Age Spots/Blemishes

Updated on November 30, 2008
D.S. asks from San Mateo, CA
21 answers

I just saw this question asked by another mom and I too would be interested in hearing some good advice for 2 age spots on my face. I've tried a few creams but they do take time and I don't seem to be very dilligent after 2-3 weeks... any proven tips that have worked for anyone??

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Ladies Thank You for all your great advice!! I love the sisterhood of women -- even if we don't know each other - we're still there for each other. It's beautiful... thank you again. I have many tips to try.
D.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D. - Just wanted to update you that Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care is now available through XanGo distributors, and we are having great results with age spots, melasma and skin discolorations - http://www.my-glimpse.com/ to see results.
I am holding Skin Nutrition Classes at my home in San Jose, or at the client's home, so that women (as well as men!)can see what Glimpse can do for them! Feel free to contact me and visit my website: www.findgreenhere.com. V. G. :o)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Retin A and hydroquinone. But then you have to be careful to stay out of the sun and/or use sunscreen.

And you should be using Retin A as you age anyway.

And the lasers suggested below do work.

Also glycolic acid suggested below is nice for creating a daily glow, but not as effective in removing spots -- it doesn't peel deep enough. You will definitely notice peeling with Retin A.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D.,

Any topical product will take time to work. Products with chemical bleaching agents may work faster than those with botanicals. Don't forget that skin has a turnover rate of 28 days. Since you're having difficulty remaining diligent with a product, perhaps you should contact a dermatologist and check into "photo" finishing. Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr. in Los Gatos is the leading pioneer for this treatment. He removed a bump from the back of my hand last year and as part of his care I received a couple of treatments. I can't see scar, it's totally blended in with the rest of my skin. This is not an inexpensive way to go, but may be the best route for you. Of course, if you're interested in a more natural approach, I suggest Jafra's pigment fade product, which I recommended to the last gal who inquired. We also have a product called Skin Brightener, which contains citrus. It will, over time, lighten age spots and freckles as well and gives an overall healthy glow to skin.

L.

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I am a Mary Kay beauty consultant and have the perfect solution for any mom experiencing this! Even Complexion Essence. It is a amazing product that my clients swear by! Let me know if you'd like more information, or you can visit my website: http://www.marykay.com/aishablackwell to explore the Timewise product line. It's 100% guaranteed, so I encourage you to give it a try! (Or you can schedule a complimentary facial with me to "try before you buy" in the comfort of your own home!)

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.I.

answers from Sacramento on

TCA is safe. You can save money and do it yourself. I use it for exfoliating for my large pores and acne. But I used it on my husbands sun spots and in 2 applications they were gone. It also makes your skin smoother. It can be dangerous if you do not follow the directions or leave it on too long. I use it every 2 months! I get mine from www.makeupartistschoice.com
Let me know how it works for you! Or if you have any queastions, contact me, ____@____.com

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi... I would use an exfoliant lactic or saylicylic acid 10-15% daily...a lightener probably Kojic Acid based... and a remodeling agent...

My favorite sites to get this kind of stuff...

http://www.ncnproskincare.com - I love their 15% exfoliant just 2 ingrediants...
http://www.skinbio.com - I use their Copper peptides... START SLOW!!!!!!
http://www.skinactives.com - I'm about to order their brightening cream...has a kojic acid in it...

I have a few spots... and YES they are noticable... You can also try covering with a mineral makeup... I use bare essentials... but there are a ton out there... and for the spots... I wet an eyeshadow brush... dip in foundation of a bit of thicker coverage...

And you know what???? Men do take more interest in their faces now a days(most just don't have a clue how.)... and I think they should. Although altered pigmentataion is not a dangerous condition... taking care of your skin... the largest organ on your body should get a little extra attn!

Additionally, altered pigmentation is an indicator that your hormones are out of balance (maybe recent PG related...) But if you haven't had a baby any time recently... You might talk to your OB about your hormones... and at least have a good idea what's going on there...

Best!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Hey D. -

I just saw your question and there is a treatment out there called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Also known as photo-rejuvenation or photo-facial that works in just one or two treatments. I had a lot of sun-damage, freckles and "whatever" spots on my face. I spoke with my derm about how to get rid of them before my wedding. This treatment is slightly uncomfortable (kinda feels like a rubber band snapping) but it was AMAZING! I would look into it and see if any of your local dermatologists offer the service. It's not cheap ($400 a session) but it restored my skin to PERFECT. No kidding. It's chemical-free and permanent. If you can afford it - it's the BEST. One thing you have to remember though - once you do it you MUST use a high SPF sunscreen if you want to keep the results. Exposure to the sun was what gave you the damage in the first place, and if you get sun on your face without protection the damage will come back.

