Age Spots and Liver Spots Treatment

As we age, the visible signs of aging and sun damage appear on our skin. In addition to fine lines and wrinkles, one of the most obvious signs of aging is sun spots, also known as “liver spots,” solar lentigines, or “age spots.” Liver spots develop due to excessive sun exposure that accumulates over time. Unlike freckles, which may fade over time, liver spots tend to merge and grow larger and more prominent. While these flat, circular, tan spots are not dangerous, they can be distressing cosmetically as they develop in highly visible areas, including the face, neck, hands, chest, shoulders, arms, and back. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City specializes in removing unwanted liver spots, melasma, uneven skin tone, and other forms of hyperpigmentation in patients of all skin types and tones.

There are many different treatment options for the removal of liver spots. These treatments aim to remove unwanted pigmentation and promote the production of new collagen, which has the added benefit of making the skin look healthier and younger. Some liver spot treatment options include Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, Alex-TriVantage, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), microneedling, TCA peels, Mesopeels, and Cosmelan. Prescription-strength bleaching creams like hydroquinone and targeted skincare products can also reduce melanin production and eliminate pigmentation from the skin. When choosing a liver spot treatment, it is best to consult an expert board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, who can help you determine the best treatment plan that will help you achieve clear, radiant skin that lasts.

Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified dermatologist who has treated patients with liver spots and other unwanted skin pigmentation issues in her Upper East Side office in New York City for over 25 years. An expert in chemical peels, laser treatments, and skin care, Dr. Green has consistently been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York by New York Magazine, Castle Connolly, The New York Times, and Super Doctors. She has created a line of skincare products with MGSKINLABS Inc. to promote healthy skin and remove pigmentation and sun damage. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach to cosmetic dermatology, tailoring each patient’s treatment plans to their specific concerns and goals. Whether it be liver spots, melasma, generalized hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone, Dr. Green is here to help.

Sometimes, areas of pigmentation, such as freckles, can merge to form liver spots, resulting in a mottled appearance of the skin.

What is a liver spot?

Liver spots, also referred to as age spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines, are small, flat, circular, brown spots that develop from excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. A liver spot forms over time as your body’s reaction to protecting itself against sun exposure. The name “liver spot” is a confusing misnomer, as the spots have nothing to do with the function of the liver and instead are formed as a direct result of sun damage. Therefore, the most common areas in which liver spots develop are body parts frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These liver spots are very common and increase in frequency with age. Over time, liver spots can grow in size and coalesce. Liver spots are not harmful, but they can be removed for cosmetic reasons if you are dissatisfied with their appearance on the skin.

What do liver spots look like on the skin?

Liver spots appear as small, flat, oval dark spots on the skin. They are usually tan or dark brown and can group. Some liver spots are small and resemble freckles, while others can be as large as half an inch in diameter. Caused by overexposure to the sun, age spots typically develop in adults over 50, but high sun exposure in youth can also make age spots appear in younger patients. Sometimes, areas of pigmentation, such as freckles, can merge to form liver spots, resulting in a mottled appearance of the skin. Unlike freckles on children, which will fade over time, age spots remain on the skin, contributing to a speckled appearance.

What causes liver spots?

Although “liver” is used in its name, these melanin-rich lesions do not form due to liver function or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Liver spots form as a direct result of sun exposure over a prolonged period. UV rays are harmful to the skin, damaging DNA at a cellular level and causing signs of premature aging. The melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the top layer of the skin produce a pigment called melanin to absorb the UV rays and protect the skin from sun damage. When patients are exposed to direct sunlight, the body reacts by over-producing pigmentation to help absorb the UV rays, which leads to the creation of melanin-rich lesions or liver spots on areas of the body that have the most direct exposure to sunlight, such as the face, hands, and arms, where protective clothing is not typically worn.

What are the risk factors for developing liver spots?

Liver spots, dark spots, or age spots are common, particularly for those over 50. However, certain risk factors may make you more likely to develop liver spots over time. Liver spots develop due to sun damage; those who have had intense or frequent exposure to the sun or tanning beds are more likely to develop liver spots. Also, people with a history of severe sunburns are more likely to have these dark spots form on their skin. Another risk factor is skin type or skin tone. Those with lighter skin types naturally have less melanin in their skin. As a result, people with lighter skin are more likely to be at risk of developing this discoloration. However, patients with dark skin tones are also sensitive to sun exposure and can suffer from sun spots and facial melasma.

