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Is There an OTC Cream That's Effect in Removing Brown Spots from Years of Sun Bathing?
asked 10 months ago by Kim from LA in Metairie, LA
Latest answer by Robert E. Zaworski, MD
Question viewed 463 times
Tags: cream, sun exposure
I am 51 years old and noticed that I have some small to medium size brown spots on arms, chest and legs’. My face has 2 very small spots. I have sun bathed mostly the past 10 yrs…not in my early years. I am currently trying alpha hydrox spot lightener bought OTC but I haven’t seen any results from this product. Due to the economy right now, I can't afford to see a dr.for this so I was wondering if there an OTC cream that's very effective in removing brown spots from arms, chest and legs?
9 answers to Is There an OTC Cream That's Effect in Removing Brown Spots from Years of Sun Bathing?
+2
I like the Fraxel Restore Dual for a complete treatment and the GentleLase laser for spot treatment.
Over the counter creams are not potent enough to remove these spots. I like the Fraxel Restore Dual for a complete treatment and the GentleLase laser for spot treatment of these spots.
Mark Taylor, MD
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon
Salt Lake City Dermatologic Surgeon
+2
OTC creams do not work for age spots
The age/sun spots you have will not go away with over-the-counter creams. Even prescription bleaching creams do not do a good job of bleaching these spots. Wear a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum) and limit your time in the sun so you won't get more spots! Laser works best for these. Liquid nitrogen is less expensive and should work.
Patrick McElgunn, MD
Charlotte Dermatologist
Charlotte Dermatologist
+1
Brown spots from Sun Damage
We find that the Obagi System does a wonderful job of correcting sun damage skin. Although, there are some patients that would require laser surgery, but many are presently surprised with the results of the Obagi System when the instructions are followed.
+1
OTC Options for Removing Brown/Age Spots
Some over the counter creams like Obagi Nu Derm do contain hydroquinone which can help fade pigmentation issues. Hydroquinone works by blocking an enzyme that your skin uses to make melanin.
Not only does this slow the production of melanin, but it also causes the breakdown of structures in skin that contain the pigment. However the fading process does take some time. Hydroquinone has been shown by research to have toxic effects. Other countries have banned its inclusion in...
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+1
Get brown spots checked
It's important to have brown spots evaluated by a board certified dermatologist, especially if there is a history of sun exposure.
Donna Bilu Martin, MD
Miami Beach Dermatologist
Miami Beach Dermatologist
+1
Treatment of Brown Spots
If you have health insurance, you should have no problem finding a board-certified dermatologist who accepts your insurance. Evaluation of brown spots can often be seen as a medical dermatology visit which likely would be covered by your visit. Your out-of-pocket expense will depend on your deductible and copay. Many offices also have very reasonable consultation fees (in the case where insurance doesn't cover the consultation or the office doesn't accept your insurance)....
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+1
OTC product for age spots
OTC products are not likely to remove sunspots. The least aggressive treatment option is a combination prescription product containing hydroquinone 4% or higher and retinoic acid or other retinoid derivative.
For a complete or full face treatment, I prefer laser resurfacing with our Sciton tunable erbium laser.
For focal spots, I prefer our Q-switched Yag laser, broad band light device (IPL) by Sciton or liquid nitrogen.
Prevent age spots by minimizing sun exposure...
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Robert Strimling, MD
Las Vegas Dermatologist
Las Vegas Dermatologist
+1
How to remove brown spots from sun bathing
One of the most effective (and least expensive) ways to reverse the effects of chronic sun damage to your skin is by using a combination of two prescription strength medications: tretinoin cream and 4% hydroquinone cream. Unlike the unsubstantiated claims made by over-the-counter skin care products, the results of using these creams are backed by real medical science. I recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm System which uses both tretinoin cream and hydroquinone to visibly lighten age spots as well as...
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+1
Removing age spots
Suncreen use and sun protection is important; besides various laser treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion, we've had good success with Obagi Nu-Derm system and Seequin cream, which is based on hydroquinone.