Here's to being spotless!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.J.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D.! Arbonne has wonderful skin care lines that provide results with pure, safe and beneficial products. I strongly recommend staying away from harsh chemicals and bleach which can severely dry out and further damage your skin. I recommend our NutriminC RE9 anti-aging line. Please learn more and read testimonials at www.arbonne.com
Good luck, E.
17524441

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi D., I have hyperpigmentation on both my cheeks. Right in the middle of my face. I'm 33 years old and look like I have the liver spots of a 50 year old. I've been seeing a derm in Vacaville for it. Mine was brought on by a stupid nurse practitioner changing my birth control pils 4 times in a year. The hormone flucuation did it, brought it on at least. Same thing happens with pregnancy and menopause. I first used a glycolic wash with 10% glycolic ingredient and then put on a glycolic gel over the spots and left it on. That had a glycolic content of 15%. Anything higher and you'll need a prescription. You can buy this stuff at upper end salon spas. Glycolic is used to treat acne but it works as a brightener due to the retinoids in it. Also if you have any old acne scars, it'll remove them. After I was done breastfeeding I was able to move to prescription treatment. My Derm prescribed "triluma." It has worked fabulously. I wash with Cetaphil at night, put triluma on the spots and go to sleep. After about 4 days I see a visible imporovement. Its just hard to stay up on when I live in a very sunny place. LOTS OF SUNBLOCK!!!!! I use neutrogena's new one, its 85 spf which some say is a myth, anything above 60spf. My derm said to get it and I'm happy with it. It goes on smooth and non greasy under makeup. Its gonna be a lifelong procedure until I can afford something more permanent. Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.O.

answers from Yuba City on

I know exactly how you feel!
Experts say 90% of people have sun damage(even men & kids) that will eventually show on our skin as age spots - but it is treatable, preventable & reversible!
I went to Hawaii a year or so ago and came back with a great tan but tons of dark spots on my face. I worked for Chanel (cosmetics) at the time and they did not have a lightening product that worked. So a friend introduced me to the REVERSE Line by Rodan + Fields(Creators or Proactiv)and after 6-8 weeks my darks spots had faded immensely and my complexion was brighter. I have been hooked on it ever since!
They do use an FDA approved OTC medication this is what helps the brown spots to fade...you need to be diligent and use it as directed- you will love the results- it's amazing! Plus it's 100% money back guarantee to work! Make sure to always use a broadspectrum sunscreen and apply it every 2 hours when out in the sun.
Here's a link to check the REVERSE out for yourself.

www.rodanandfields.com/christineolson

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I've heard lemon juice, but it could be just a myth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from San Francisco on

I used to work for a well known derm and any cream won't give you wanted results if you quit before 6 weeks, also the spots will come back if you stop the creams. Obagi is a good system but you need to be persistent on it and your face can look red before it looks better. You can also try a IPL, intense pulse light...only at a docs office,this will remove your brown spots in a couple of treatments and is very effective but costly. Again your spots may come back if you don't use sunscreen. Best advise is to use your sunscreen religiously, because anything you do won't work if you don't get away from the sun!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I went to the derm doctor about a couple age spots I was concerned about & it ended up I had three other cancer spots on my face that had to be removed. They were not even spots I was concerned with. They wer very very small red spots & nothing I had given any thought to. I am 35 & I would recommend having your faced look at by a derm.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi!
I go see an estitician on a regular basis. And I defiantly notice big differences from the treatment and facials she does. If your intrested in spending a little more money to help with the age spots, I would recommend it! She has also gave me a lightning cream and that really worked! Good Luck
- J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.D.

answers from San Francisco on

I had a chemical peel from Dr. Stanley Jacobs in Healdsburg--I just finally wanted to do something that would work, but it is costly. Maybe this suggestion is too extreme for your needs, but I love my peel and he is a great doctor for the face!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.U.

answers from San Francisco on

This may sound unorthodox, but have you tried not worrying about them? Unless it's cancerous, I bet it's not even something other people notice. I think we need to all give ourselves a break about these so-called blemishes or flaws. Do men agonize over such things (men who aren't in some way obsessive compulsive anyway?) Shouldn't we spend more time figuring out how to make our lives more meaningful? I'm not bagging on your question, D., these are rhetorical questions I would ask all of us women who worry about our appearance.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Life's wonders, right?

I call them "seasoned freckels" - life is life. As we get older, we will always develop interesting things going on with our body.

Moisturizer, cover up then foundation.

People do not realize my age until they learn the age of my eldest which is 27. Then they ask, when did you start having kids? when you were 10? lol

Hope this assists..... I have learned to have the attitude "to be proud of the seasoned freckels" - we deserve it. Shows wisdom and an additive to our personality. :-)

Mom of 6 adult children

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello Im a Avon Rep. and we have alot of products that will show its working within two-three weeks.My custumers say it works.So maybe try some of there products to see which one is right for your skin type.Please let me know how it go.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.E.

answers from Modesto on

D.,
I have two websites you can visit! Total wellness International has aging products that cleanse from the inside out that can also help with age spots. My mom is taking this product and has notices changes on her face that is quit remarkable! Go to www.twihealthproducts.com. Or if you want a specialized vitamin based on your own DNA please feel free to visit www.mygenewize.com/keyerly.If you have any questions you can call me at ###-###-####

Respectfully,

Kim Eyerly

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I had age spots on my upper cheekbones, right beneath eye socket area. I was told by my OB GYN that it was a 'pregnancy mask'....i.e. skin discoloration that sometimes occurs when you are on a birth control pill. I have since started using IUD....the mask disappeared.

I also had a fairly dark blemish on my cheek that resulted when a scratch (from a cat) healed and then subsequently turned brown. My dermotologist said I should have applied a very heavy SPF (30 or more) sunscreen during the healing process....but since I didn't....the skin turned brown and will take at least 12 months to fade. He said Mederma is a good product for fading the scar...but must absolutely must be used with a heavy SPF

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi D., there are many options to diminish those age spots. One prescription cream we use in our skin clinic is Epiquin Micro. Our patients saw results within 3 weeks. You may visit www.abskinclinic.com for other options too if you'd like.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches