Book An Appointment Online Shop Now Home > Brown Spots Brown Spots Age spots, liver spots, or brown spots usually first appear on the face and are the result of genetic susceptibility as well as sun exposure. Contrary to common belief, they have nothing to do with age or the liver although patients may get more as they get older. In addition to the face, these spots often can occur on the chest, arms and any sun-exposed areas. Brown spots or age spots1 do not respond to creams. However, they can safely and effectively be removed by a variety of laser treatments. The most effective treatment for brown spots on the face is the use of Q-switched lasers such as the Q-switched Alexandrite laser or the Q switched Nd-YAG laser. Often, one treatment is enough to eradicate brown spots safely and effectively anywhere on the body. Rarely a second touch up treatment will be necessary. Freckles on the face, chest, and back can also be effectively treated with the Q-switched Alexandrite of Nd:YAG lasers. Intense pulsed light sources (IPL)2 or photofacials can also be used in the treatment of brown spots3 or age spots. However, treatment with this modality often requires at least three to five sessions. This modality is not as effective as lasers. Fractional Resurfacing with the Fraxel laser is also an effective treatment for brown spots for those individuals who additionally seek improvement in fine and moderate wrinkles, texture, pores, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. Brown Spots Treatments: Before and After Causes of Aging Skin Research shows that there are, in fact, two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays. Intrinsic Aging Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables the skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic aging are: Fine wrinkles Thin and transparent skin Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin Dry skin that may itch Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin Graying hair that eventually turns white Hair loss Unwanted hair Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develop Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. Some notice those first gray hairs in their 20s; others do not see graying until their 40s. People with Werner’s syndrome, a rare inherited condition that rapidly accelerates the normal aging process, usually appear elderly in their 30s. Their hair can gray and thin considerably in their teens. Cataracts may appear in their 20s. The average life expectancy for people with Werner’s syndrome is 46 years of age. Extrinsic Aging A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking. The sun. Without protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, actinic keratoses (thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin), and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure. “Photoaging” is the term dermatologists use to describe this type of aging caused by exposure to the sun’s rays. The amount of photoaging that develops depends on 1) a person’s skin color and 2) their history of long-term or intense sun exposure. People with fair skin who have a history of sun exposure develop more signs of photoaging than those with dark skin. In the darkest skin, the signs of photoaging are usually limited to fine wrinkles and a mottled complexion. Photoaging occurs over a period of years. With repeated exposure to the sun, the skin loses the ability to repair itself, and the damage accumulates. Scientific studies have shown that repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure breaks down collagen and impairs the synthesis of new collagen. The sun also attacks our elastin. Sun-weakened skin ceases to spring back much earlier than skin protected from UV rays. Skin also becomes loose, wrinkled, and leathery much earlier with unprotected exposure to sunlight. Sun Spot Laser Removal in NYC Sun Spots4, or brown spots, like their name implies, is a condition developed by overexposure to the sun. The darkened patches of skin can appear in a variety of shades depending on a patient’s skin type, age and amount of exposure. Also called actinic keratoses, liver spots or age spots can be mildly treated with strong topical medicine made with hydroquinone that works to bleach the spots and even out skin tone. Lasers have been proven to most effectively treat sun spots. Unfortunately, they cannot be completely erased, but laser treatment can stimulate new melanin production that will exfoliate the out layers of the skin, bringing sun spots to the surface where the skin can naturally shed the old skin. Brown Spots Treatments: Before and After Lasers Available to Treat Sun Spots The lasers that Dr. Rokhsar uses to treat brown spots in NY and Long Island include: Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser – When the laser is shone on an area of skin, the irregular pigment absorbs the laser light. During absorption, the pigment is broken down and then shed by the body’s natural process. Q-Switched Ruby Laser – Uses a wavelength with a similar technique to absorb the melanin. The laser is highly selective in targeting the pigmented cells that cause a discolored appearance. Fading has been clinically proven and tested as a safe and effective procedure for removing sun spots. Nd:YAG Laser – Another Q-switched laser that is known for its efficacy in removing sun spots. After the laser has been placed over the discolored skin and treatment is complete, the pigment will develop a white color and leave behind a small scab. After the skin continues its natural healing process and the scabs fall off, a slight red discoloration will remain but slowly fade and new skin with matching pigmentation to the rest of the undamaged face will take its place. What Is Sun Damage? Uneven pigmentation can result from the damaging effects of too much sun exposure. The skin increases the production of melanin, which creates a darker tone, which is why skin looks a darker brown shade from sun tanning. Melanin protects the deeper layers of the skin from sun damage, the darker the skin appears, the more protection it has against the sun. The sun can also cause a permanent stretching or dilation of small blood vessels, which creates an uneven, reddish appearance. Types of Skin Problems Caused by Sun Exposure Solar lentigines, more commonly known as age or liver spots, are flat spots of increased pigmentation that can appear as tan, brown, black or even gray. Spots usually appear in areas that are most exposed to the sun such as the face, hands, arms, and upper back. Size varies depending on the level of sun exposure. This is typically found on older adults but can occur in younger people that spend an excessive amount of time in the sun. Solar elastosis occurs when ultraviolet rays from the sun break down the skin’s connective tissue, collagen and elastin fibers within the dermis. The weakening of the skin’s dermis causes the skin to lose flexibility, leaving vertical creases deep wrinkles and loose sagging skin. Solar keratoses also referred to as actinic, appear as rough, scaly raised patches found along the face, ears, lower arms, and hands. They range in color from pink, dark pink, light brown, or brown on fair-skinned people from overexposure