Age spots on the face

General

Age spots are changes in the skin that occur more frequently with age. These changes occur particularly frequently in parts of the body that are heavily exposed to the harmful UV radiation of sunlight in everyday life. One of the most common places where age spots appear is on the face.

Although the pigment changes that occur frequently are not malignant, many people are bothered by the cosmetic changes to their skin on their face. Age spots often appear on the face from the age of 40 and then increase with age.

For more information on face age spots, see the main page Age spots.

Appearance

Regardless of the appearance of the age spots, the pigment changes can be quite different size and light fail.
The size of their diameter ranges from one Fraction of a millimeter to a few centimeters Size.
The shape is also usually very different. Mostly they are elongated oval, but can also take on abstract forms.
They can be easily distinguished from the surrounding skin, as they are clearly differentiated from it.
Often it is The spots appear gradually, and is not consciously perceived. The hue can also change over time and usually becomes darker. However, a doctor should always be consulted to be on the safe side, especially if a change in the spots is noticed.

causes

The causes of age spots appearing is diverse. Apart from Age there are other factors that contribute to the development of age spots.
The main cause for age spots on the skin is one long-term UV exposure. This risk factor plays a particularly important role in the face, as this part of the body is particularly exposed to harmful radiation.

To the influenceable factors, which promote the appearance of age spots on the face, also includes the Consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. The Use of tanning salons should also not be underestimated, as UV radiation is used here to cause the skin to tan. In the long term, the use of the studios therefore also poses a high risk of age spots and other pigment changes on the skin.

The so-called Melanin producing cells play a prominent role in the development of age spots. These cells produce the substance melanin, which is responsible for how light or dark the human skin is and is supposed to protect us from the harmful UV-B radiation of sunlight.

Biochemically, the cause of age spots lies in the Increase in melanin-producing melanocytes in the skin. The proliferation of these cells in the body is encouraged by exposure to sunlight. It arise Deposits of the active ingredient lipofuscinwhich are superficially perceived as age spots. From a biological point of view, it is deposits of harmless cell material that pose no risk. In contrast to melanoma, for example, there are no degenerate cells that could divide and possibly metastasize.

diagnosis

If Sudden changes appear in the face, and suspected age spots should be safe definitely consulted a doctor that can rule out malicious diagnoses.
The specialists in the field of diagnostics are specialists in dermatology. General practitioners can also examine the stains and confirm the diagnosis if necessary.
This clarification is important because age spots do usually benign are, however also easily confused can be. Malicious changes on the face, especially the so-called Lentigo maligna as well as a actinic keratosis can easily be confused with the harmless age spots. These malignant forms of skin cancer need to be diagnosed as soon as possible and treatment initiated.

Another possible mix-up, especially on the face, may be between age spots and common ones Freckles occur. However, the biochemical changes under the skin differ in both phenomena, which means that, unlike age spots, freckles are not visible all year round.

The differential diagnosis of age spots is carried out by the dermatologist or general practitioner using a lamp that was specially developed for diagnosing skin changes.

therapy

Although age spots are usually benign and do not require treatment, many people choose to treat their age spots in some way each year.

The most common treatment for age spots is actually not a proper treatment at all, but rather the use of masking make-up. There are many creams, especially on the face, that can reliably cover the annoying spots on the face.
However, there are also therapeutic options that allow the stains to be removed. One of these therapies is laser therapy. The stains can be removed with the help of the laser. The laser beams burst the pigmentation in the skin and reliably remove it. In any case, and especially with this therapy, it should first be clarified that the changes are benign. Carrying out laser therapy for malignant skin cancer, for example, could cause malignant cells to spread and, in the worst case, the cancer to metastasize so easily.

There are also numerous creams that can bleach the skin and thus bleach the annoying spots. The combination of the active ingredients hydroquinone, tretinoin and hydrocortisone, which is permitted in Germany, can bring about this bleaching of the skin. It is important to note that this cream should not be used permanently, otherwise the skin will be damaged. The cream, which falls under the category of "skin lightening", is available in most pharmacies in Germany.