Are liver spots dangerous?

No. Liver spots themselves are not dangerous and are only a cosmetic concern. However, signs of skin cancer lesions, including melanoma, can look similar to liver spots. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that develops within the melanocytes. The ABCDE acronym is used in dermatology to identify unusual moles that may indicate melanoma or other skin cancers. Dermatologists look for asymmetry, irregular borders, changes in color, a diameter of more than 6 millimeters, and whether the lesion is evolving or changing over time (in either size, color, or shape). If you notice a new dark lesion and are unsure if it is a liver spot or skin cancer, it is best to have it examined by an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC. Dr. Green can visually assess any growths, moles, and dark spots and determine if it is a liver spot or if a skin biopsy or other treatments are necessary. This is especially the case if there is a family history of skin cancer.

Do liver spots go away?

Unfortunately, liver spots do not go away on their own. Liver spots form over many years of sun exposure and become more prominent with age, growing and coalescing to form larger spots. To eliminate liver spots, you must do so with a combination of cosmetic dermatological procedures, such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments, and targeted skincare products and skin-lightening creams.

Can liver spots be removed?

Yes! While true liver spots are not dangerous, patients can have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Cryotherapy was a treatment option in the past, where liquid nitrogen was applied to the melanin-rich lesion to freeze and destroy the pigmented cells. This treatment is outdated as it increases the risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation, and Dr. Green uses alternate treatments that are both more effective and have fewer side effects. As there are several different non-invasive treatment options for eliminating the appearance of liver spots, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green will assess the location, size, and severity of the liver spots to determine the treatment or combination of treatments that will eliminate the lesions and ensure that the sunspots do not return. The treatment options in Dr. Green’s office include laser therapy, intense pulsed light therapy, chemical peels, HydraFacials, Microneedling, Vivace, Cosmelan, Mesopeels, and a variety of topical creams and broad-spectrum sunscreens to eliminate sunspots, lighten the skin, and protect the skin from further liver spots.

Laser treatments for liver spot removal

Candela Alex TriVantage Laser

The Candela Alex TriVantage Laser is designed to treat discreet, localized liver spots. The Candela Alex TriVantage is an Nd: Yag laser that eliminates pigmented lesions with minimal discomfort and little recovery time. During the procedure, the laser delivers wavelengths of light to the dermis that are absorbed by the melanin-rich lesions – the light energy is then converted into heat, destroying the pigmentation and allowing for healthier, lighter skin cells to come to the surface. The laser specifically targets pigmented cells, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The effect of the treatment becomes visible 1 to 2 weeks after receiving the procedure. Depending on how dark the sunspot is, you may need one to two treatments to fully remove the discoloration and undesired pigmentation. If a second treatment is needed, a one-month interval is needed for the skin to heal fully between desired treatments. In addition to removing liver spots, the Alex TriVantage laser effectively eliminates black-, blue-, and green-pigmented tattoos.

Fraxel Dual Laser

The Fraxel Dual laser treatment was one of the first fractionated lasers to be FDA-approved for treating sun damage, sun spots, and liver spots. The laser has two wavelengths: a 1927nm setting to treat liver spots, lentigos, hyperpigmentation, and actinic keratoses and a 1550nm setting to treat acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture. The Fraxel laser creates thousands of controlled, microscopic injuries to the skin to stimulate its natural healing process and promote collagen synthesis and new, smooth skin cells. When utilizing the 1927nm wavelength setting, the Fraxel Laser targets and destroys melanin in the pigmented cells while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. For that reason, Fraxel Lasers are best used for patients with lighter skin (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-III) to avoid any unnecessary side effects for patients with darker skin tones. Depending on the degree of pigmentation, the number of sun spots, and the degree of sun damage, you may need three Fraxel laser treatments to remove all unwanted pigmentation. Each Fraxel laser treatment should be scheduled one month apart for optimal cosmetic results. For patients with darker skin tones, the Clear + Brilliant laser may be a more appropriate option for removing unwanted liver and sun spots.

