Age Spots / Brown Spots

Pigmentation on the skin commonly referred to as age spots or brown spots can be a problem for many skin types, but especially for those with fair skin. These spots are actually related more to sun exposure than age. They can appear anywhere on the face, but especially the cheeks, temples and forehead. With more frequent and prolonged sun exposure, especially at a young age; the spots can also appear on the neck, chest, hands and shoulders. 

Some men and women are resigned to living with the spots or trying to cover them up. For those looking to banish the spots, there are solutions that range from low-tech, such as topical products, to high-tech such as lasers. 

One of the most effective high-tech options is an intense pulsed light treatment or IPL photo facial. The IPL is pulsed over the pigmentation spots to essentially pull them to the surface of the skin. The spots will initially appear darker, and then slough off over one to two weeks as the skin naturally sheds. The end result is skin that appears smoother with pigmentation virtually erased. Typically, three to four treatments are needed to achieve desired results. 

The best candidates for IPL are those with fair skin. Also, IPL does not address pigmentation from scarring or melasma. An experienced practitioner will be able to assess the different types of pigmentation and appropriate treatments.