Age Spots

Age Spots services offered in Near John C. Lincoln hospital , Phoenix, AZ

If you enjoy your time out in the sun, you’ll most likely see a few age spots appear on your skin eventually if you haven’t already. Board-certified dermatologists evaluate and treat age spots at Dermatology Associates, with two offices in Phoenix, Arizona, using the latest cosmetic treatments on the market. Call Dermatology Associates or book an appointment online to explore treatments for age spots today.

Age Spots Q & A

What do age spots look like?

Age spots form from collections of cells that are discolored because your skin produces too much of the pigment melanin in a given area. They’re usually small and flush against your skin, mostly appearing in sun-exposed areas like your arms, shoulders, and face.

You can develop age spots regardless of your skin tone, though they tend to be most prevalent and noticeable among people with lighter skin tones. They’re one or several shades darker than the rest of your skin, usually taking on a tan, brown, or gray color.

Though you might not notice one or two smaller age spots, they can cluster together in groups and become more noticeable the more you get. Be sure to report any unusual, changing, or particularly dark spots on your skin to your dermatologist instead of assuming it’s a normal age spot or mole.

What causes age spots?

Age spots develop because of overactive melanocytes, which are cells in your skin that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin gives you your natural skin tone and also covers your moles.

Over time, these melanocytes change as they’re exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) light increases melanin production from sun-exposed melanocytes, which is why age spots are also called sun spots. Using tanning beds and other artificial sources of UV light also cause you to develop age spots.

How can I get rid of age spots?

Age spots don’t just show that your skin is aging. They also cause pigment irregularities that you might find to be cosmetically unappealing and difficult to cover with makeup. Luckily, cosmetic dermatology can solve your problem with evidence-based treatments to lighten the spots and give you a more even skin tone.

The team at Dermatology Associates often recommends laser treatments for age spots. Laser treatments use light to heat and resurface your skin, which causes younger and healthier skin cells to rise to the surface and replace the darkened or damaged cells. Similarly, age spots respond well to intense pulsed light (IPL) that breaks down pigments in your skin.

Call either Dermatology Associates office or schedule an appointment online to review cosmetic treatments for age spots today.