Age spots, also known as sun spots, are flat, round pigmentations with well-defined contours that appear mainly on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms and shoulders. They appear as small brownish or black spots, often mistaken for moles, but their origin is quite different.
This is a localised deposit of melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its colour. The pigment is superficial, localised in the epidermis. The colour can be light (pale beige) or darker. Their number increases over time, and they are often associated with hypopigmentation (lighter spots) known as actinic hypomelanosis.
These spots are generally harmless and appear as the skin ages or following prolonged exposure to the sun. However, their presence can be a source of aesthetic discomfort for many people, prompting them to look for solutions to reduce or eliminate them.
The age spotsalso known as solar lentigosare brown spots that appear with age and exposure to the sun. These pigment spots, often located on the face, hands and décolleté, can dull the skin's radiance and give an older appearance. There are
effective solutions for reducing or eliminating these age spots, the laser is the most effective treatment.
Uniform, luminous, rejuvenated skin can be restored thanks to personalised treatments for lentigo and the signs of ageing.
The main cause of age spots is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or UV cabins. UV rays damage the skin cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour. The melanocytes, out of kilter, start to produce more melanin. Over time, this overexposure to the sun leads to an accumulation of pigment, causing the appearance of brown spots.
Other factors can also contribute to their appearance:
- Natural ageing of the skin: with age, the skin cells' ability to regenerate slows down. A sign of skin ageing, lentigos are thought to be present in 90 % of people over 70.
- Heredity.
- Phototype: the phototypes most affected are 1-2-3.
- Skin care: lack of sun protection and the use of unsuitable cosmetic products can exacerbate this problem.
Unfortunately, melanin deposits do not disappear spontaneously. It is important to know that current techniques can eliminate the pigment but cannot correct melanocyte activity, so recurrences are constant. It is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun to prevent these pigmentations from reappearing. In fact, the sun is the main factor in skin ageing and the appearance of skin cancers.
It is important to treat age spots if they become cosmetically embarrassing or if they develop in a suspicious way. Sometimes, what looks like a simple age spot may be a more serious skin problem, such as melanoma. The warning signs that should prompt you to consult a doctor are :
- A spot that changes colour, shape or size.
- A spot that itches, bleeds or becomes painful.
There are several medical treatments available to eliminate or reduce age spots.
- Laser: fractional laser treatment targets the pigment in spots, breaking down the melanin without damaging the surrounding tissue.
- Peelings chimiques : ce traitement utilise des solutions acides pour exfolier la peau en profondeur et estomper les taches.
- Cryotherapy: a technique in which stains are frozen using liquid nitrogen to destroy them.
- Depigmenting creams: these creams, often based on hydroquinone or retinoids, can lighten spots.
According to Dr Romano, the most effective treatment with the fewest side-effects is laser treatment, and this is the only treatment he performs in this indication.
Many patients want remove pigment spots.
This is an exclusively aesthetic request, but these pigmentations should be monitored to ensure that there is no malignant evolution. Lentigos are not precancerous lesions, rest assured, but skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, even on a spot.
A number of aesthetic medicine techniques can be used to get rid of sun spots.
Several types of laser can be used:
- Qswitch lasers, which burst the pigment.
- The Alexandrite laser, which burns the pigment.
- The ablative lasers which remove the pigment. Dr Romano opts for this type of treatment, which is the least traumatic.
A single session is sufficient. The spot will remain slightly red for a week.
Ablative laser treatment is a procedure that takes place in a doctor's surgery.
The area to be treated is disinfected and, if necessary, an anaesthetic cream can be applied to make the treatment more comfortable.
The laser beam targets the pigment, which is vaporised.
The length of a session depends on the size of the area to be treated and the number of spots. Treating one spot takes about a minute.
Slight redness and swelling may appear immediately after treatment, like a sunburn. These effects are normal and generally disappear after a few days. A soothing cream is immediately applied to the treated area.
Before starting ablative laser treatment for age or sun spots, it is essential to follow certain instructions in order to prepare the skin and minimise the risk of complications:
- Avoiding exposure to the sun: We recommend protecting your skin from UV rays (sun and tanning booths) at least two to four weeks before your session. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+).
- Stop using certain skin treatments: you should stop using creams or treatments containing retinoids, glycolic acids, hydroquinone or other irritating products at least one week before the session to avoid over-sensitising the skin.
- Tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking: if you are taking any medicines or food supplements that increase your sensitivity to the sun (such as certain antibiotics, oral retinoids, etc.), it is important to tell your doctor. This will enable us to adapt the treatment, and in particular the laser parameters, to avoid adverse reactions.
- Stop smoking: if possible, it is advisable to stop smoking at least a few days before treatment. Smoking slows down the healing of the skin and can cause complications.
After ablative laser treatment, the skin needs special care to ensure it heals properly and avoid complications.
- Apply a soothing cream: immediately after the session, you will be prescribed a healing or soothing cream (generally based on panthenol or hyaluronic acid) to speed up the healing process. Apply it several times a day.
- Avoid exposure to the sun: direct exposure to the sun should be avoided at all costs for at least four weeks after treatment. When you go out, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (50+). This will avoid the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Do not scratch the scabs: after the session, scabs may form on the skin. It is essential not to scratch or tear them off, as this could lead to scarring or infection. The scabs will fall off on their own in a few days.
- Gentle cleansing of the skin: use mild cleansing products without alcohol or perfume to wash the treated area. Avoid exfoliants or scrubs during the healing period, which generally lasts 7 to 10 days.
- Consult your doctor in the event of a reaction: in the event of persistent redness, swelling or signs of infection (pus, intense pain, heat), consult your doctor.
There are a number of natural remedies that can help reduce the visibility of age spots, although they are no substitute for more targeted cosmetic treatments.
- Lemon juice: thanks to its natural lightening properties, lemon juice is often used to reduce brown spots. Apply fresh lemon juice directly to the spots and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing. Be careful, however, not to expose yourself to the sun after application, as it can irritate the skin.
- Aloe vera gel: known for its soothing and repairing properties, aloe vera gel can help reduce the appearance of spots.
- Cider vinegar: rich in natural acids, cider vinegar helps to exfoliate the skin and can lighten spots with regular application.
It is always advisable to use sunscreen daily to prevent the appearance of new spots.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
Peeling |
From CHF 300 per session |
Laser |
From CHF 200 per session |
Results vary according to the type of treatment used.
With laser treatment, for example, spots disappear after 1 to 2 sessions, whereas peels require several sessions. The treatments are effective and the skin is more even and radiant.
It is essential to follow strict sun protection recommendations after treatment to avoid the spots reappearing.
Reviews of cryolipolysis are generally very positive. Many patients say they are satisfied with the reduction in fat rolls. Users particularly appreciate the non-invasive nature of this technique, which makes it possible to treat problem areas without recourse to surgery and without a recovery period. Most patients see a visible reduction in fat deposits after a few weeks, with optimal results after three months. However, the effects may vary depending on the area treated and individual sensitivity. Some patients have reported temporary side effects such as redness, bruising or increased sensitivity. All in all, cryolipolysis is acclaimed for its effectiveness and simplicity, although results can depend on individual factors and sometimes several sessions are needed to achieve the desired aesthetic objectives.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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