Clear + Brilliant Laser

The Clear + Brilliant Laser, often called the “mini-Fraxel” laser, is a gentle resurfacing laser that gradually reduces pigmentation, sun, liver, and age spots. With the Clear + Brilliant Laser treatment, patients can expect skin rejuvenation and the elimination of pigmentation, as the laser’s fractionated energy dispels the melanin-rich lesions and triggers collagen production for new, healthy skin. The Clear + Brilliant Laser is also advantageous as it is a gentle laser that can be used on patients of almost all skin types, from light to darker skin tones, and is safe and effective for all. While the effects of the treatment can be seen almost immediately following the procedure, Dr. Green recommends five to six treatment sessions spaced one month apart, depending on the severity, to produce the best results. There is no recovery time after the Clear + Brilliant laser, and patients can resume their daily schedule without side effects.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, also known as photo-rejuvenation or photo facial, uses wavelengths of light to treat pigmentation and fine lines and improve the skin’s texture and feel. Unlike most lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL treatment uses several different wavelengths to combat the signs of aging on many levels. When the IPL device is applied to the skin, it emits a wavelength of light that penetrates the dermal layer of the skin and is absorbed into the melanin-rich lesion. The pigmented cells that make up the liver spot convert the light energy into heat, which destroys the pigmented cells, triggers the production of new collagen, and creates new, healthy skin. The IPL treatment is not painful and requires no recovery time following the procedure. Multiple treatment sessions spaced one month apart are often required to see the best cosmetic results.

Chemical Peels for liver spot treatment

Trichloroacetic (TCA) Peels

A TCA peel involves applying trichloroacetic acid, a chemical solution, to the skin to remove the top layer of dead, pigmented skin cells. Removing the dead skin cells and pigmented cells triggers the production of new skin, which leaves you with more even, brighter, and healthier-looking skin. Varying strengths of TCA can be used, depending on the severity of the pigmentation and the patient’s skin type and tone. In addition to eliminating liver spots, TCA peels can improve skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, enlarged pores, and other visible signs of aging. Patients may need five or six peels to see optimal cosmetic results. TCA peels are not recommended for patients with darker skin tones due to the increased risk of post-peel discoloration.

Cosmelan Peels

The Cosmelan peel is excellent for reducing the appearance of melasma, liver spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for a clearer, brighter complexion. Cosmelan is a medical-grade chemical peel that employs a proprietary combination of ingredients to eliminate discoloration and stimulate the creation of healthier skin. The peel works to exfoliate dead, pigmented cells from the skin, prevent further melanin accumulation, and inhibit melanocytes from moving to the top layer of the skin. The Cosmelan peel is applied at Dr. Green’s office and left on for a specified time based on your pigmentation and skin type. The treatment will trigger an initial peeling, reducing the pigmentation on your face. The peel is then cleaned off using a gentle cleanser. Following the Cosmelan peel, Dr. Green will prescribe a skincare routine containing skin-lightening creams to enhance the treatment results. Using sunscreen and practicing proper sun protection is crucial to avoid further sun damage and pigmentation.

Mesopeels

Mesopeels are chemical peels specifically designed to treat hyperpigmentation in sensitive areas. The Mesopeel works like other chemical peels to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and creating new collagen for rejuvenated skin. Unlike the Cosmelan peel, which is left on the skin for several hours, Mesopeels are left on for a matter of minutes before being removed, and the amount of time applied varies depending on the treatment area. Mesopeels can be applied to many areas, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and hands. Patients sensitive to the Cosmelan peel can easily tolerate Mesopeels, as its formulation is much gentler on the skin. Typically, four to six treatments are necessary to achieve the best results. There is no downtime, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure. Following the Mesopeel procedure, Dr. Green may also prescribe lotions and creams from her MGSKINLABS, Inc. line of products for the best and lasting results.

