![]() Hydroquinone works by slowing the production of melanin, says Dr. Prescription topical drugs can work slowly to lighten age spots (think: several weeks to months), the two most commonly prescribed being hydroquinone and tretinoin. $89 at Dermstore Credit: Dermstore Prescription fade creams Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it helps to protect the skin against sun damage, prevents dark spots, and gives an overall brightening effect. ![]() If you struggle with spots on your face, you could also try incorporating a vitamin C serum into your daily routine. She also recommends Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel-it contains hydroquinone and glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate the top layer of your skin. González’s top OTC picks include Skin Medica’s Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum and SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense: “Both contain tranexamic acid, an ingredient also known for its lightening capabilities that tends to be less irritating than hydroquinone for some,” she says. Hydroquinone is considered the gold standard of lightening, but is known for being harsher on skin and may trigger side effects, such as skin irritation and rebound pigmentation if it’s applied for too long, says Dr. If you’d like to give this option a whirl, the active ingredients to look for are hydroquinone, glycolic acid, kojic acid, licorice root extract, and niacinamide. (Just note that they are most effective on age spots that have been caught early and are still on the lighter side.) OTC lightening creams help to reduce age spots by suppressing the production of melanin, says Anthony Youn, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and author of The Age Fix. $14 at Amazon $17 at Walmart $18 at Ulta Beauty Credit: Amazon Non-prescription lightening creams and serums ![]() to 5 p.m.), and covering your body with clothing and hats, as able.Īs for the age spots that have already turned up on your skin? Here are the most effective over-the-counter and in-office treatments that dermatologists recommend. When it comes to age spots, prevention is everythingĮven though age spots are usually no biggie, it’s crucial to prevent sun damage not only for aesthetic purposes, but to stay protected against skin cancer, says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Ariel Ostad, MD, who recommends amping up your sun safety habits-like frequently applying broad spectrum sunscreen, staying out of the sun during its most powerful hours (12 p.m. They usually appear as flat brown spots on the areas of skin that are exposed to the sun most-face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and back-but can also appear as seborrheic keratosis, which are raised, wart-like skin growths. If you have a family history of age spots, you’re more prone to developing them when you’re exposed to the sun (or tanning beds). UV rays cause our pigment-producing skin cells to increase melanin production, resulting in those pesky brown spots. So what are age spots, anyway? “Also known as sun spots or solar lentigines, age spots are benign pigmented spots typically caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun,” says Noelani González, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai West in New York. Even though most of us have experienced our share of hyperpigmentation, we’re also fortunate enough to have tons of options at our disposal to, well, remove those annoying age spots before they get any worse. There’s nothing quite like looking in the mirror-or down at your hands-to discover spots and freckles you could swear weren’t there yesterday.
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