• Find out about another method for removing pigment spots: Fruit acid peeling

Remove age spots on the face

There are several ways to permanently remove age spots on your face.
Before the removal, however, a dermatologist should generally determine that it is actually benign age spots and not, for example, a skin tumor. Since age spots are not dangerous and usually aesthetically disturb the patient, the treatment itself must be paid for.

Which method of elimination is used is discussed individually with the attending physician. Various methods are available:
The most commonly used technique is that Laser treatment, which is described in more detail above. Furthermore, age spots can also surgically removed become.

A chemical peel can also be used to treat age spots. This is for example suitable Fruit acid, which loosens the top layer of skin, whereupon a new, lighter layer of skin forms. Whitening creams represent another therapy option.

Only in rare cases will a Dermabrasion (Scraping the upper layers of the skin with a grinding instrument) or a Cold treatment (Freezing the affected skin area with liquid nitrogen) to remove age spots on the face. However, since these methods are often associated with scarring, they are no longer the first choice.

In general, one is sufficient after almost every treatment and to prevent new age spots Sun protection essential.

Laser age spots on the face

The Laser treatment represents the most targeted therapy against age spots on the face.

The laser (ruby laser, YAG laser) creates a high energy light generated. This light is sent in pulses to the affected areas of the skin, which destroys the pigments in the upper layer of the skin. The patient feels the sensation of multiple needle pricks on the skin during the treatment. So the process is relative painless and is therefore usually performed without anesthesia.

In most cases there are no scars and the treated areas of the skin heal again after a few weeks. Irritated skin can occur after treatment with the laser. In some cases, the treated areas can also swell.

In most cases, one treatment session is sufficient. In the case of larger areas that are to be treated, several sessions may be necessary, which can be carried out approximately 8 weeks apart.

Since the skin must be protected from UV radiation for several months after the treatment, therapy in the winter months is recommended.

Remove age spots on the face with cream

Creams for treating age spots on the face are so-called Whitening creams.
These are available at the pharmacy and can be applied to the affected skin areas at home without the supervision of a doctor. For example, bleaching creams contain vitamin Cthat can lighten the skin.

However, the duration of treatment with bleaching creams is very tedious. Weeks to months can pass before the first results can be seen. In addition, patients must ensure that only the dark areas of skin are covered with the creams, as the surrounding areas also become lighter.

In part it can be too allergic reactions come on the ingredients and thus cause redness or itching.

Remove age spots on the face with home remedies

Home remedies usually only cater for one Lightening the age spots on the face, so that they usually do not go away completely. Also, home remedies need to be used several times a day to be effective. Still, they can be a cheap alternative to the other treatments.

On the one hand, Lemon juice as a common home remedy. This is applied to the affected skin areas several times a day. The acid removes the outer layer of the skin, including pigments, and thus brightens the skin.

Aloe vera gel can also reduce age spots on the face. This plant stimulates the formation of new cells and accelerates the removal of old skin cells.

A mixture of Ginger powder, rose petals and Bedstraw powderwhich is applied to the age spots several times a day can also lighten the dark areas of the skin with the acids it contains (e.g. citric acid or rubichloric acid).

Homeopathy for age spots on the face

A homeopathic treatment of age spots can support the lightening, for example when using home remedies for age spots on the face.

The homeopathic remedies can be taken either as globules, drops or in the form of tablets. In the case of age spots, the use of Potassium sulfuricum (Potassium sulfate) or Sarsaparilla (Bindweed) recommended, which lighten the age spots.

prophylaxis

Most people use it suncreamIf at all, on vacation when the sun exposure is particularly high. But even the sun during the transitional months, even in Central Europe, can be so strong that the UV exposure can damage the skin for years. Fortunately, age spots are mostly benign changes, but in many cases they are due Continuous use of sunscreen that protects against UV could have been prevented. The Avoid direct sunlight can further reduce the risk of age spots. Especially if you have a very light skin type, which is particularly prone to the development of pigment changes, it is important to take precautionary measures early on.

Because the appearance of age spots is also related to the consumption of Alcohol and cigarettes is recommended to prevent age spots from occurring Do not ingest substances.

Since the causes for the appearance of age spots are in many cases also risk factors for the development of malignant changes in the skin, it is advisable to prevent the appearance of pigment changes.