Age spots
Age spots, also called liver spots or sunspots, are flat brown, gray, or black spots that commonly appear on sun-exposed skin. They often occur on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms after years of sun exposure. Excess melanin, or pigment, gathers in the skin with sun damage or aging.
Age spots are usually harmless, but other skin conditions can resemble them. An evaluation is important before treatment to identify the spot and discuss whether treatment is appropriate. The evaluation also helps distinguish a cosmetic pigment concern from a spot that needs medical attention.
Treatment options
Treatment is selected based on the spot, skin type, age, lifestyle, and the treatment area. Options may include the following:
- Laser therapy: Targets and breaks up pigment with light energy. As pigment responds, the treatment is intended to reduce the appearance of the spot and create a more even-looking tone.
- Chemical peels: Remove damaged outer layers of skin to address pigmentation and texture.
- Cryotherapy: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze age spots. Treated spots may then fade or flake off.
- Prescription topical creams: Lightening agents such as hydroquinone may gradually fade spots with consistent use.
Each approach has different timing and recovery considerations. The treatment plan should account for the selected area and the time needed for the skin to respond. A spot should not be self-treated solely because it resembles a sunspot; assessment comes first.
Planning care
During an evaluation, the clinician assesses the skin and can recommend the most appropriate approach, if treatment is indicated. Discuss when the spot appeared, how it has changed, current skin products, prior procedures, and the amount of sun exposure the area receives. These details can affect the choice between a light-based procedure, peel, cryotherapy, topical treatment, or observation.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the appearance of an identified pigment concern. Results and timing vary with the spot and the method used. The office has locations in Cary, Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro, Raleigh, and Sanford.