of the sun. It is important to note, that although any skin damage will increase the chance of skin cancer, solar keratoses if left untreated can progress to a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. Labial lentigo is a dark brown lesion that appears usually as a single spot on the lower lip after repeated sun exposure, however, it can appear anywhere along the lip’s surface. Melasma occurs from a combination of overexposure to the sun and an increase in the female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone and typically appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Women with a darker skin complexion or those who take oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, or are pregnant are most susceptible to melasma. Poikiloderma appears as irregular reddish-brown pigmentation characteristically underneath the chin, down the neck, over the collarbone and chest from too much sun exposure. Lentigo maligna is a growth that appears most commonly along the face, hands or legs from overexposure to the sun. With increased sun exposure, the dark flat spot that develops will slowly darken and enlarge along the skin and may eventually develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins on the uppermost skin layer and works its way deeper into the skin’s layers. Improving Age Spots or Sun Spots After going to the beach all summer and basking in the sun, it is not a surprise to see a couple of sun spots on the skin. Or are they age spots? Contrary to popular belief, age spots are not different than sun spots. In fact, both terms describe common hyperpigmentation of the skin. Also called liver spots and solar lentigines, these dark pigmented spots occur when the skin produces an excess amount of melanin, the substance that gives the skin its color. These spots have been associated with age because they tend to appear most frequently in older individuals, often emerging after the age of 40. What Causes Age Spots? Age spots are very common, particularly in those with fair skin or who have a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use. Primarily caused by sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation), age spots most often arise on the face, hands and other places that are subjected to UV light on a daily basis. Although age spots are not dangerous, they may indicate that you are spending too much time in the sun. You may not only be subjecting your skin to premature aging but also may be increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer every year in the U.S. How Can You Prevent Age Spots? The best way to prevent age spots is to limit sun your exposure: Protect your skin daily with sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) and do not sunbathe Stay out of the sun when its rays are the strongest (from 10 am to 3 pm) Wear a hat or UV-blocking clothing to shade and cover the skin Treatment for Age Spots at the New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center True age spots are harmless and do not need treatment, but they can look like cancerous growths. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can be lightened with skin-bleaching products or removed. However, preventing age spots — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to maintain your skin’s youthful appearance and to avoid these dark skin spots. Brown spots or age spots do not respond to creams. They can safely and effectively be removed by a variety of laser treatments. The most effective treatment for brown spots on the face is the use of Q-switched lasers such as the Q-switched Alexandrite laser or the Q switched Nd-YAG laser. Often, one treatment is enough to eradicate brown spots safely and effectively anywhere on the body. Rarely a second touch up treatment will be necessary. Freckles on the face, chest, and back can also be effectively treated with the Q-switched Alexandrite of Nd:YAG lasers. Fractional Resurfacing with the Fraxel laser is also an effective treatment for brown spots for those individuals who additionally seek improvement in fine and moderate wrinkles, texture, pores, acne scars, and other skin imperfections. To learn more about the possible treatment alternatives for age spots in NY and Long Island, contact Dr. Rokhsar’s office and book a consultation today. Q-Switched Laser for Sun Spots (FAQ) Can people with dark skin complexions get skin damage? Although people with medium or dark complexions naturally have more melanin (skin protection) than people with light complexions, they can still experience sun damage. Irregular pigmentation and wrinkles can appear with age and sun exposure. How can I tell the difference between age and liver spots from freckles? Age or liver spots usually develop in large numbers, especially soon after repeated sun exposure and develop more often in advancing age. Freckles usually develop earlier in life and appear as red or light brown. Click here for information about Photofacials Locations Upper East Side Manhattan 121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022 (212) 285-1110 Map It Garden City Long Island 901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 512-7616 Map It Request an Appointment AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY I agree to the Terms of Use References 1 How to Treat Age Spots. Available: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/age-spots. 2 Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/. 3 Age Spots. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/age-spots. 4 AGE SPOTS AND DARK MARKS. Available: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is the founder and owner of Cosmetic Laser Skin & Surgery Center. With degrees from Harvard University and NYU, along with multiple publications and media features, the board-certified dermatologist and laser surgeon proudly shares his expertise with patients in Garden City, Manhattan, and those who fly in to receive treatment at his offices. Dr. Rokhsar has worked extensively with Vbeam laser, Thermitight, Coolsculpting, and Fraxel laser technology, as well as Allergan and other injectable brands. He pioneered the Non-Surgical Nose Job and continues to be a leader in his field. Learn more about Dr. Rokhsar | Dr. Rokhsar's Google Scholar Procedures and Conditions Injectables Skin Tightening Fat Removal Non-Surgical Treatments Surgical Procedures Aesthetician: MD-Spa NY Laser Procedures Conditions Acne / Acne Scars Age Spots / Brown Spots Birthmarks Dark Circles Moles Pearly Penile Papules View All Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2019 and 2020 issues. Follow: Manhattan Office: 121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB | New York City, NY 10022 Ph. (212) 285-1110 | Map on Google Garden City Office: 901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240 | Garden City, NY 11530 Ph. (516) 512-7616 | Map on Google 5 star rating at RealSelf See Reviews > Leave a Review > Copyright © 2021 New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center Blog / News Shop Now International Patients Careers Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Accessibility Statement Sitemap 4.8 - based on 147 reviews Book Online Call Us E-mail SMS MENU Virtual Consultation