How to Remove Hand Age Spots
Age spots on the hands can come in a variety of shades and have different nicknames, such as liver spots, according to the Mayo Clinic. Whether they are called “age spots” or “liver spots” or are brown or gray in color, this aspect of the aging process can reduce a woman’s confidence in her appearance. While age spots aren’t always preventable or easy to remove, women suffering from such marks on their hands can try several at-home and medical remedies to try to remove them.
Step 1
Apply sunscreen regularly, regardless of whether you choose to have a doctor treat those unwanted liver spots. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery recommends that all women use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen on all visible parts of the body, including hands. If you are already suffering from liver spots, using sunscreen can reduce your risk of further unwanted marks on your hands.
Step 2
Buy an over-the-counter anti-aging cream, but only after carefully evaluating its contents. The Mayo Clinic notes that many anti-aging creams are not effective and some, especially those with the ingredient hydroquinone, can cause skin irritation. OTC creams aimed to eliminate age spots should include deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid. Keep in mind that even these remedies can cause excessive skin irritation after prolonged use; if you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid this remedy.
Step 3
Ask your doctor for a topical prescription cream that is designed to eliminate age spots from the hands. Retin-A, originally designed to treat acne blemishes, can help eliminate signs of aging such as liver spots and wrinkles, according to the Mother Nature website. If the cream doesn’t work or isn’t right for you, ask your doctor to recommend a bleaching cream.
Step 4
Research more drastic treatments, such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion. Ideally, you should complete this step in consultation with your doctor or a qualified dermatologist. While cosmetic surgeries often remove unwanted age spots from the hands, they also carry some risks, including scarring and burning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also, you can talk to a medical professional about milder, but still potentially risky, alternatives, such as chemical peels or freezing treatments.