Microneedling to eliminate liver spots

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is another treatment option available in Dr. Green’s office for eliminating liver spots and pigmentation and improving skin texture, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. The procedure involves piercing the skin with tiny microneedles, which create a series of micro-injuries in the treatment area. The body reacts to the small wounds by producing new collagen, which leads to smoother, healthier, brighter skin. Another benefit of microneedling is that the procedure allows any skincare products applied afterward to penetrate deeper into the skin. Dr. Green often utilizes a depigmentation serum during the microneedling treatment to lighten and soften hyperpigmentation and liver spots. The depigmentation serum contains various skin-brightening agents that reduce melanocyte activity and eliminate liver spots. The treatment is painless, and Dr. Green applies a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. Dr. Green recommends receiving about three microneedling treatments spaced approximately one month apart for the best results.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that gently exfoliates the skin to eliminate pigmentation, including liver spots. Traditional microdermabrasion treatment uses aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals to sand away the top layer of skin, while diamond microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped handpiece to exfoliate the skin. As dead, pigmented skin cells are “buffed” from the skin, healthy, new skin can come to the surface. In addition to reducing pigmentation, microdermabrasion can improve skin texture, fine lines, acne scars, and other skin concerns. Patients may require several treatments to receive the best cosmetic results.

HydraFacials

A HydraFacial is a three-step process that rejuvenates the skin and improves pigmentation, acne, and redness. It is safe and effective for all skin tones. The HydraFacial treatment uses patented vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin. During the cleansing and exfoliating steps, beta- and alpha-hydroxy acids like salicylic and glycolic acid remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and other impurities from clogged pores. Afterward, nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides moisturize the skin. Targeted boosters can be incorporated into the procedure to address various skin concerns. Boosters like HydraFacial Brighten or Murad Vita-C can be applied to deliver antioxidants and skin-brightening ingredients to the skin and reduce the appearance of liver spots. There is no downtime with the procedure, and Dr. Green often recommends a series of HydraFacial treatments to see the best results.

Topical skincare products for liver spot treatment

With so many topical skincare products advertised for pigmentation, it can be confusing as to which product is best for you. Luckily, Dr. Green is here to help. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private NYC dermatology office, she will devise an individualized skin care regimen to aid your in-office treatments and help you achieve and maintain clear, radiant skin. Dr. Michele Green has designed a complete line of products, including skin-lightening lotions and creams, to help improve skin tone, texture, sun damage, and liver spots. Dr. Green also incorporates prescription topical products, such as hydroquinone or retinoids, into her patient’s treatment plans to eliminate liver spots and brighten the skin.

Founded by internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, MGSKINLABs has many skincare options to treat age spots and prevent the further development of hyperpigmentation. The Vita-C Serum contains a high potency of vitamin C and is not irritating on the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that increases skin cell turnover, protects against oxidative stress, and reduces pigmentation and liver spots. MGSKINLAB’s Skin Brightening Cream is another fantastic product that contains skin-lightening ingredients like kojic acid and fruit extracts to lighten the skin and eliminate pigmentation.

Dr. Green may recommend using hydroquinone, a topical skin-lightening cream, in your skincare regimen. Hydroquinone blocks melanin production and prevents melanocytes from moving to the upper layers of the skin. It can only be obtained through a prescription from a board-certified dermatologist. However, it can irritate the skin, especially in patients with sensitive skin. Therefore, wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure is essential when using hydroquinone, as it can photosensitize the skin.

Retinoids are another effective prescription cream for eliminating liver spots. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and work to enhance skin cell turnover, sloughing off dead, pigmented cells to reveal new, bright skin cells underneath. Retinoids also boost collagen production to improve skin texture and rejuvenate the skin. Proper sun protection should be adhered to when using retinoids, as the product can make the skin sensitive to the sun. Retinoids like Retin-A and tretinoin are only available through prescription by a board-certified dermatologist. Retinols, however, can be found over-the-counter. Dr. Green’s MGSKINLAB skincare line carries an Essential Antioxidant Infusion serum packed with retinol, vitamins C and E, and other nutrients to exfoliate and replenish the skin.

The most important skincare product to use while treating liver spots is sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential for maintaining treatment results and preventing further pigmentation and damage by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dr. Green recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 to protect from UVA and UVB rays. The Hydrating SPF 50 from MGSKINLABs is an excellent sunscreen that utilizes zinc oxide to protect against the sun and hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to soften and nourish the skin. Dr. Green also recommends layering a chemical and physical sunscreen on the skin for maximum protection. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate to absorb harmful UV rays and convert them into heat energy. Physical sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a protective barrier on the skin and reflect UV rays.

Cosmelan treatment – 6 weeks

Does skin color affect which treatment to use for removing liver spots?

