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.

Finding an over the counter product to lighten sun damage and melasma is very difficult. The appropriate product depends on the amount and depth of pigmentation. OTC products do not contain a high enough level of  lightening agent in the product, therefore there will be very limited efficacy.  There are products that can be purchased through a professional that are highly effective. Skin Medica Lytera is a tested non hydroquinone skin pigment lightener that has been shown to reduce pigmentation from sun damage and as well as melasma.  Retinols are also an effective product used in conjunction with lightning products for increased treatment.It is aways important to seek professional advice when treating the skin. 

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. 

 

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 OTC products altogether.

The FDA in the United States has imposed a 3 month safety limit for the continuous use of hydroquinone. If you are trying to pigmentation issues that have accumulated over years of sun bathing, it is unlikely that you will see the results you want within a three month time frame.

 

If your financial situation does improve, you might want to consider laser treatment for getting rid of brown spots. Lasers will break up the melanin pigment so that it can be eliminated by the body. Lasers are also capable of breaking up structures that contain the melanin in the skin.

So the first thing any of us would say is that someone needs to make sure that you are not dealing with a pre skin cancer or a skin cancer. If not, brown spots can be treated with some of the cosmeceuticals that many of us work with, which are stronger than those in drug stores or department stores.  Some include Neocutis Blanche and Perle; Syneron Beauty Elure; Obagi Nu Derm System; SkinMedica Lytera; and Skinceuticals Advanced Lightener.  Many are available in spas associated with skin care physicians so give them a try.

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.

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.

It's important to have brown spots evaluated by a board certified dermatologist, especially if there is a history of sun exposure.