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PHONE: (828) 526-3783 TOLL-FREE: (877) 526-3784
209 Hospital Dr #202
Highlands, NC 28741
Sunday, August 15th, 2021
It is not uncommon for adults to notice an increasing number of spots on the skin as they get older. Because these isolated or clustered discolorations seem to expand exponentially with age, we often refer to them as age spots. They have also been called liver spots (because it was once falsely believed that they were related to liver problems). In truth, most of the discolored patches we see on the skin are caused by sun exposure. For that reason, they are more commonly and accurately referred to as sun spots. Regardless of what we call them, spots on the skin are problematic. There are two parts to treating these, prevention of new ones and removal of those you already have. We’ll discuss those here.
Before we attempt to remove existing sun spots, you need to take steps to prevent more from forming. The primary means of prevention is use of sunblock. Since the damage is caused by UVA that is present and the same strength all day every day, and at every latitude. Although there are multiple sunblock ingredients available but the only one that is practical is zinc oxide. It is a physical sunblock and lasts after application until it is rubbed or washed off. The rest are chemical sunscreens and last only about an hour outdoors or two hours inside.
The first step in treating sunspots is evaluation of the spots to make sure they are all benign. After they are confirmed benign and only a cosmetic problem, there are several strategies to lighten them.
Sun spots age the skin. We can help you live without them. Contact our office at (828) 526-3783 to schedule your appointment for sun spot treatment.