What should I do if I have age spots on my face

Age spots on the face can be improved through sun protection care, local medication treatment, laser treatment, chemical exfoliation, cryotherapy, and other methods. Age spots are usually caused by skin aging, UV damage, genetic factors, metabolic abnormalities, accumulation of free radicals, and other reasons.

1. Sunscreen Care

It is necessary to strictly avoid direct ultraviolet radiation in daily life, choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF30 or above, and reapply every 2-3 hours. Use with a sun hat or umbrella when going out. Ultraviolet radiation accelerates melanin deposition, exacerbates existing pigmentation, and induces the formation of new spots. Long term adherence to sunscreen can prevent the progression of age spots and may have a fading effect on early pale spots.

2. Local drug treatment

Follow the doctor's advice to use topical preparations such as hydroquinone cream, tretinoin cream, and azelaic acid cream. Hydroquinone cream reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase, vitamin A yogurt cream promotes keratinocyte renewal, and azelaic acid cream has anti-inflammatory and fading effects. The medication needs to be used continuously for 3-6 months to take effect, and there may be skin irritation or flaking reactions.

3. Laser therapy

Q-switched laser or strong pulsed light can selectively destroy melanin particles, and the scab will fall off 7-10 days after treatment. 2-4 treatments with an interval of 4-6 weeks are required, and the effect on dark brown spots is significant. Temporary pigmentation or reduction may occur, and postoperative moisturizing and sun protection care should be strengthened.

4. Chemical exfoliation

uses chemical agents such as fruit acid and salicylic acid to controllably exfoliate the epidermis, promoting the replacement of new skin. Shallow peeling requires 3-5 treatments, while deep peeling can be done once, but the recovery period is longer. After treatment, there may be redness, swelling, and burning sensation. It is necessary to avoid scratching and use with repair dressings.

5. Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen freezing can cause degeneration and necrosis of pigment cells, and is suitable for isolated thick plaques. After about one week of treatment, blisters form and scab off, which may leave temporary pigmentation changes or slight scars. Attention should be paid to wound care to prevent infection, and it is not suitable for large-area skin lesions.

It is necessary to maintain a regular schedule and balanced diet in daily life, and supplement antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E appropriately. Avoid excessive friction or scratching of skin lesions, and use gentle and non irritating products when cleansing. If the plaque suddenly enlarges, bleeds, or has irregular morphology, timely medical attention should be sought to rule out malignant lesions. All treatments must be carried out under the guidance of a professional physician, and the use of potent freckle removing products is not allowed on one's own.