Removing Age Spots

Age spots are not nearly as difficult to remove as moles and birth marks. This is because they develop much closer to the surface of the skin. The melanin pigment that gives moles and birthmarks their brown color is produced in the deep layers of the skin.

Age spots, on the other hand, are melanin complexes that are much closer to the surface of the skin. They can, in some cases, literally be peeled away and replaced by healthy cells from below.

Because age spots are so close to the skin’s surface, acid peels and liquid nitrogen are common ways of removing them. These treatments remove the top layer of skin and are relatively successful. In some cases, the appearance of these spots can be an ongoing problem because these dark pigmented areas are the result of overexposure to the sun.

There are a number of other commercial products available to remove the spots. Bleaching agents are one of these commercial options. Bleaching agents are chemicals that react with the melanin in the skin to remove the brown color. A number of creams containing hydroquinone are bleaching creams. Hydroquinone has been used as a bleaching agent for many years although, recently, researchers have started questioning the safety of this chemical over the long term.

Vitamins A,C,D,E, and minerals selenium and zinc are recommended for good skin health. These vitamins and minerals are also at evening out skin tone over time.

Contact a Houston Medical Spa

The Houston medical spa Dermagenix offers a variety of options for removing age spots and evening out skin tones. To discuss these options, contact Dr. Vo and the staff of Dermagenix at 713-662-3376.