Yes! Skin color and skin type play a significant role in choosing the best treatment to remove liver spots, age spots, and solar lentigines. Certain laser treatments, for example, remove dark spots by targeting and destroying the melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the hair and skin their color, and age spots are formed when there is an overproduction of melanin from sun exposure that increases to form dark spots. Darker skin tones naturally have more melanin in the skin than lighter skin tones, which means patients with dark skin are not candidates for these types of lasers as the laser will target healthy skin and potentially damage the skin, cause a burn, or worsen the hyperpigmentation. Patients with darker skin types are also more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so laser treatments such as Fraxel should not be used on dark skin. Those with darker skin types may be a better candidate for topical treatments, such as chemical peels, Cosmelan peels, Mesopeels, microneedling, or skin-lightening creams, such as hydroquinone. To prevent unwanted side effects from cosmetic treatments, consult board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in her Upper East Side dermatology office, who is well-experienced in all skin types and skin tones and will customize the safest, most effective liver spot treatment plan for you.

How to prevent liver spots

Liver spots are a common skin condition for patients with lighter skin tones and can be prevented with proper sun protection. Dr. Green recommends practicing strict sun avoidance to prevent the formation of sunspots. To do so, patients should always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Sunscreen should be worn whenever outside, even during rain or snow, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off of snow. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after engaging in water activities. Patients prone to developing liver spots should layer both a physical and chemical sunscreen to fully protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays. When going outside, patients can also protect their skin by staying in the shade and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and tightly woven clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about liver spots:

What are liver spots, and what causes them?

Liver spots are flat, tan, harmless growths that appear due to overexposure to UV rays. When the skin is exposed to the sun, melanin production is triggered to protect the skin from damage. Over time, this increased melanin production can lead to the appearance of liver spots on the skin’s surface. Liver spots appear most commonly on skin areas most frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders.

What do liver spots mean?

Patients in Dr. Green’s office always ask, “Why do people get liver spots?” Liver spots indicate that a patient was exposed to UV rays without protection – either from the sun or commercial tanning beds – resulting in hyperpigmentation on the skin. Liver spots are not dangerous and are not a sign of skin cancer. However, some patients do not like the look of liver spots and opt to have them removed with the help of a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. If you are worried about an area of pigmentation on the skin, the best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist who can examine the skin spot.

What causes liver spots on your hands?

Hands are one of the most common areas for Hands are one of the most common areas for Hands are one of the most common areas for liver spots and sun spots to appear because they are frequently exposed to the sun over time. Overexposure to the sun and harmful UV rays are the main culprits of liver spot development on the hands. Liver spots are harmless and do not require any intervention; however, they can make us look older than we are. Luckily, liver spots on the hands can be addressed through many of the same methods as age spots on the face. Laser resurfacing treatments with the Fraxel and Alex TriVantage lasers are used to erase the appearance of liver spots on the face and can also treat the backs of the hands. The recommended treatment for eliminating age spots on your hands will ultimately depend on the dark spots present and your skin type and tone. Dr. Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience treating age spots and other signs of sun damage, and she will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for your concerns.

Are age spots the same as liver spots?

Yes! Age spots, liver spots, solar lentigines, and sun spots all refer to the same type of lesion.

Why are liver spots called liver spots?

The origin of the name “liver spots” is not certain, though today, we recognize the term as a misnomer. Liver spots, in actuality, have nothing to do with the function of the liver. Some say that the term “liver spots” arose because people used to think that the spots were related to the function of the liver. Others say the name was given to the spots due to their liver-like color. Regardless, the name remains but can be used interchangeably with other terms such as sun spots or age spots.

As liver spots are unrelated to the liver, many patients wonder, “What causes spots on the liver?” Spots on the liver, sometimes called liver lesions, are not dermatological. These spots often arise due to disorders such as chronic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, genetic disorders, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Is oral tranexamic acid effective for age spot treatment?

