Age Spots

If you notice brown spots on your skin, up to about an inch in diameter, then you may have solar spots or solar lentigos. These age spots result from years of sun exposure.

The age spots most commonly appear on the back of your hands, chest, or face. These are areas of the skin that typically receive the most sun exposure throughout your lifetime.

The best ways to prevent age spots are to avoid sun exposure, particularly sunbathing, and use sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 or higher).
However, this will not get rid of age spots you already have.
To reduce and fade the appearance of age spots, see your family doctor or dermatologist. He or she can recommend a prescription or over-the-counter skin cream containing alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid.

If you use alpha-hydroxy or retinoic acid creams, make sure you put on sunscreen, because these creams contain chemicals that can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun rays.

Laser treatment against age spots is another option. Although this method of treatment is more expensive, it does offer immediate results.