How to Treat and Prevent Age Spots | Spa 35 Boise
Are you noticing those pesky brown spots on your face, hands, or neck that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? If so, you’re not alone. Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, are a common skin concern for many as we age, especially if we’ve spent years soaking up the sun. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to live with them! At Spa 35 Medical Spa in Boise, Idaho, we’ve been helping clients erase age spots and reclaim their confidence for over 19 years. With our cutting-edge treatments and expert guidance, you can prevent new spots, fade existing ones, and achieve the clear, youthful complexion you deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about age spots—what they are, what causes them, how to prevent them, and the best treatments to remove them. From Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to VI Chemical Peels, topical Vitamin A and C, and hydroquinone, we’ve got the solutions you need. Plus, we’ll clear up the confusion between age spots and melasma (often called the “pregnancy mask”) so you can be confident in your treatment plan. Ready to glow like never before? Let’s dive in and discover how Spa 35 can transform your skin!
What Are Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)? Your First Step to Flawless Skin
Age spots, medically known as solar lentigines, are flat, tan, brown, or black spots that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, hands, neck, décolletage, arms, and shoulders. Often called “liver spots” or “sun spots,” these marks have nothing to do with your liver—they’re simply a sign of sun damage over time. Solar lentigines are usually round or oval, ranging from the size of a freckle (a few millimeters) to about half an inch across. They can appear as a single spot or cluster together, making them more noticeable. Unlike freckles, which often fade in the winter, age spots persist year-round and tend to darken with continued sun exposure.
At Spa 35, we’ve seen how age spots can affect your confidence, especially when they show up on highly visible areas like your face or hands. While they’re completely benign and not a health concern, their cosmetic impact can make you feel older than you are. The good news? They’re treatable, and with the right approach, you can significantly fade or even eliminate them. Understanding what age spots are is the first step toward reclaiming your radiant complexion, and Spa 35 is here to guide you every step of the way.
What Causes Age Spots? Uncovering the Culprit Behind Your Spots
The primary cause of age spots is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. UV rays penetrate the skin and trigger an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin’s color. In response to this exposure, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) go into overdrive, creating small, concentrated patches of pigment that manifest as age spots. Over time, these spots can increase in number, darken, and even merge into larger patches.
Several factors make you more likely to develop age spots:
Age: While the name “age spots” suggests they only affect older adults, they can start appearing as early as your 30s. However, they’re most common in people over 50, as years of cumulative sun exposure take their toll.
Skin Tone: Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to age spots because they have less natural melanin to protect against UV damage. That said, people with darker skin tones can also develop them, especially with significant sun exposure.
Sun Exposure History: If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun—whether lounging at the beach, working outdoors, or hitting the tanning salon—you’re at higher risk. Even childhood sunburns can contribute to age spots decades later.
Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or from certain medications can increase melanin production, making you more susceptible. Be sure and read the section on Melasma to help you delineate between age spots and pregnancy mask.
Genetics: If your family has a history of age spots, you may be more likely to develop them when exposed to UV light.
At Spa 35, we’ve seen countless clients who didn’t realize how much their sun-soaked past was affecting their skin today. But don’t worry—whether you’re dealing with a few spots or a more widespread concern, we have the tools and expertise to help you turn back the clock.
How to Prevent Age Spots: Stop New Spots Before They Start
Prevention is the best defense against age spots, and it all comes down to protecting your skin from UV damage. At Spa 35, we’re passionate about empowering our clients with the knowledge to maintain healthy, spot-free skin for years to come. Here are the top strategies to prevent age spots from forming:
Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Apply it generously to all exposed areas—face, neck, hands, and arms—and reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors. Spa 35 offers medical-grade sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide superior protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Seek Shade During Peak Hours: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so try to stay in the shade during this time. If you’re planning outdoor activities, schedule them for early morning or late afternoon.
Cover Up with Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from UV rays. Look for clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) label for added defense.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial UV light is just as harmful as the sun, if not more so. Skip the tanning salon and opt for a sunless tanner if you’re craving a bronze glow.
Incorporate Antioxidants into Your Skincare Routine: Products with Vitamin C and E can neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure, reducing the risk of new age spots. Spa 35 recommends adding a Vitamin C serum to your morning routine for an extra layer of protection.
Quit Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and increases the likelihood of age spots by depleting your skin’s natural defenses. Quitting can improve your overall skin health and reduce your risk.
By making these habits part of your daily routine, you can significantly lower your chances of developing new age spots. At Spa 35, we’re here to help you create a personalized prevention plan that fits your lifestyle—because beautiful skin starts with smart choices.
The Difference Between Age Spots and Melasma: Clearing Up the Confusion
Before diving into treatments, it’s important to understand the difference between age spots (solar lentigines) and melasma, often referred to as the “pregnancy mask.” While both conditions involve hyperpigmentation, they have distinct causes and characteristics, which means they require different treatment approaches. At Spa 35, we’ve seen many clients confuse the two, so let’s break it down.
