Age spots, also known as Liver spots, are flat tan, brown or black spots that are common in older adults and/or people who’ve spent lots of time in the sun. It commonly presents on areas most exposed to the sun such as the face, shoulders, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands and affects all skin colours and all skin types and conditions.
Age Spot Removal
Age spots are harmless and can be removed and reduced very effectively. However it is important to note that age spots are often confused with another type of lesion called a Seborrheic Keratosis. These appear as a waxy brown, black or tan growth that is elevated or slightly raised. A seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common non-cancerous skin growths in older adults. While it’s possible for one to appear on its own, multiple growths are more common.
These can also be removed; however they are typically quite stubborn and can require more than average treatments.
How To Treat Age Spots?
Photorejuvenation
Laser Photorejuvenation using the Candela Gentlemax Pro is an extremely effective method for removing unwanted pigmentation to both the face and body. Using a 755nm wavelength, the Gentlemax Pro specifically targets excess melanin in the skin. The light is absorbed and converted to heat which shatters the pigmentation, resulting in the temporary darkening and crusting of the treated area before the pigment gradually falls away. Photorejuvenation is most effective for such skin imperfections as superficial pigmentation, freckles and age spots, causing them to fade or disappear permanently.
Laser Correction Facial
Our Laser Correction Facial Treatment can be performed on the face and body and utilises Q-switch laser technology. The rapid speed of the laser combined with a high repetition rate causes vibration in the skin which helps to treat superficial and dermal pigmentation, as well as eliminate impurities and stimulate collagen. The 1064 nm wavelength specifically targets the deeper layers of the skin, breaking up dermal pigmentation whilst avoiding damage to the upper layers of the skin. This provides a versatile and safe treatment for all skin types, and is extremely effective for the removal of dermal pigmentation. While the 532nm wavelength specifically targets pigment within the top upper layers of the skin.
The light is absorbed as heat which shatters the pigmentation resulting in the temporary darkening and crusting of the treated area before the pigment gradually falls away, removing and lightening the unwanted lesion. The 532nm wavelength is not suitable for all skin types and is best for freckle and age spot removal. A skin analysis will be performed to determine your treatment plan for maximum results.
Chemical Peel
Chemical Peels are the use of active ingredients on the surface of the skin which work at dissolving dry, dead and damaged skin cells, while also providing targeted infusion of active ingredients for specific skin concerns depending on the type of peel used. A series of chemical peels can freshen and rejuvenate the skin, as well as reduce pigmentation by exfoliating, encouraging skin cell turnover and helping shift the pigmented cells from the affected area. LIRA Clinical peels can help manage pigmentation by regulating melanocyte activity (pigment production), evening out skin tone and normalising skin function. A course of 6-10 treatments is recommended every 2-4 weeks depending on your skin condition.
Skincare For Age Spots
Alpha Hydroxy Acid/Regular Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation helps to reduce pigmentation by encouraging skin cell turnover and helping shift the pigmented cells from the affected areas. Using products such as LIRA Pro Exfoliating Cleanser daily work to soften and remove the top layer of skin, encouraging the production of new healthy skin, polish away imperfections and cause hyperpigmentation to reduce and become more even.
Lira Clinical – Pro Lite Serum
Lira Clinical Pro Lite serum is an absolute non – negotiable when treating any form of hyper – pigmentation, including age spots. In fact, Pro Lite is an award winning tyrosinase inhibitor that does not contain hydroquinone. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls the production of melanin as part of our skin’s natural defence mechanism against UV rays. When our skin undergoes trauma or becomes inflamed, this causes Tyrosinase to misfire resulting in an overproduction of pigment, causing hyperpigmentation or freckles. The use of a Tyrosinase Inhibitor on a daily basis, will prevent the enzyme from misfiring, thus inhibiting the overproduction of pigment in the skin. Lira Clinical Pro Lite also contains a cocktail of skin -specific brightening and lightening ingredients that improve existing discoloured, hyperpigmentation, photo-damaged and uneven skin tone.
Vitamin A and C
Using cosmeceutical products that contain good quality forms of Vitamin A and Vitamin C can drastically reduce the appearance of pigmentation, sun damage, skin discolouration and age spots.
L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, not only helps break down any current pigmentation, but it also helps prevent new pigmentation from forming. Lira PRO C4 Retinol Serum with PSC uses a high concentration of 4 types of Vitamin C and Retinol serum to brighten and enrich skin. This serum also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, manage acne, accelerate skin cell turnover, break up dark spots and remove dull skin. Vitamin C also plays a key role in the production of healthy collagen, which is vital for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and achieving a smoother, younger-looking skin.
Vitamin A is an extremely versatile product as it works by normalising skin functions which in turn corrects a number of skin conditions. Vitamin A also works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by thickening and stimulating collagen, elastin and blood vessels in the dermis.
Physical Sunscreen
The use of daily sunscreen is paramount when treating any form of pigmentation. Pigment cells within the skin react the same to UV exposure, so as your skin colour darkens and tans, so too will your Pigmentation or Age spots. Many clients notice their pigmentation worsening or being triggered during the summer months or after periods of prolonged sun exposure. A Physical sunscreen, those containing Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, is the most ideal as it protects from both UVA and UVB damage and creates an instant blanket like protection. It is recommended an SPF be worn daily to prevent and reduce pigmentation.
