HOW TO GET RID OF AGE SPOTS
On the surface, any skin discolouration can be called dark spots. They are caused due to excess melanin – the pigment that gives skin its colour. Delving deeper, these dark spots can further be divided into acne scars, hyperpigmentation and age spots. We might have found and typically even succeeded at fading acne scars and hyperpigmentation, but age spots are quite different from the lot. Also known as sunspots or solar lentigines, they are the result of UV damage caused by the sun. Extended hours of sun exposure, or not wearing sunscreen can cause these UV rays to trigger melanin production in our skin, leading to stubborn brown-coloured spots.
Now that we’ve been through the crash course on what they are, let’s take a look at how we can prevent and fade age spots.
But first, let's find out what causes age spots
Spots look like, well…spots. So, how do you exactly know that the little buggers on your face are age spots? One peculiar characteristic is that age spots are small, flat dark marks. Usually, you might spot them on areas that are exposed to the sun – face, neck, hands, shoulders and arms. They are caused due to an excess production of melanin or prolonged exposure to sun.
How to fade and get rid of age spots?
1. Apply sunscreen liberally
This one is the most direct and obvious solution to preventing age spots. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your skin will prevent your existing spots from getting darker and also keep the future ones from forming. Always apply 20 minutes prior stepping out and even apply indoors for maximum sun protection. Our Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel is a non-oily, non-sticky formula with active UVA and UVB filters that protect skin from harmful sun rays, infrared waves and sunburns. You can better the protection levels by applying a vitamin C serum prior to the sunscreen. Being rich in antioxidants, vitamin C offers protection from free radicals as well as harmful UV rays.
2. Use spot-lightening ingredients
Certain ingredients are bestowed with the power of suppressing the production of melanin. Glycolic acid, licorice root, niacinamide and kojic acid are considered the MVPs when it comes to fading and reducing the appearance of age spots. Glycolic acid is a gentle AHA that breaks the bond between dead skin cells, thereby resurfacing new skin cells. This eventually helps fade age spots and lead to clearer, brighter skin. Licorice root is another multi-tasker that lightens dark spots, brightens skin as well as deeply moisturizes. Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that reduces dark spots, brightens and soothes skin for an even complexion. And lastly, kojic acid has amazing anti-ageing benefits, and it helps fade dark spots and discolouration. Incorporating skincare products with these ingredients is surely going to give you spot-free, glowing skin.
Quench Recommends:
- Mama Cica Instabright Peel Pads enriched with glycolic acid - works well for dark spots
- Mon Cherry Overnight Peeling Mask enriched with licorice root - protects your skin against damage from the sun's UV rays
- Bravocado Intense Brightening Serum enriched with bakuchiol and niacinamide - treats fine lines, wrinkles and age spots
3. Try chemical peels
One of the best dermat-only treatments, chemical peels can be really helpful in reducing the appearance of age spots. Here, the dermatologist will apply a layer of an exfoliating acid to the affected area, which will ‘shed’ the top layer of your skin. Once the top layer sloughs off, a newer layer replaces it. You might need less or more number of seatings, based on the severity of your age spots. Common side-effects include skin peeling or dryness, which is not alarming. If you do undergo this treatment, you must avoid sun exposure as much as possible and always wear sunscreen, even outdoors.
4. Laser treatments
Laser treatments offer quick and long-lasting results. Based on your skin tone, texture, location and complexity of your age spots, there are a number of laser treatments that will help. Some laser and intense pulsed light treatments (IPL) can break down melanin-producing cells without damaging the skin. These treatments are virtually pain-free and the results show quickly. Most people require 3-4 seatings to see substantial difference.
5. Home Remedies to Get Rid of Age Spots
No matter how staunch and stubborn age spots are, there are ingredients in your kitchen that can effectively erase them! Lemon juice is a natural skin bleacher that can not only fade spots but also give you an even-toned complexion. Although, using pure, concentrated lemon juice directly on the skin is not recommended, so here’s what you do. Take a lemon, some water and a cotton ball. Squeeze the juice of the entire lemon into a glass bowl and then add equal parts of water. Use the cotton ball or a Q-tip to apply this mixture on the affected areas. Allow it to dry for 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water. Do this 2-3 times every week for optimum results.
You can also whip up a quick mask with a tablespoon of aloe gel, ½ teaspoon of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of yogurt (natural form of lactic acid) and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Using this mask 1-2 times every week will help fade age spots and give you spotless skin.
Reverse those pesky age spots with these tried-and-tested ways!
Related Articles:
What Is Hyperpigmentation? How To Deal With It?
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