Brown spots on the skin are also known as age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines which are small, flat and dark areas of skin pigment.

They commonly appear on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, legs, and arms. While these spots are not dangerous, they can be aesthetically unappealing, and many people wish to eliminate them. Here are some tips on how to get rid of brown spots on your skin.

Use sunscreen with high SPF

The most common cause of brown spots is exposure to the sun. Therefore, it makes sense to use sunscreen protection. Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and apply it daily, even if it’s cloudy outside.

This will help prevent further damage to your skin and stop new brown spots from forming.

Use skin lightening creams

Brown spots can be treated with skin lightening creams. These creams contain active ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, glycolic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which all help to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of brown spots.

However, it’s important to use these creams as per the instructions and with precautions as they can cause irritation, redness, and even injuries to the skin.

Chemical peels

If skin lightening creams aren’t providing the desired results, you may want to consider getting a chemical peel.

A chemical peel involves applying a solution to the skin that removes the outer layers of damaged skin, thus revealing fresh, undamaged skin underneath. This treatment can even your skin tone, reduce the appearance of brown spots, and stimulate collagen production that can naturally brighten your skin.

Laser therapy

For those who prefer a non-invasive method, laser therapy is an option. This treatment uses a concentrated beam of light to target and destroy the skin cells that produce melanin and cause the brown spots.

As the melanin cells are destroyed, the brown spots fade away. Laser therapy can be expensive, and multiple treatments are often required to achieve the desired results.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a quick and painless treatment where liquid nitrogen is applied to the brown spots to freeze and destroy the melanin cells which causes the brown spots.

The treated area will scab, and when this scab falls off, new clear skin will grow to replace it. While cryotherapy is fast, relatively inexpensive, and leaves little to no scarring, it can cause temporary redness and irritation on the treated area.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that are known for their ability to help stimulate cell regeneration. This stimulation helps to reduce the appearance of brown spots, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids are available in creams, serums, and gels, and should be used with caution as they can cause redness, dryness, flakiness, and irritation to the skin.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that protect skin from free radicals and cellular damage caused by UV radiation. Antioxidants can be found in many skincare products such as serums or creams.

Using products containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea extract may help to prevent the appearance of brown spots and improve overall skin health.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure in which the outer layer of the skin is removed by a gentle abrasive technique.

The procedure can help to reduce the appearance of brown spots by removing the top layer of damaged skin and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin. Multiple treatments may be required for best results.

Make changes to your lifestyle

Changing your lifestyle habits can help to prevent the appearance of brown spots. As mentioned, exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of brown spots, so protecting your skin from the sun is the key.

Try to avoid spending time outdoors in the sun during peak hours, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Quitting smoking, eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, managing stress, and getting enough sleep all contribute to healthy skin development and reducing the damage to skin cells.

Consult a Dermatologist

If you have brown spots that do not respond to any of these treatment options, or if they are causing significant concern, you should consider consulting a dermatologist.

A dermatologist will be able to assess your skin and recommend the best treatment options for you.