Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, are flat, round pigmentations with well-defined borders that appear mainly on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. They appear as small brown or black spots, often mistaken for moles, but their origin is quite different. They are caused by a localized deposit of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is superficial, located in the epidermis. The color may range from light (pale beige) to darker brown. Their number increases over time and they are often associated with hypopigmentations (lighter spots) called actinic hypomelanosis. These spots are generally harmless and appear as the skin ages or after prolonged sun exposure. However, they can be a source of aesthetic discomfort for many people, prompting them to seek ways to fade or eliminate them.
Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, are brown spots that appear with age and sun exposure. These pigment spots, often located on the face, hands, and décolleté, can dull the skin’s radiance and give an older appearance.
Effective solutions exist to fade or eliminate age spots, and laser treatment is the most effective option. It is possible to regain an even, radiant, and rejuvenated complexion through personalized care targeting lentigines and signs of aging.
The main cause of age spots is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays damage skin cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. When disrupted, melanocytes begin to produce excess melanin. Over time, this sun overexposure leads to pigment accumulation, resulting in brown spots.
Other contributing factors include :
• Natural skin aging : with age, skin cell regeneration slows down. Age spots are a sign of skin aging and are present in 90 % of people over the age of 70.
• Heredity.
• Phototype : phototypes I, II, and III are most affected.
• Skin care : lack of sun protection and the use of unsuitable cosmetic products can worsen the problem.
Unfortunately, melanin deposits do not disappear spontaneously. It is important to understand that current techniques can eliminate the pigment but not regulate melanocyte activity — recurrence is therefore common. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure to prevent the reappearance of these pigmentations. In fact, the sun is the main cause of skin aging and skin cancers.
It is important to treat age spots if they become bothersome from an aesthetic standpoint or if they begin to change in appearance.
Sometimes, what appears to be a simple age spot can actually be a more serious skin issue, such as melanoma.
Warning signs that should prompt a consultation with a doctor include :
• A spot that changes in color, shape, or size.
• A spot that itches, bleeds, or becomes painful.
There are several medical treatments to eliminate or fade age spots :
• Laser : fractional laser treatment targets the pigment in the spots, breaking up melanin without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Chemical peels : these treatments use acid-based solutions to deeply exfoliate the skin and fade spots.
• Cryotherapy : a technique where the spots are frozen using liquid nitrogen to destroy them.
• Depigmenting creams : often based on hydroquinone or retinoids, these creams can lighten spots.
According to doctor Romano, the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects is laser therapy, and it is the only one doctor Romano performs for this indication.
Many patients wish to remove pigment spots.
This is an exclusively aesthetic concern, but it is essential to monitor these pigmentations to rule out any malignant changes. Lentigines are not precancerous lesions — rest assured — but a skin cancer can develop anywhere on the body, including on a spot.
Several aesthetic medicine techniques are available to eliminate sunspots.
Several types of lasers can be used :
• Q-switched lasers that shatter the pigment.
• Alexandrite laser that burns the pigment.
• Ablative lasers that remove the pigment. Doctor Romano chooses this type of treatment, which is the least traumatic.
A single session is usually sufficient. A slight redness may persist at the site of the spot for one week.
Ablative laser treatment is a procedure performed in a medical office.
The area to be treated is disinfected and, if necessary, a numbing cream may be applied to ensure comfort during the session.
The laser beam targets the pigment, which is vaporized.
The duration of a session depends on the size of the area being treated and the number of spots. Treating a single spot takes approximately one minute.
Slight redness and swelling may appear immediately after the treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. These effects are normal and typically subside after a few days. A soothing cream is applied immediately to the treated area.
Before starting ablative laser treatment for age spots or sunspots, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to prepare the skin and minimize the risk of complications :
• Avoid sun exposure : protect your skin from UV rays (sun and tanning beds) for at least two to four weeks before the session. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+).
• Discontinue certain skincare products : stop using creams or treatments containing retinoids, glycolic acid, hydroquinone or other irritating ingredients at least one week prior to the session to prevent excessive skin sensitivity.
• Inform your doctor of all medications : if you are taking medications or supplements that increase sun sensitivity (such as certain antibiotics, oral retinoids, etc.), inform your doctor. This will help adjust the treatment settings to avoid adverse reactions.