Tranexamic acid is commonly used topically to lighten pigmentation and can be prescribed as an oral medication to treat melasma. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative prescribed as an antifibrinolytic agent to treat bleeding disorders. Recent clinical studies have shown its efficacy as an off-label prescription in treating melasma and hyperpigmentation. Oral tranexamic acid can slow UV-induced melanin synthesis at a low dosage without the blood clotting effects observed at higher dosages. Tranexamic acid has been found to inhibit tyrosinase activity, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation. Oral tranexamic acid treatment can be combined with topical or in-office treatments to achieve the best cosmetic results. Research is still being conducted on oral tranexamic acid to determine its safety and efficacy for treating liver spots and age spots. If you are interested in oral tranexamic acid, it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for an assessment to determine if it is recommended for you.

When do liver spots appear?

Liver spots typically appear when patients are in their 40s and 50s. However, extensive sun exposure can also lead to the appearance of liver spots in younger patients. Typically, these areas of pigmentation will begin to merge over time, forming speckled or mottled areas of hyperpigmentation on the skin’s surface. The appearance of liver spots can be prevented by wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure. Prevention strategies must be started early to ensure that liver spots do not appear later.

Do liver spots itch?

Liver or age spots are not harmful or cancerous and are typically not associated with itchiness or pain. However, if you notice a new dark spot of concern, be sure to have it checked by an experienced board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Dr. Green will visually inspect the dark spot to determine if it is a liver spot or other skin disorder. If a dark spot is bleeding, has irregular borders, changes in diameter, gets darker, or itching, it is best to have Dr. Green carefully assess and biopsy it to ensure that the growth is not cancerous.

Do liver spots get bigger?

Liver spots develop due to repeated or extreme exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. They form due to increased melanin production, which coalesce in a single location, creating a tan or brown spot. Once they have formed, however, they do not typically grow. If you notice an asymmetrical spot with irregular borders growing, shifting, getting darker, or changing, that could be a sign of malignant melanoma or skin cancer. If you are noticing changes in spots on your body, it is best to consult Dr. Green so she can determine whether the spots are harmless liver spots or cancerous lesions.

How do you get rid of liver spots naturally?

Liver spots will not go away independently and typically require a procedure or skin-brightening cream for treatment. Some treatments can be done at home to help reduce the appearance of liver spots. Many individuals swear by aloe vera, as some compounds found in aloe vera have been shown to lighten the skin. Green tea is also used on liver spots due to its antioxidant properties. While natural products at home can have some effect on reducing liver spots, these remedies have not been fully studied for their safety or efficacy. It is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green for the most effective treatment. An expert in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience treating liver spots with laser treatments and chemical peels and will work with you to tailor a customized treatment plan to help you achieve clear, radiant skin.

How to avoid liver spots

Liver spots are brown or tan, flat, round spots that develop in any area exposed to extreme sunlight. The face is a common area for liver spots to develop, as the face is infrequently covered by protective clothing and, therefore, an area of the body that is often directly exposed to the sun. If you are often outside between 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its most intense, and you have neglected to wear sun protection such as sunscreen, you may be at greater risk for developing liver spots on your face. Liver spots on the face can still be eliminated using any of the methods listed above, including laser therapy, IPL treatment, chemical peels, HydraFacials, microneedling, and using a combination of skin lightening creams and lotions containing kojic acid or tranexamic acid.

How do I get started with liver spot treatment today?

Liver spots and age spots on visibly sun-damaged skin can cause us to look drastically aged and negatively impact self-esteem. While liver spots are harmless, many patients have them removed for cosmetic reasons. If you are frustrated by the appearance of sunspots on your face, hands, or body, Dr. Green in NYC can help. In her private cosmetic dermatology office, Dr. Green offers many safe and effective non-invasive treatment options for liver spots, including laser treatments like Fraxel and Alex Trivantage, chemical peels like Cosmelan, microneedling, and targeted skincare products. These liver spot treatment options require little to no downtime or side effects, allowing patients to easily. When you consult with Dr. Green for your liver spot treatment, you can look forward to a brighter, smoother, clearer complexion that lasts.

As an internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Michele Green employs the most innovative non-invasive treatment options to eliminate liver spots, sun damage, and pigmentation from the skin. Dr. Green embraces a holistic approach and ‘less is more’ philosophy regarding rejuvenation and is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in New York by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. When you consult with Dr. Green, she will work with you to customize a unique treatment plan that incorporates the in-office procedures and specially formulated skincare products best suited to you and your situation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Green and learn more about how to get rid of liver spots on the face, call the NYC-based office at 212 535 3088 or contact us online today.