Age Spots

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AGE SPOTS

Some people might think that age spots are really just mint-suntans sparttered over your face, hands, chest and hands, but they're not.

Turn off the melanin machine

Lighten spots

If an age spot isn't too dark, you may be able to lighten it with an over-the-counter bleaching preparation-a so called fade cream-containing a 2 percent solution of hydroquinone. Darker age spots need a 3 percent solution, which is available only by prescription.

Opt for an alpha hydroxy acid lotion

If you want to lighten age spots and even out skin texture and tone, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) a part of your daily skin-care regimen. These mild natural acids are derived from sugarcane, fruit and milk. Glycolic acid, made from sugarcane, and the most commonly used AHA, loosens old dead cells on the skin's ability to swap them for the new, fresher ones underneath. And they get rid of age spots by exfoliating superficial pigmentation.

Use camouflage

Some women who use AHA lotions see results in as little as 60 days, while others may have to wait up to a year to see improvement. While you wait for fade creams or AHAs to work, you may want to cover up your spots.

Block the sun

To prevent age spots from enlarging or multiplying, make sure that you wear a sunscreen on your face every day of your life. If I could have only one skin care product, it would be a sunscreen. It should go on right after you fash your face in the morning and before you apply anything else.