Is There an OTC Cream That's Effect in Removing Brown Spots from Years of Sun Bathing?

Age spots usually need to be removed by freezing, burning, lasering or peeling them off. No cream will really do much at all. Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

Over-the-counter are good for superficial pigment but for good long lasting results we recommend laser treatments.  We along with many others have seen good results for pigemented spots with lasers such as Fraxel Dual, Clear+Brilliant, 755nm Alexandrite, and IPL. is a good option as the panel has suggested, however lasers targeted for pigment may be a better option.  For our patients recommend for age spots the 755 Alexandrite laser.  These lasers have different down times and associated costs. Usually we recommend at least four to six treatments depending on your response at a month a part.   In addition to lasers would recommend a prescription retinol product (e.g. tr

The first step for treating brown spots is daily use of sunscreen. In some patients this can effectively fade brown spots but not all patients.  OTC topicals tend to be weaker and not as effective as physician-grade products.  In general, topicals take 6 weeks to begin to work (inhibiting melanocytes and production of melanin), so patience is the key.  However, our experience has found that long standing browns often require a more assertive treatment such as intense pulsed light or laser therapy and using topicals to maintain a good result.  Speak with an experienced office to see what options can fit your face and your budget.