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines):
Appearance: Small, flat, round or oval spots, typically tan, brown, or black. They’re well-defined and often appear in clusters on sun-exposed areas like the face, hands, and arms.
Cause: Primarily caused by cumulative sun exposure over time. UV radiation triggers melanocytes to overproduce pigment in specific areas.
Who’s Affected: Most common in adults over 50, especially those with fair skin, though they can affect anyone with significant sun exposure.
Behavior: Age spots persist year-round and don’t fade without intervention. They may darken with more sun exposure.
Melasma (Pregnancy Mask):
Appearance: Larger, irregularly shaped patches of brown or grayish discoloration, often on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, or jawline. Melasma tends to have a more diffuse, blotchy look compared to the distinct spots of solar lentigines.
Cause: Triggered by hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, menopause, or from taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Sun exposure can worsen melasma, but hormones are the primary driver.
Who’s Affected: More common in women, especially during pregnancy (hence the nickname “pregnancy mask”), and in those with medium to darker skin tones.
Behavior: Melasma can fade on its own after hormonal changes (like post-pregnancy), but it often persists without treatment and can flare up with heat or sun exposure.
At Spa 35, we take a tailored approach to hyperpigmentation. While treatments like IPL work wonders for age spots, melasma often requires a combination of therapies, such as hydroquinone and non-heat-based modalities like our Resolve laser, to avoid worsening the condition. During your free consultation, our expert team will assess your skin to determine the root cause of your pigmentation and design a treatment plan that delivers stunning results.
Top Treatments for Age Spots: Fade Them Away with Spa 35
If age spots are already part of your story, don’t worry—Spa 35 offers a range of advanced treatments to fade or remove them entirely. Our goal is to help you achieve clear, even-toned skin that makes you feel confident and radiant. Here are the top treatments we recommend for age spots, with detailed insights into how each one works:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): The Gold Standard for Age Spot Removal
At Spa 35, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of our most popular treatments for age spots—and for good reason. IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target and break down the excess melanin in solar lentigines, leaving the surrounding skin untouched. Our state-of-the-art Candela IPL devices are among the best in the industry, delivering precise, effective results with minimal discomfort.
How It Works: IPL emits light energy that’s absorbed by the dark pigment in age spots. This energy heats and destroys the melanin, causing the spot to darken temporarily before flaking off or fading over the next 1–2 weeks. Spa 35 has been using IPL for over 19 years, and we’ve developed our protocols to ensure optimal outcomes.
What to Expect: Each session takes about 60 minutes, and most clients need a series of 3 treatments, spaced 3 weeks apart, for the best results. There’s typically no downtime, though you may notice some redness or darkening of the spots as they begin to slough off. The treatment can feel like a slight snap of a rubber band, but it’s generally well-tolerated without the need for pain medication.
Results: Clients at Spa 35 often see a dramatic reduction in age spots after just a few sessions, with many achieving clear, even-toned skin. Annual touch-ups can help maintain your results, especially if you’re prone to new spots.
Why Choose Spa 35 for IPL? Our team has extensive experience with IPL. We’ve performed thousands of treatments, earning over 800 five-star reviews for our expertise and care. Plus, our IPL treatments also address redness and broken capillaries, giving you an overall brighter complexion.
VI Chemical Peels: Reveal Fresh, Spot-Free Skin
For those looking to rejuvenate their skin while tackling age spots, VI Chemical Peels are a fantastic option at Spa 35. These professional-grade peels exfoliate the outer layers of your skin, removing pigmented cells and revealing a smoother, more even-toned complexion underneath.
How It Works: A VI Chemical Peel involves applying a specialized solution (often containing ingredients like trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid) to your skin. This solution causes controlled shedding of the top layers, where age spots reside, while stimulating new skin growth. At Spa 35, we customize the peel’s strength to your skin type and concerns, ensuring safe, effective results.
What to Expect: The peel takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll notice some redness and peeling for 3–7 days afterward as your skin renews itself. We recommend a series of 3–4 peels, spaced 4 weeks apart, for optimal age spot reduction. Post-peel, you’ll need to avoid sun exposure and follow our aftercare instructions to protect your new skin.
Results: VI Chemical Peels not only fade age spots but also improve overall skin texture, tighten pores, and reduce fine lines. Spa 35 clients love the brighter, more youthful glow they achieve with this treatment.
Why Choose Spa 35 for VI Peels? Our medical estheticians are highly trained in chemical peel techniques, ensuring a comfortable experience and stunning results. We’ll guide you through pre- and post-peel care to maximize your outcome and minimize any risk of irritation.
Topical Vitamin A (Retinols): Turn Back the Clock on Age Spots
Topical Vitamin A, commonly known as retinol, is a powerhouse ingredient for fading age spots and improving overall skin health. At Spa 35, we recommend incorporating retinol into your skincare routine to complement in-office treatments and maintain your results.
How It Works: Retinol works by interacting with cellular receptors to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production. This helps shed pigmented skin cells (like those in age spots) while promoting the growth of new, evenly toned skin. A 2007 study in the Archives of Dermatology found that retinol significantly increases collagen and glycosaminoglycans, which keep skin hydrated and plump.
