10 Simple Secrets to Banish Age Spots And Reclaim Your Youthful Glow

3. Certain Medicated Creams

Age spots can be faded over time with certain medicated creams. These creams include chemicals such as retinoids, cortisone, and hydroquinone. Retinoids are medications derived from vitamin A. Cortisone cream is a type of steroid cream usually used for skin inflammation and should not be used for long periods because it can thin the skin. Though they can be bought over-the-counter, dermatologists can prescribe them in varying strengths. Hydroquinone cream prevents the skin from producing too much melanin, the pigment that gives age spots their color. Like cortisone creams, they can be bought over-the-counter or prescribed by the dermatologist and should not be used for a long period. Some of these creams should not be used on the face, and the patient should follow their doctor's instructions when using them.

4. Microdermabrasion

With microdermabrasion, age spots are abraded away by a stream of crystals of aluminum oxide delivered through a wand operated by the dermatologist or aesthetician. This stream of crystals exfoliates the skin, which means it takes away the dry skin cells at the very top of the skin. At the same time, a vacuum cannula takes away these dead cells and the residue left by the crystals. Other dermatologists use a wand fitted with a diamond tip, while others use a stream of water and air to exfoliate the skin. The procedure not only removes the upper layer of cells but stimulates the body to produce fresh cells, which causes the darker age spots to fade over time. After the session, the dermatologist applies sunscreen or moisturizer to the patient's face. As with the other mentioned treatments, microdermabrasion is an outpatient procedure, and patients can go home after the session.