Age spots generally appear as a result of exposure to the sun. Over time, ultraviolet radiation (UV) speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color, causing pigment cells in different places around the body to become overactive. You may see brown spots appear when the melanin becomes clumped, and they generally appear on the face, neck, and hands.
The best way to avoid them is by protecting your skin from the sun. This means covering your skin with clothing, wearing broad-brimmed hats, applying sunblock, and drinking lots of water. Of course, in Alaska, we get strong sun exposure year-round. Summer sunlight tends to be the most direct, however, you definitely shouldn’t estimate the strength of light reflected from the snow in winter.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can reduce the appearance of age spots. Provided the spots are benign, we can reduce pigmentation and help you maintain healthy skin.
Want to talk to the experts? Request an appointment.
CHEMICAL PEEL
We tailor our chemical peels to your individual needs, selecting only the best chemical or chemical blend to suit your skin. The amount of peeling you’ll experience depends on the condition of your skin and number of peels you’ve had. The amount can range from mild flaking to noticeable peeling.
Anti-ageing peels are specifically designed to target hyper-pigmentation, which means they can dramatically improve the appearance of age spots. This procedure combines high-performance brightening and anti-inflammatory agents with a powerful acidic solution to accelerate cell renewal.
Our aim is to ensure the ultimate result and reduce the risk of complications. Once we assess the condition of your skin, we may recommend a series of three or more peels (one every two weeks) to maximize results. We can perform chemical peels on your face, neck, chest, hands, arms and back.
Have questions? Read about the different types of chemical peels.
MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical technique that safely retextures most skin types. The multilevel treatment is designed to remove excess dead skin while improving discoloration associated with age spots and sun damage. It’s also effective in reducing the size of pores, acne scarring, and fine lines.
Microdermabrasion increases circulation and collagen production, which results in more radiant looking skin. You’ll notice the results are immediate and that your skin is noticeably improved – all you’ll have when you leave the office is a mild, temporary pinkness in the treated area. It can have dramatic results, but it doesn’t take the place of surgical or laser procedures.
That said, you can add it to a chemical peel to maximize the effect.
Want to know more? Check out our microdermabrasion page.
IPL PHOTO REJUVENATION
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, commonly referred to as IPL, is a non-surgical treatment designed to improve the appearance and quality of the skin. We commonly use it to treat age spots, as well as rosacea, superficial blood vessels, and other signs of ageing. It can be used just about anywhere on the face and body, and it works by promoting an increase in your body’s natural collagen production.
Here at AK Beautiful You, we use the Icon Aesthetic System, which makes treatments comfortable and fast in order to accommodate your busy lifestyle. We can offer a package of treatments to obtain optimal results. The treatments take 30-45 minutes and are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart. We also generally recommend you stop by the office for maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
Sound right for you? Read more about photo rejuvenation facials.
DERMAPLANING
Dermaplaning treatments are a form of manual exfoliation utilizing a sterile surgical blade called a dermatome, which is carefully stroked over the skin in even motions. It removes dead surface skin to uncover the healthy new skin cells below, making your skin feel smooth and soft, and reducing the appearance of age spots. It’s painless and non-invasive, and will leave you looking bright and fresh.
Dermaplaning is only performed on the face, taking care to avoid the eyelids and neck. You can pair it with a chemical solution to enhance your treatment results. Dermaplaning poses no serious side effects and patients can resume normal activities immediately following treatment.
Our certified clinicians provide safe, natural results every time. Request an appointment.