spots after pregnancy or with the use of oral contraceptives or after some sort of trauma like a cut or a bug bite.

You know how they say "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?"

Well they ain't just whistlin' Dixie, brother.

Sun screen and protective clothing are your best friends. It may be too late for the spots you already have, but it's not too late to keep those spots from making new friends.

The most common ways of treating age spots (I prefer the term "well-fed freckles," are as follows; alpha hydroxy acid; Retin-A; chemical peels, such as glycolic acid; micro-derma-brassion and liquid nitrogen therapy.

Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy is available, often in a gel form, and is usually applied to the spots every night. Retin-A cream can also be applied topically.

Both of these topicals help to fade the pigmentation of the spots. A chemical peel is essentially what it sounds like. A chemical, which is a mild acid, is applied to the skin, and then the skin is peeled off, thereby removing pigment.

Micro-dermabrassion is kind of like a mild sandblasting or the top layer or so of the skin, which removes the yuck and shows off the new undamaged skin below.

Some people choose electrocautery (burning them off) for spots that are raised. Others choose liquid nitrogen (freezing them off). When freezing a spot, it will turn white about a month after treatment.

Many of these treatments are slightly uncomfortable. They may sting or burn. Some may leave you red or scabby looking for an hour or a couple of days or more.

And almost all have potential side effects.

These may include a permanent white spot or small scar or it may result in a dark skin discoloration.

You should always ask the doctor or esthetician what the possible downside is. Remember the side effects don't always just happen to "other people."

One more time: If you have a spot that gives you ANY concern, have it checked by a doctor. One thing even less desirable than a well-fed freckle is skin cancer, duh.


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