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The Challange of Age Spot Treatments
By Dr Wendy Wells, NMD
Age spots, also known as, "hyperpigmentation," is a common skin condition present in all skin types. However, age spots are most evident in darker colored skin. Inflammation, or injury, can immediately result in the alteration of pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation overdarkening, or hypopigmentation underdarkening.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or darkened age spots, can occur in skin conditions such as:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Contact Dermatitis
- Sun Overexposure
Treatments can be challenging when attempting to reduce age spots without turing the skin to white or producing irritation in the surrounding area. Source: Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2011 Sep;30(3):171-5. PMID:21925372
Age Spot Removal Using Vitamin C and E
In January 2012, the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology published evidence how topical Vitamin C can treat age spots that occur from sun overexposure. Skin treatment effects were shown using a 24% solution of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with iontophoresis. Iontophoresis is used as a penetration enhancer helping to prevent the oxidation of topical vitamin C. The study represented 20 participants, where sixteen of those participants showed a 2-3 grade improvement of pigmentation, surface roughness, and fine wrinkle lines.
The skin grading assessment used tools including, self-assessment, spectrophotometer, phase-shift measurement, and a corneometer. The researchers concluded that topical vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is safe and effective for the treatment and removal of age spots. Source: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2012;11(1):51-56. PMID:22206077
Topical Antioxidant Protection Against Age Spots
Researchers from the University of Milan provided clinical evidence of a photoprotective effect of topical antioxidants vitamin E and A.
The Journal of Europe's Academy of Dermatology and Venereology pubished their work the September 2011 issue showing topical antioxidants can provide a photoprotective effect for treatment of age spots.
Topical Vitamin E, or Vitamin A ?
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that was among the first recognized. This study suggests that Vitamin A tocotrienols have superior effect over Vitamin E tocopherols. Vitamin A has become well-established in dermatology for its actions, including it's ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation.
The clinical results of the study:
"Pre-treatment with the vitamin E formulation highly protects against photosensitivity. Significantly lower reactions to irradiation in the areas treated with the topical vitamin E formulation, compared to those treated with a placebo or vitamin A."
Researchers concluded how the topical application which contain significant concentrations of Vitamin A tocotrienols and Vitamin E tocopherols represents an effective new approach to reducing photo-induced skin damage.PMID:21917024
Age Spot Removal: Folk Remedies
Check back, or bookmark us, as we work to publish the clinical evidence that either supports, or denies, the effects of the folk remedies listed below:
Aloe vera Apply juice or gel on age spots. Use gel twice a day for a month or two.
Apple cider vinegar Combine two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with one teaspoon of orange juice and apply to age spots, use cloth or cotton secured to the age spot area.
Bilberry herb acts as an antioxidant. Take 4-8 oz. of fresh berries, 80-160 mg of bilberry extract (25% anthocyanidin), or 20-40 mg anthocyanosides daily.
Buttermilk on age spots. The lactic acid and other ingredients in the milk are beneficial to the skin. Buttermilk has a long history as a skin cleanser.
Castor oil on age spots in the morning and in the evening. Rub well into the skin. Age spots should disappear within a month.
Chick peas (garbanzo beans), mash about 1/3 cupful, add a little water. Smear paste on age spots and leave until dry.
Dandelion stem sap rubbbed on age spots 2-3 times per day helps remove warts.
Gotu kola Mix 1/8 teaspoon of powdered herb into a cup of herbal tea or add it to plain hot water along with 1/8 teaspoon of ginseng and a pinch of cayenne.
Horseradish Root Mix one teaspoon grated root, 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon vinegar, and 3 drops rosemary essential oil. Dab onto your age spots with a cotton ball once or twice a day (less if you have sensitive skin); it will exfoliate the top layer of skin and your spot should lighten. via Jeanette Jacknin, M.D. in Smart Medicine for Your Skin.
Lemon juice on age spots twice daily. Wait for the juice to dry before going outside, as it increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. It may take a few months, but the acidity in the juice will cause age spots to fade away.
Forthcoming Articles:
Age Spot Removal | Liver Spots | Age Spots | Brown Spots | Sun Spots | Melasma | White Spots on Skin | Laser Treatment | Chemical Peels | Microdermabrasion | Cryosurgery | Creams | Cost and Pricing | Choosing a Doctor | FAQ's
