Palomar Medical Laser > Sun Damage Pigmentation

Age spots, liver spots, senile lentigines or solar lentigines are a common problem with ageing. It appears that people may be genetically predisposed to getting age spots. The most obvious causes are skin damage from exposure to the sun and age spots most prevalent on the, face, décolleté, hands, arms and back.

Cutaneous ageing signs such as age spots become visible from as early as the twenties, especially with excessive sun or environmental exposure. However between the ages of 35 to 49 years there is a sharp increase in prevalence of skin changes clearly ascribable to photo-aging such as pigmented spots and discolouration of skin. Awareness of the damaging effect of UV radiation on the facial appearance and sun avoidance and protection before the age of twenty will help reduce the risks for developing age spots later in life.

Ageing skin unsettles women more than men; because society believes a woman loses her attractiveness once visible signs of facial ageing set in. Characteristics of skin facial aging include fine and coarse wrinkle formation, pigmentation changes, sallow colour, dry texture, loss of elasticity, loss of skin tone, sagging subcutaneous tissues, underlying muscle hypertrophy and volume loss in the face.

Photo ageing caused by ultraviolet light exposure tends to act more on the surface of the skin. There are sun freckles or age spots and dilated blood vessels (often referred to as "broken" blood vessels) that lead to an overall uneven tone and discolouration.

In Office therapies:
With the introduction photo rejuvenation treatments and exfoliation treatments such as Laser, Mela M peels by Lamelle, TCA and Chemibrasion virtually any patient can be a candidate for a brightening of their skin and lightening of age spots depending on the area. As each patient's case is different; we will tailor a treatment program specifically for you and your circumstances.

A medical doctor assesses every patient and an appropriate combination treatment together with long term maintenance program is recommended. The new concept today is to start with photo rejuvenation devices early so as to prevent the deterioration of skin colour and texture as one gets older.

Sinclair Aesthetics Tip:
Asian and African skin is prone to excessive freckling, hyper-pigmentation and uneven skin tone. Dark patches around the eyes and face caused by hormonal fluctuations, are also a serious problem for Asian women. As this condition is worsened by UV exposure, proper sun protection is essential. The Neostrata Bionic Eye cream range, range can be safely used around the eye area and together with superficial epidermal peels, promises new possibilities for treating the dark patches in previously impossible areas to treat.