How to Get Rid of AGE SPOTS on the HANDS
Our hands are always on show, always working and always in need of some tender loving care.
And those age spots which can appear as we grow older (especially over the age of forty) are something that we would prefer to be without.
Also known as liver spots, sun spots or solar lentigines, age spots are extra specks of pigment caused by too much exposure to the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays. UV rays cause our skin cells to produce melanin (responsible for skin pigment) very quickly - and hey presto, we have age spots. These can appear flat and brownish in color or as raised, wart-like growths known as seborrheic keratosis.
One way to prevent age spots is to use sunscreen on the back of your hands - regularly - but do look for a natural sunscreen. This should help to keep your hands looking younger for longer.
What other ways are there to prevent or get rid of age spots on your hands?
Here are some methods used by medical professionals.
1. Intense-pulsed light (IPL) is one effective option of age spots as it destroys the pigment, causing the age spot to turn darker and fall off after about week. While it is virtually pain free, it may require up to four sessions for the best results.
2. Cryotherapy is suitable for single age spots or small clusters where liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin to freeze and destroy the pigment-making cells, causing the spots to flake off. Again, several treatments may be necessary.
3. Chemical peels involve the dermatologist applying an acid to the affected area to burn the outer layer of skin. As this layer sheds and peels, a new and healthier layer will form with the depth and frequency depending on the severity of the age spots and the type of acid used in the procedure.
4. Laser treatments use extremely shot pulses to break down melanin pigment into tiny particles so that it can be eliminated naturally by the body. Although painless, it can be a costly process and can carry the risk of post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
What are natural remedies to use to get rid of age spots?
1. Lemon juice is well known for its lightening properties. Take a lemon and squeeze the juice into a bowl before soaking a cotton ball in the juice. Apply to the pigmented areas and leave for about twenty minutes. Rinse off with water and keep repeating for a couple of weeks until liver spots fade. Do a patch test first to check for an irritation.
2. Aloe Vera is another suggestion. You can get a fresh aloe Vera leaf, cut it from the middle and squeeze out the gel which can be applied to the area with age spots. Leave for some twenty minutes before washing off with water. Use every second day. The gel is usually available from health stores if you don't have access to fresh leaves and will nourish the skin at the same time. Again, a patch test first is advisable.
3. And of course, easiest and most gentle of all is our own H-Age Spots Formula designed to go to work naturally with its pure blend of established ingredients to diminish the appearance of age spots quickly by evening out your skin tone and working to fade those dark spots.
What you eat and what you avoid eating can be helpful too!
Studies have shown that consuming a healthy and balanced diet can prevent the damage caused to the skin with aging - but including the following foods in your diet can help you avoid age spots.
- Berries
- Nuts
- Tomatoes
- Foods rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids
At the same time, certain foods are known to cause skin pigmentation. Avoid the following:
- Celery
- Grapefruit
- Cilantro
Sources
Chan, B. (2014). Solar lentigo.
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/solar-lentigo/. (Accessed Jun 2, 2021).
Chemical peels: FAQs. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/chemical-peels-faqs. (Accessed Jun 2, 2021).
Microdermabrasion: Overview. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-overview. (Accessed Jun 2, 2021).
Ngan, V. (2005). Hydroquinone.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hydroquinone/. (Accessed Jun 2, 2021).
Ngan, V. (2006). Sun protective clothing.
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sun-protective-clothing/. (Accessed Jun 2, 2021).
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.