Age spots are a common skin concern that many individuals face as they grow older. Also known as liver spots, Sun spots or the medical term solar lentigines, age spots are small, darkened patches that typically appear on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun over time.

What are Age Spots?

Age spots are harmless and do not require medical attention they are the result of an accumulation of excess melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin, hair, and eyes. They are most commonly found on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and back. When the skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, it triggers an overproduction of melanin, leading to the development of these pigmented spots.

Prevention:

Preventing age spots is crucial, especially if you want to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of developing age spots:

1. Sun Protection: Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply every two hours and wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
2. Seek Shade: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, particularly during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
3. Cover Up: Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to provide additional protection for your skin.
4. Sunless Tanning: Consider using self-tanning products or spray tans as a safer alternative to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Treatment:

If you already have age spots, we offer various treatment options to help lighten or permenantly remove them, including:

1. Homecare Products: We stock a broad selection of Clinic only products from Cliniccare and MediMD containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, kojic acid, or vitamin C may help fade age spots over time.
2. Glycolic Peels: This procedure involves applying a chemical solution to the skin, a deep exfoliation treatment that removes the very top dead layers of skin revealing fresher, more evenly pigmented skin underneath.
3. IPL and Laser Pigmentation Removal: We use medical grade Lynton Laser and IPL which can target and break down the excess melanin in age spots, helping to fade their appearance.
4. Plasma Fibroblast Lesion Removal: This procedure involves cauterising the age spots, causing them to scab and flake off.
5. Micro needling: A using a controlled micro trauma to induce the fibroblast cells, exfoliating the top layers of dead skin and inducing cellular turnover.
6. Dermaplane Facials: A deep exfoliation method, removing the very top dead skin cells and fine vellus hair assisting product absorption.
7. Prescription Medications: In some cases, a GP or dermatologist may prescribe stronger topical medications or oral medications to lighten or eliminate age spots but these are not available on the NHS.

We recommend booking a Skin Consultation to ascertain which treatment method will suit your skin, lifestyle and budget.

Remember, while treatment options can help fade or remove age spots, prevention is the key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. By protecting yourself from the sun and following a consistent skincare routine, you can minimize the risk of age spots and enjoy a more youthful complexion.