Monday Myths: Only old people get age spots
August 23rd, 2010
Monday Myths: Is it true that only old people get age spots?
Age spots appear quite commonly after age 40, hardly very old by today’s standards. Age spots, once referred to as liver spots are flat, brownish spots that usually occur in areas frequently exposed to the sun. They are actually unrelated to liver function. Age spots are changes in skin color that usually occur in older skin, but can also appear earlier on skin not regularly protected from the damaging rays of the sun. The discoloration occurs most often on areas that have had the greatest sun exposure, including:
- Backs of the hands
- Face and Forehead
- Forearms
- Shoulders
Best way to get rid of age spots? Prevention. It’s best to prevent any sun damage to exposed skin by effectively protecting it from damaging UVA and UVB sun rays at the start. However, age spots may be treated by several methods. Laser and chemical treatments are generally effective. Over-the-counter bleaching creams lighten spots, as long as further sun exposure is avoided.
Wear sunscreen and/or protective clothing, because increased sun exposure contributes to premature aging. Most importantly, sun exposure is also the leading cause of skin cancers, representing significant risk and requiring prompt medical attention. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on sun-exposed skin.
Sun Damage Remedies
July 7th, 2010
There was a time when nothing could be done about unsightly brown patches, once referred to as “liver spots or age spots.†We now know that the uneven pigmentation is most often caused by sun damage. In a study conducted by Procter & Gamble, these telltale spots can contribute to raising a person’s perceived age by 15-20 years. Baby boomers were avid sun-worshipers and under educated in the perils of too much sun exposure as we grew up. Now many are suffering the consequences in the form of age spots or hyperpigmentaion, premature wrinkles and even skin cancers.
Today we have various ways to undo some of the skin damage caused by over-exposure to sun. Of course there are many over the counter lotions and potions, but surgical intervention may represent the option that offers the most significant improvement in short order. Anti-aging procedures are often combined to give a more comprehensive rejuvenation. On Peggy’s patient blog last week, she mentioned having Restylane ® and Botox ® injections along with her facelift. By her own admission, she tanned frequently and also smoked, 2 major factors in causing skin aging. I think her “Before and After†(link) photos show a dramatic improvement.
Other surgical remedies for improving sun-damaged skin include chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion. These procedures remove varying layers of the skin, minimizing brown spots and fine wrinkles. You end up with younger, smoother-looking skin. Although complete facial rejuvenation is usually only achieved by having a facelift, especially when significant sagging and deep wrinkles are present.
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