Have you noticed unsightly spots appearing on your face, neck, shoulders, the backs of your hands or forearms? Are these spots flat and circular? Do they range in color from light brown to black? These are age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots.

What Causes Age Spots?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays accelerate the production of melanin, which is the pigment in the epidermis or upper layer of your skin. Melanin is what gives your skin color. When you’re exposed to UV rays, you can get a sunburn or suntan. Over time, with frequent and prolonged sun exposure, clumps or high concentrations of melanin are produced in your skin. Eventually, these melanin deposits result in sun spots.

Age spots are not only caused by sun exposure while you’re outside. You can get sun spots when you use commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds, too.

Who Gets Age Spots? 

Women and men of any race can develop age spots. However, sun spots are more common in people who have light-colored or fair skin. Since age spots occur over time due to sun exposure, most people tend to get them when they’re in their 50s, 60s, or older. However, sun spots can appear on anyone – even people in their 20s or 30s – who has had major sun exposure, frequent sunburns, or recurrent tanning lamp or bed use.

What Treatments Are Available for Age Spots?

Several cosmetic treatments for age spots are available at Euphoria Spa & Wellness Center, located in Avon, Indiana:

  • Chemical peel. During a chemical peel, an acid solution is applied to your skin, causing it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. Once your skin peels, new, regenerated skin forms to take its place. Your new skin is smoother and less wrinkled than your old skin. A chemical peel can remove an age spot. However, additional treatments may be needed to remove an age spot completely. At Euphoria Spa, we’re proud to offer PCA SKIN® professional chemical peels. For aging skin and sun spots, we recommend the Ultra Peel I Blended TCA peel. However, talk to our PCA SKIN® certified professional before your first appointment to determine the best solution for your skin.
  • Dermaplaning is a safe, non-invasive treatment that uses a small surgical blade to remove dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. Dermaplaning can help to eliminate age spots as well as fine lines, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. You’ll notice your skin is smoother and more refreshed looking. Depending on the depth of your age spots, additional treatments may be required.
  • Skin Classic treatment. The Skin Classic treatment uses high frequency, radio current to remove minor skin irregularities like age spots quickly with minimal discomfort. Your skin heals within a few days, giving you a more natural appearance. Once the age spot is treated, it will not return to that area. The Skin Classic professionals at Euphoria Spa suggest you follow pre-care recommendations before your treatment. Pre-care suggestions include the use of PCA SKIN daily care products, avoiding sun exposure, and staying away from tanning bed use.

 Get rid of ugly age spots today! Call Euphoria Spa & Wellness Center at 317-718-0800 to learn more about our age spot and other skin care treatments or to schedule an appointment. Or, click here to email us with your questions.

Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.