Age spots – also known as liver spots – are unsightly blemishes that can develop on the face and back of the hands as we age. Though they aren’t dangerous or cancerous, they can cause your skin to appear old and weathered before you’re ready.
What are age spots?
Age spots are flat brown or black marks that develop on skin that has had long-term sun exposure. They often look like large freckles and typically appear on areas like the face, hands, arms, and shoulders as skin ages.
Are age spots dangerous?
Age spots are harmless and not cancerous. However, other dark spots can resemble age spots, including potentially serious conditions like skin cancer. A dermatologist can examine any spot that changes in size, shape, or color to make sure it is safe.
What treatment options does Marcus Medical offer for age spots?
Marcus Medical offers several treatment options including fractional laser treatments such as ActiveFX, Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, and chemical peels to reduce or remove age spots and improve skin appearance.
Will age spots go away without treatment?
Age spots usually do not go away on their own. Sun protection and preventive measures can help slow further darkening, but professional treatments are typically needed to significantly reduce their appearance.
What causes age spots to form?
Age spots form when melanin, the pigment in skin, increases in certain areas due to repeated sun exposure over time. This overproduction of pigment creates flat dark patches that become more common as people get older.