Originally published March 27, 2024. From our educational archive. Treatment decisions and recovery instructions should be discussed with your own clinician.
Have you noticed small, dark spots on your skin as you've gotten older?
These are called age spots, and they're standard. Our clinic is dedicated to helping people in St. Petersburg, FL, prevent and treat age spots effectively. Let's dive into these spots and how you can eliminate them.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also called liver spots or sunspots, are small, dark, circular areas on your skin.
- Age spots vary in size and shape and usually appear on areas exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, and arms.
- These age spots are prevalent in older adults, but younger people can get age spots, too, especially if they spend too much time in the sun.
What Areas Do Age Spots Appear?
These spots are most commonly found on the:
- face
- back of the hands
- shoulders
- upper back
- forearms
Overall, they appear on body parts that have had the most sun exposure.
Should I See a Doctor?
It's a good idea to see a doctor or medical aesthetician if you notice any changes in the appearance of the spots, like an increase in size or a color change. Our team at Mackay Vein & Aesthetics can check them out to ensure they're just age spots and nothing more serious.
Why Should I Treat Them?
While age spots aren't harmful, some people treat them for cosmetic reasons. If these spots bother you or affect your self-confidence, it's perfectly okay to want to treat them. Age spot treatment is performed using the Lumecca IPL device at Mackay Vein & Aesthetics in St. Pete.
How Do Age Spots Form?
Age spots form due to prolonged sun exposure, which increases melanin, the pigment that provides your skin color. These spots are the result of excess melanin being clumped together.
Call us at 727-527-2888 to book an appointment today.
How Do I Get Rid Of My Age Spots?
There are several ways to treat age spots:
- Laser therapy destroys melanin-producing cells without harming the skin's surface.
- Intense pulsed light (IPL): This method targets melanin and is effective for lightening age spots.
- Microdermabrasion: This process sands down the outer layer of skin, making age spots less noticeable.
How Can I Prevent Age Spots After Treatment?
After treatment, it's crucial to protect your skin from sun exposure.
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves to reduce sun exposure.
- Regularly moisturizing your skin also helps.
At Mackay Vein & Aesthetics, our team combines medical expertise with aesthetic treatments to provide the best care and get rid of age spots. Our treatments are effective, safe, and tailored to your needs.
Take the Next Step at Mackay Vein & Aesthetics
In summary, age spots are common, but there are ways to treat and prevent them. Mackay Vein & Aesthetics in St. Petersburg, FL, we offer various treatments to help you manage age spots.
Call at 727-527-2888 to discuss your options. Let's work together to keep your skin looking its best!