The development of brown spots (age spots, liver spots, sun spots, freckles) on the skin are produce by an over production of melanin in the effected areas of the skin. As the spots clump together the they grow in size. Over exposure to the sun’s ultra violet rays can be a culprit. But the sun is not the only perpetrator. Age spots commonly appear after the age of 40. There is a tendency for the body to increase its melanin production as we age. Hyperpigmentation (brown spots) can be caused by birth control pills, hormones and medications.
Solar lentigines (past severe sun burn) have been used as markers to single out those at greater risk of developing a skin melanoma. Skin spots can vary in coloration from red to brown or even be black.
Typical age spots are not a health risk. But because of their unattractive appearance are troublesome. There are ways to treat liver/sun spots that help to remove or fade them.
Treatment can be from over the counter, home made remedies or professional office visits.
Over The Counter And Prescription Cream Remedies
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Retinol (Vitamin A helps reduce melanin production)
- Hydroquinone (for fair to light skin)
- Kojic acid (for darker complexions)
- Alpha-hydroxy acids
- Alpha Arbutin (helps break down melanin)
- Hydrocortisone
- Tretinoin
Home Remedies
- These can consist of lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide that helps fade brown spot marks on skin.
- Apply castor oil to spots and take vitamin E
- Blanch and grind 2 almonds mix in with an egg white and a half teaspoon of lime juice. Apply to face let dry then wash with warm water followed by cold water.
Medical Treatments For Brown Spots
- Chemical face peels with glycolic acid help to fade spots. Skin may ooze.
- Microdermabrasion- tiny crystals scrub and remove the top layer of skin causing spots to fade.
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen may sting or burn and require up to 3 treatments. Treatment helps remove age spots. Skin may become swollen along with blistering or scabbing.
Fraxel Laser Treatment
There are three types of Fraxel laser treatments.
Fraxel re:fine- is the mildest of the three lasers with the least amount of recovery time. It focus is on the epidermis (outermost layer) of the skin. This type of skin laser treatment is used for fine lines around the eyes, skin discolorations and melasma (sometimes referred to as the mask of pregnancy, Chloasma faciei). Melasma appears as irregular dark patches on the cheek, forehead, nose or lips. Fraxel re:fine helps rejuvenate skin. The ability to deliver a controlled skin treatment prevents untreated areas of the skin from being affected by the laser. The laser can be used on the face and other areas of the body.
Fraxel re:pair- goes a little bit deeper into the skin to the layer called the dermis (which is between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissues) treating deeper skin issues. Fraxel re:pair will treat deep skin wrinkles, problem skin pigmentation, sun spots, age spots, stretch marks and blotchy skin. The procedure lends itself to surface oblation (resurfacing) of the skin. The skin is tighter and smoother through quicker production of collagen and elastin.
Fraxel re:store- can be used to treat acne scars and scarring below the epidermal area. After treatment changes in skin are gradual. This laser can be used on the hands, face, neck and chest areas. Fraxel treatments help promote formation of new collagen in the skin.
Comparing Fraxel To CO2 Or Erbium Lasers
Traditional Erbium lasers and CO2 lasers take of the entire top layer of the skin and part of the dermis leaving the skin raw which can ooze, bleed or become crusty. Healing can take at least 2 weeks if not longer. Other side effects may include an abnormal lightening of the skin. Antibiotics are administered because of the risk of infection. You will also need a general anesthetic (put under or go to sleep).
Depending on the type of Fraxel laser treatment used recovery can be 2 to 3 days or sooner. Fraxel requires multiple treatments or sessions varying from 3-6.
To reduce any discomfort during the procedure a numbing cream is use and not sedative is required. A cooling device enables you to blow cool air on the treated area. Discomfort is at a minimum until near the end of treatment where some tingling may occur. Fraxel treatments can last up to an hour. Down time is minimal. There is some swelling which lasts 2-3 days. So, you may want to avoid returning to work during this time if needed. For about a week after the treatment skin will flake and maybe bronze.
There may be dryness of the skin due to exfoliation for about a week. Even though Fraxel is less severe than traditional laser therapy blisters can occur and get infected if picked.
Side Effects
Fraxel can cause dry skin, itching and break out/rashes. Other side effects are peeling and flaking.
Cost Of Fraxel Laser Treatments
Treatments can cost anywhere from $800-$1500 per session. The number of sessions will vary depending on the type of Fraxel needed and the extent of treatments needed.
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