Age Spots Treatment: Q&A

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

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?

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cream sun exposure

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by Kim from LA in Metairie, LA

Doctor Answers (14)
Community Comments (1)

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

www.gatewaylasercenter.com

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.

OTC Creams and Sun/Brown spots

The amount and depth of sun/brown spots that you are describing on your body cannot be effectively treated with an over the counter product. When you can invest in the procedure I would suggest either the Fraxel for the face or the Yag depending on the number of spots that you are treating. These lasers are highly effective. Remember to find a board certified dermatologist who has a lot of experience in lasers and cosmetic dermatology. see video

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I would encourage you to see a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to make sure that your spots are fine prior to doing any treatment. In addition to sunscreen, using hydroquinone 4% cream and tretinoin cream can be very effective with lightening these spots.

Sam Naficy, MD

84 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Removal of brown spots

You really should have your skin assessed by a dermatologist to make sure all of your spots are normal. You should avoid the sun to prevent more brown spots, use glycolic acid or retinol creams for peeling and a hydroquinone cream for fading. These products may help fade your spots somewhat over time, but do not work as well as in-office laser treatments.

Treatment Brown Spots Due To Sunbathing

You can use OTC exfoliants as a way to lessen the darkness of the lesions, but unfortunately you are probably looking at needing a combination of medical skin care and possibly laser treatments. Also, you need to continue rigorous use of sunblock, even if you lighten the areas you are treating. Sun exposure after correcting sun spots will cause them to return. I have noticed a big difference with patients who pay attention to sunblock over the course of many months, in that... more

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

Sun damaged skin with brown spots does require more aggressive treatment. We offer the DOT Co2 for Laser skin resurfacing.

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.

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... more

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.

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Comments (1)

Nupur93433
8 months ago

I would still go in for a consult and see what kind of results they have achieved and if you like the vibe of the entire staff....

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Age Spots Treatment: Q&A

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