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[R181]Remedy For Age Spots

by Cindy, Cin

Many of the aging crowd are looking for the secret miracle product for age spots. As we get older, we tend to think we will develop age spots and there isn't much that we can do about it. Fortunately, it is not age that causes these age and liver spots, but over exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays over the years eventually causes dark spots the skin.

Age spots are also known as sun spots or liver spots, both being the same and causing skin blotches known as hyperpigmentation. There are some basic factors to think of that go along hand in hand with age spots: smoking, over exposure to UV rays or light, diet, sugar, saturated fats, and lack of vitamins. Age spots are caused by the rise in lipofuscin your body creates which eventually changes the color of ones skin pigment.

Age spots are most common after the age of 55 years old but sometimes start developing as early as 35 years old. Other names and nicknames for this disorder are liver spots, brown spots and sun spots. Age spot are much easier prevented then cured by ensuring that you have a well-balanced diet in your younger years. Eating a diet high in orange vegetables -- carrots and yams -- and green leafy foods can help your body fight the effects of aging skin. Foods high in antioxidants will also help by aiding in the fight to kill free radicals.

If you are already suffering with age spots, don't worry, there are several over-the-counter products today that can help you fade away the look of that age spot or spots. Hydroquinone is a common ingredient that can help you fight against age spots, but it can cause problems with certain skin types. Be on the look out for a over-the-counter products with this active ingredient. Hydroquinone can help with age spots, freckles, scars and help lighten dark skin, but because of the known problems, you should be careful unless you know how your skin will react. For some, it may be better to try a different active ingredient first. If you have drastic cases of age spot practically covering your face or hands that leave you uncomfortable and embarrassed, chemical peels may be the next level of treatment. These peels contain anywhere from 70% to 80 % glycolic acid or other acids and remove layers of skin to reduce the appearance of the spots. Another more expensive option is laser resurfacing. In this procedure the age spots are literally burned away using a sophisticated, targeted laser. However this treatment only works well on very white skin with very dark age spots.

Age spots are one of the signs of aging, but you don't need to live with them. In addition to the more expensive medical treatments, there are over-the counter products for age spots that can help. Using these products can bring back a healthy glow to your skin and will help you avoid the embarrassment of those unsightly age spots.

We are all going to age - whether we like it or not. That, however, does not mean we need to take the aging process in stride or even just sit back and allow it to happen. Science has developed numerous ways to help us slow down the process of aging - and even cause it to halt for a while. But with every new innovation comes a new doubt; will this product work as well as it says it will? And, is it safe for long term use? These are the questions that people are asking about age spot treatments, more specifically hydroquinone.

What are Age Spots?

Age spots are areas of pigmentation that start to show up on our hands, our faces, our necks and chests. Caused by sun exposure and increased by genetics, age spots can make us look older than we are, depending on when they show up. For most people, these spots will not begin to show themselves until after their 50s, but with a longer history of days in the sun, more spots area showing up when people are in their 40s. Also called liver spots, these age spots are something that can be treated, though prevention is always the best cure.

If you have not seen any age spots yet, you should begin to wear sunscreen on all exposed areas of your skin every day. This will help to slow down the appearance of these spots, while also helping to protect you from all of the signs of aging that most of us are trying to avoid showing.

Treatments for Age Spots

There are a number of ways that people are treating age spots, even beyond using sunscreen as a preventative measure.

AHAs - Alpha hydroxy acids are fruit acids that can help to soften the appearance of age spots on your skin. By removing the outer layers of skin, you will be able to create a softer and lighter appearance to the spots, while also revealing youthful skin layers. These AHAs can be found in creams, lotions, and serums over the counter at any local retailer.
Chemical peels - For more severe cases of age spots, you might want to use a more radical treatment. When you go to a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon, they might recommend a chemical peel, which will take off even more layers of the skin to soften the appearance of the spots. Side effects include redness and peeling, which will diminish with time and proper after care.
Vitamin A - Using retinol and other retinoids has also been shown to help reduce the effects of sun and aging. Applied to the skin like AHAs, these products can be found at local retailers without a prescription.

Microdermabrasion is another possible treatment for these spots, but needs to be done by a licensed technician or physician.

What about Hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is an ingredient that's found in skin lightening lotions and serums. When applied to the skin, it helps to lighten uneven pigmentation, like age spots. But while this is a highly effective ingredient that's still found over the counter in some products, there is some concern over the long term effects. If you were to take in this chemical by itself, it is carcinogenic - that is, it can cause cancer. Though you are only going to be applying the lotion to your skin, there is some concern that these carcinogenic properties may still be viable in topical treatments. Some countries have gone so far as to ban the ingredient in all forms.

The trick with this ban is that the hydroquinone does work, but at what price? With all of the other treatments that are available, perhaps it's best to see what the other safer options have to offer.

Article Source : path to wellness

About Author

Both Cindy & Craig Elliott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Cindy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga Practice, Advertising Guide and Wellness. Cindy has published several articles about skin care topics around the Internet. She and her team have reviewed several of the more popular skin whiteners for age spots on her web site at. Cindy's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.

Craig Elliott has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Bankruptcy Law and Careers and Job Hunting. About Author:Craig Elliott is a writer for Lane Labs. Lane Labs is a leading provider of . Craig Elliott's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.