As you get older, it’s normal to notice changes to your skin—including the development of fine lines and wrinkles. However, one issue that can be particularly troubling for adults is liver spots. Also known as age spots, these dark brown blemishes can cause many people to grow concerned, especially if the spots are noticeable. While mostly a cosmetic issue, there are fortunately several corrective skin care solutions available to help restore healthy-looking skin. To help you better understand this challenge and address it, here’s what you should know about liver spots.

What Are Liver Spots?

Despite their name, these blemishes have no connection to your liver health. Instead, these black or tan spots form when the color of the skin changes as a result of aging or sun exposure. While these marks can vary in size, they generally take on a flat appearance. You’ll most likely find them on body parts that get the most ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, such as the face, arms, back, shoulders, and hands.

How Can You Prevent Liver Spots?

If you want to avoid age spots, minimizing your sun exposure is the best way to keep your skin clear. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and covering up with clothing to block out the sun’s rays are two easy ways to reduce the risk of UV exposure.

What Corrective Skin Care Treatments Can Help?

For mild cases, there are many lotions and creams designed to reduce the appearance of liver spots. However, for these products to work, you must apply them diligently every day for long periods of time. Makeup also offers a temporary cover-up for smaller spots.

If you’re looking for a simpler and more effective way to diminish age spots, speak with a dermatologist about corrective skin care treatments. For example, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a non-invasive form of photo rejuvenation that uses light to reduce the appearance of darker blemishes. IPL treatment can also help minimize the appearance of redness, fine lines, and wrinkles.

When age spots are preventing you from feeling confident, Emerald City Medical Arts in Seattle, WA, can help restore your skin’s healthy appearance. Equipped with state-of-the-art resources, this clinic offers IPL treatment to quickly and comfortably lighten liver spots. If you want to address other signs of aging—such as wrinkles and acne scars—you can also turn to these specialists for laser skin treatment. For more details on the cosmetic and health services this medical spa offers, visit their website. To schedule a convenient consultation with a corrective skin care professional, call (206) 281-1616.