• Stop smoking : if possible, it is advisable to stop smoking a few days before the treatment. Smoking slows skin healing and may lead to complications.
After an ablative laser session, the skin requires special care to ensure proper healing and prevent complications :
• Apply a soothing cream : right after the session, a healing or soothing cream (typically containing panthenol or hyaluronic acid) will be prescribed to accelerate healing. Apply it several times a day.
• Avoid sun exposure : direct sun exposure must be strictly avoided for at least four weeks after the treatment. When going outside, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF (50+). This helps prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Do not pick scabs : scabs may form on the skin after the session. It is crucial not to pick or remove them, as this could lead to scarring or infection. The scabs will fall off on their own within a few days.
• Gentle skin cleansing : use mild, alcohol-free and fragrance-free cleansers to clean the treated area. Avoid scrubs or exfoliants during the healing period, which usually lasts 7 to 10 days.
• Contact your doctor in case of a reaction : if you notice persistent redness, swelling, or signs of infection (pus, intense pain, heat), contact your doctor.
There are several natural remedies that may help reduce the appearance of age spots, although they do not replace targeted aesthetic treatments :
• Lemon juice : due to its natural brightening properties, lemon juice is often used to lighten dark spots. Apply fresh lemon juice directly onto the spots and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. Be careful not to expose your skin to the sun afterwards, as this can cause irritation.
• Aloe vera gel : known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera gel may help reduce the appearance of spots.
• Apple cider vinegar : rich in natural acids, apple cider vinegar helps exfoliate the skin and can lighten dark spots with regular use.
It is always recommended to use sunscreen daily to prevent new spots from forming.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Peel
|
Starting at 200 CHF per session |
|
Laser |
Starting at 200 CHF per session |
Results vary depending on the type of treatment used. With laser treatment, spots generally disappear after 1 to 2 sessions, while peels require several sessions. The treatments are effective and the skin appears more even and radiant. It is essential to follow strict sun protection recommendations after treatment to prevent recurrence of the spots.
Patients who have chosen ablative laser treatment to reduce age spots or sunspots are, overall, very satisfied with the results obtained.
They report a noticeable improvement in skin clarity and evenness after just one session. Some patients mention mild discomfort or temporary redness following the session, but these side effects are generally well tolerated and resolve quickly.
The treatment is considered an effective way to achieve younger, more radiant-looking skin, and is especially appreciated for its minimally invasive nature.
The quick results and relatively short recovery time make it a treatment of choice for patients seeking a long-lasting and effective aesthetic solution for age spots.
Pour identifier une tache suspecte, il est important de suivre la règle ABCDE :
• Asymétrie : une moitié de la tache ne ressemble pas à l’autre.
• Bords irréguliers : les contours sont flous, irréguliers ou dentelés.
• Couleur : la tache présente plusieurs teintes (brun, noir, rouge, blanc).
• Diamètre : une taille supérieure à 6 mm peut être suspecte.
• Evolution : tout changement rapide de taille, de forme ou de couleur doit alerter.
En cas de doute, il est essentiel de consulter un dermatologue pour un diagnostic précis.
Les taches de vieillesse, aussi appelées lentigos solaires, sont des marques plates, de couleur brune à noire, qui apparaissent principalement sur les zones exposées au soleil (visage, mains, décolleté). Elles sont régulières, indolores et ne changent pas de forme ou de couleur rapidement.
Les taches de vieillesse sont bénignes et stables dans le temps. Elles ont des contours nets, une couleur uniforme et n’évoluent pas rapidement. En revanche, une tache cancéreuse, comme le mélanome, présente des bords irréguliers, des changements de couleur et une évolution rapide. En cas de doute, une consultation médicale est indispensable.
Oui, les taches de vieillesse peuvent s’assombrir ou devenir plus nombreuses avec le temps, surtout en cas d’exposition excessive au soleil. Cependant, elles ne se transforment pas en cancer. Si une tache change soudainement d’aspect, il est recommandé de consulter un dermatologue.
En général, les taches de vieillesse apparaissent principalement sur les zones souvent exposées au soleil. Toutefois, le vieillissement cutané naturel peut parfois entraîner l’apparition de taches sur des zones moins exposées, bien que cela soit plus rare. Une bonne protection solaire permet de limiter leur apparition.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
