Too much sun exposure, weakened skin cells, and even bruises that do not heal properly can leave behind pigmented cells known as age spots.

Age spots typically start cropping up after the age of 55, and can be a result of sun burns and unprotected sun exposure. However, age spots can be treated with a variety of cosmetic procedures such as microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and other methods that peel away the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, youthful-looking layer underneath.

If you have unsightly age spots on your face, neck, and other areas of the body, here are the top five treatments to help with age spot removal:  

Chemical Peels for Age Spot Removal  

Chemical peels are a powerful facial rejuvenation procedure that not only help reduce and remove age spots, but can also strengthen the skin to boost collagen production. Aging skin can benefit from frequent treatments, and these are some  of the simplest procedures to help manage age spots. The three main types of chemical peels in order of intensity are:  AHAs, TCA, and Phenol. Phenol chemical peels are very powerful and are not recommended for darker skin tones. Most people with aging skin can benefit from AHAs, the mildest peel that can help remove rough patches and even out skin tone after just a few treatments.  

Fraxel for Age Spot Removal  

Fraxel is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for age spot removal. It is a powerful laser resurfacing treatment that reduces pigmentation, acne scars, and virtually eliminates age spots. In addition to smoothing out the skin and removing age spots, the Fraxel laser can rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The procedure is simple and efficient, and can help with all levels of pigmentation.  

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Age Spot Removal  

Laser skin resurfacing treatments strip away the top layer of skin and stimulate the cells underneath to encourage faster turnover. The peeling away of the top layer is usually enough to reduce or eliminate age spots, but the entire treatment can also help with healthy skin cell growth and maintaining a healthy glow. Laser skin resurfacing treatments are becoming more affordable, and can help you maintain healthy skin for the long term.  

Obagi Blue Peels for Age Spot Removal  

The Obagi Blue Peel is quickly becoming a popular choice for aging skin, and is usually less reactive than conventional chemical peel treatments. The peel is made with trichloracetic acid (TC) that penetrates the skin and stimulates fresh cell growth underneath. It is commonly used to remove fine lines, scarring and other complexion problems and is a valuable choice for age spot removal.  This procedure also has minimal side effects, and may be a better option for sensitive skin.  

Microdermabrasion for Age Spot Removal  

Microdermabrasion helps to strengthen and rejuvenate aging skin, and may even help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure involves sandblasting skin with aluminum oxide crystals which works as a powerful exfoliant; the treatment slowly removes dead skin cells and can help remove and lighten pigmentation.  

Even though age spots are harmless, they may be taking away from the fresh appearance of your skin. Lotions, creams, and other topical treatments can be ineffective because the spots are embedded deep within the skin’s top layer. In these cases, Obagi Blue Peels, Fraxel, and laser skin resurfacing treatments can be a better choice for permanent age spot removal.  

Learn more about each of these treatments by contacting a cosmetic dermatologist in your area, and you may soon look forward to younger, healthier, and fresh-looking skin.