How to Use It: Spa 35 suggests starting with a cosmetic retinol (like Obagi Tretinoin) if you’re new to the ingredient, as prescription versions like Tretinoin can be more irritating. Apply it at night after cleansing, starting with 2–3 times a week and gradually increasing as your skin adjusts. Always follow with sunscreen in the morning, as retinol can make your skin more sun-sensitive.
Results: With consistent use, you’ll notice age spots fading within 2–3 months, along with smoother, brighter skin. Retinol also helps prevent new spots by keeping your skin healthy and resilient.
Why Choose Spa 35 for Retinol Guidance? Our team will recommend the right retinol product for your skin type and monitor your progress to ensure you’re getting the best results without irritation. We carry medical-grade products that deliver superior efficacy compared to over-the-counter options.
Topical Vitamin C: Brighten and Protect Your Skin
Vitamin C is another must-have in your fight against age spots, and Spa 35 advocates for its daily use to both treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. This potent antioxidant not only fades existing spots but also protects your skin from future damage.
How It Works: Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals caused by UV exposure, which can lead to age spots. It also inhibits melanin production, helping to lighten existing pigmentation. A 2017 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that daily use of a 10–20% Vitamin C serum significantly improves skin brightness and reduces hyperpigmentation.
How to Use It: Apply a Vitamin C serum every morning after cleansing, before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Spa 35 recommends products with stabilized Vitamin C (like ascorbic acid) for maximum potency. Pairing it with sunscreen enhances its protective benefits.
Results: Within a few months, you’ll notice a more even skin tone and a reduction in age spots, along with a radiant glow. Vitamin C also boosts the effectiveness of treatments like IPL by calming inflammation and aiding healing.
Why Choose Spa 35 for Vitamin C Products? We offer medical-grade Vitamin C serums that are formulated for optimal absorption and results. Our team will help you choose the perfect product and integrate it into your routine for maximum impact.
Hydroquinone: The Gold Standard for Lightening Age Spots
Hydroquinone is a tried-and-true treatment for fading age spots, and at Spa 35, we often recommend it as part of a comprehensive plan. This powerful skin-lightening agent targets melanin production to reduce pigmentation effectively.
How It Works: Hydroquinone slows the production of melanin by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is essential for pigment formation. Products like Obagi Clear and Obagi Blender, which contain 4% hydroquinone, are excellent for fading age spots and maintaining results after treatments like IPL.
How to Use It: Apply hydroquinone twice daily (morning and night) to the affected areas, as directed by your Spa 35 provider. We typically recommend using it for up to 6 months at a time to avoid potential side effects like exogenous ochronosis (a rare discoloration). One bottle usually lasts 3–4 months.
Results: Most clients see a gradual lightening of age spots within 2–3 months. Hydroquinone is especially effective when paired with in-office treatments like VI Chemical Peels, as it helps maintain your results and delays the onset of new spots.
Why Choose Spa 35 for Hydroquinone? Our medical providers will monitor your use of hydroquinone to ensure safety and efficacy, adjusting your regimen as needed.
Why Spa 35 Is Your Ultimate Destination for Age Spot Removal
At Spa 35, we’re not just about treating age spots—we’re about transforming your skin and your confidence. Our team of Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Aestheticians has been delivering exceptional results for over 19 years, earning us the title of Idaho’s Best Med Spa four years running. Here’s why clients choose Spa 35:
Expertise You Can Trust: Led by Warren Danforth, a Key Opinion Leader for Candela, our team has performed thousands of IPL treatments, chemical peels, and more, with over 800 five-star reviews to show for it.
Cutting-Edge Technology: We’ve invested over $1 million in the latest equipment, including Candela IPL devices and CO2RE lasers, to ensure you get the best results possible.
Personalized Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique skin type, concerns, and goals. We’ll guide you through every step, from prevention to treatment to maintenance.
Holistic Approach: We combine in-office treatments with at-home care, recommending medical-grade products like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and hydroquinone to maximize your results.
Our clients can’t stop raving about their transformations. “I thought my age spots were permanent, but Spa 35 changed everything! After just a few IPL sessions, my skin looks clearer than it has in years,” says Karen M., one of our many thrilled clients. With treatments that deliver real results and a team that genuinely cares, Spa 35 is your go-to destination for age spot removal in Boise.
Don’t Let Age Spots Hold You Back!
Why let age spots dim your natural radiance? At Spa 35, we’re here to help you fade those spots, prevent new ones, and reveal the clear, youthful skin you deserve. From the power of Intense Pulsed Light to the rejuvenating effects of VI Chemical Peels, topical Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and hydroquinone, we have the tools and expertise to transform your complexion. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to feel confident every day, now is the time to take action.
Ready to make your best self a reality?
Call or text (208) 367-0700 to schedule your free consultation, or use the button below to book online. Spa 35 help you glow with confidence—your radiant new you is waiting!
