Can Age Spots Be Reversed?

Age spots are common, especially in sunny climates like South Florida. Learn what causes them, how to prevent them, which treatments can help fade them, and when a dark spot should be evaluated for possible skin cancer.

We all want to age gracefully, but despite our best efforts, time and the environment can make it difficult to retain our youthful glow as we age.

According to the American Society for Dermatological Surgery, age spots go by many names, including:

• liver spots
• lentigines
• or lentigos

The round brown or black flat patches of skin tend to have the appearance of a freckle, only larger, and they can grow by themselves or in clusters.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to these dark patches, but they tend to occur in older individuals who have had a lot of sun exposure.

True age spots are not harmful. The key is ensuring that they are not a sign of skin cancer. Jennifer C. Tang, M.D., a dermatologist with the University of Miami Health System, recommends monitoring any existing spots occasionally and speaking with a dermatologist if you’re concerned about its appearance or behavior.

“One should be concerned if significant change occurs in any particular lesion, such as growth, darkening, pain, or bleeding, or if brand new lesion grows that appears to be an outlier,” says Dr. Tang. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to speak with your dermatologist for an evaluation.

As you age, benign spots are not inevitable.

By taking good care of your skin, you can prevent or reduce their occurrence over time. And even if they do appear, there are both at-home remedies and clinical treatments that can minimize their appearance.

“Although some patients have a greater predisposition to age spots, sun protection is the mainstay in preventing or reducing their occurrence,” says Dr. Tang. “This includes avoiding the sun during peak hours, regularly applying sunscreen with an adequate SPF, and wearing wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing with UPF.”

Some at-home treatments can effectively minimize the appearance of these spots, including:

• retinoid creams
• Vitamin C serums
• skin brightening serums
• exfoliation
• chemical peels

Dr. Tang advises speaking with your dermatologist before you try these home remedies. This is particularly true for chemical peels, which can have risks for some people.

In-office treatments are often the most effective way to minimize or eliminate age spots, as they provide expert treatments administered by a health care professional.

These include:

• Laser and intense pulsed light therapies
• Cryotherapy (freezing the age spot)
• Professional chemical peels
• Prescription topical treatments

Most important, Dr. Tang recommends having your age spots evaluated by a dermatologist before you pursue aesthetic treatments from a cosmetic surgeon.

“It’s best to see a dermatologist for age spot evaluation to exclude malignancy, such as melanoma, prior to pursuing aesthetic treatments,” she says.

“Lasers and intense pulsed light may alter the appearance of brown spots and render clinical examinations more challenging and less reliable.”

Written by Wyatt Myers. Reviewed by Jennifer C. Tang, M.D.

Tags: age spot treatment, dermatology, Dr. Jennifer Tang, how to get rid of age spots, laser treatment for age spots