Diseases & conditions
Featured

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.
Everyday care
Featured

Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.
Darker Skin Tones
Featured

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.
Cosmetic treatments
Featured

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.
Public health programs
Featured

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.
Find a dermatologist
Featured

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.
If you feel that age spots are telling people you’re past your prime, you may be able to fade those spots significantly. Sometimes, you can even get rid of them.
Before you treat age spots, however, you should know a few facts. These facts can protect your health and help you to get the best results.
Many treatment options are available for age spots
You’ll find 2 types of treatment for age spots:
Creams and lotions
Procedures
Procedures, which include laser therapy and chemical peels, tend to work faster. Procedures also cost more and have a higher risk of causing side effects.
Creams and lotions, however, require discipline. To see results, you have to apply a cream or lotion once or twice a day for weeks or months.
Here’s what you should know about your treatment options.
Creams and lotions:You’ll find plenty of products that manufacturers claim will fade age spots. Many you can buy without a prescription.
If you’d prefer to use a cream or lotion to treat age spots, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist first.
A dermatologist can tell you if an age spot is actually an age spot. Other spots that become more common on our skin with age, include seborrheic keratoses, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer.
Skin cancer can be serious. If you use an age spot treatment to fade a skin cancer, this can give the cancer time to grow and possibly spread. A dermatologist can examine your skin and tell you if any of the spots could be skin cancer. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
If you have age spots, seeing a dermatologist can also save you time and money. You’ll find so many creams and lotions available that can fade age spots. It can be difficult to figure out which, if any, can help you.
Some people need a prescription-strength cream to fade age spots. A board-certified dermatologist can tell you whether a prescription-strength cream or procedure would be more effective for you.
Laser treatment (procedure):One or two laser treatments can treat age spots quickly, and you’ll likely have longer-lasting results than with a cream that can fade age spots.
Lasers can also cause some side effects, such as crusting or temporary darkening of age spots, which you won’t get with creams. These side effects tend to fade quickly.
Cryosurgery (procedure):This is a common treatment for age spots. During this procedure, a dermatologist freezes the age spots. As the skin heals, it has a more even skin tone.
Treatment can be painful, but it’s quick. After treatment, you may have some pain, a blister, or temporary redness and swelling.
Possible permanent side effects include darkening of an age spot, lightening of the skin around the age spot, or a scar. When a board-certified dermatologist performs cryosurgery, permanent side effects are rare.
Microdermabrasion (procedure):During this procedure, a dermatologist will smooth away age spots. Studies show this can be quite effective, especially when a patient also has a chemical peel.
In one study, some patients were treated with microdermabrasion once every two weeks for 16 weeks. About 40% of these patients saw their age spots completely disappear. The patients who received microdermabrasion and a chemical peel had better results. Half of these patients saw their age spots completely disappear.
After a microdermabrasion treatment, you may see mild inflammation. This will likely disappear in a few hours. In the above study, the patients also had flaky skin for three or four days.
Chemical peeling (procedure):This can effectively treat age spots on the hands. In a study that compared chemical peeling with cryosurgery, the researchers found that 47% of the patients receiving the chemical peel had a 50% fading of their age spots. While the patients who had cryosurgery had slightly better results, the skin tends to heal faster after a chemical peel than after freezing (cryosurgery).
What looks like an age spot could be skin cancer, so you should see a board-certified dermatologist for a skin exam before treating age spots.

Sun protection is essential after treating age spots
No matter which treatment you choose, it’s important to know that age spots can return. You can prevent this by protecting your skin from the sun.
To get the protection you need, dermatologists recommend that you seek shade and cover your skin with sun-protective clothing. Examples of sun-protective clothing and accessories, include a light-weight and long-sleeve shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
For more effective protection from clothing, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
To protect your skin from the sun, you also need to apply sunscreen to all skin not covered by clothing. Apply sunscreen before you go outside. No just any sunscreen will do. You need a sunscreen that offers:
Broad-spectrum protection
SPF 30 or higher
Water resistance
Dermatologists help patients find the right treatment
With so many treatment options available, it can be hard to know which to choose. A dermatologist has the expertise needed to create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
You can find a board-certified dermatologist who can help you by going to, Find a Dermatologist. From theSpecialtydrop-down menu, chooseCosmetic Dermatology.
Images
Getty Images
References
American Academy of Dermatology. “Choose a qualified health care provider for dermatologic procedures.” News release issued July 27, 2017.
Ortonne JP, Pandya AG,et al. “Treatment of solar lentigines.”J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(5 Suppl 2):S262-71.
Schilling, LM and Nazanin S. “Commentary on a prospective trial comparing Q-switched ruby laser and a triple combination skin-lightening cream in the treatment of solar lentigines.”Dermatol Surg. 2016;42:858-9.
Last updated: 9/28/21
FAQs
Is there anything that really gets rid of age spots? ›
Age spot treatments include: Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months.
What is the fastest way to get rid of age spots at home? ›- Lemon juice. Using lemon juice to combat age spots is really a no-brainer. ...
- Potato. The starch and sugar in potatoes can work wonders on the skin due to their exfoliating ability to remove dead skin and boost the growth of new cells. ...
- Cucumber. ...
- Oatmeal. ...
- Buttermilk. ...
- Honey. ...
- Orange peel.
The hydrogen peroxide helps moisten age spots to dissolve them without damaging surrounding skin. Some people need more than one treatment in order to dissolve an age spot completely, especially if it's large or very dark.
Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots? ›Reduces age spots
Regular use of apple cider vinegar can reduce age spots. The alpha hydroxy acids present in it will make your skin healthy and remove dead skin. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in 1:1 ratio and wash your face with it. You can also use a cotton ball to apply this solution on your face.
'To a certain extent, yes,' Dr Ward surprisingly tells us. 'It has long been known that putting toothpaste on spots will help to dry them out and zap them up. ' Okay.
Can you remove age spots at home? ›There are no at-home remedies that'll remove age spots entirely. However, you can reduce the appearance of mild age spots by applying creams that gradually lighten them. Typically, patients have to use the creams or serums for a prolonged period of time before noticing a difference.
How do you get rid of spots ASAP? ›- 6 Ways to Get Rid of Pimples Fast. ...
- Apply Ice to the Pimple: ...
- Apply a Paste of Crushed Aspirin to the Pimple. ...
- Use An Over-the-Counter Acne Spot Treatment. ...
- Use Makeup with Salicylic Acid to Conceal Pimples. ...
- Apply a Face Mask for Acne. ...
- Get a Cortisone Injection to Quickly Get Rid of a Pimple.
So to answer if vaseline removes dark spots - No, regular Vaseline is just petroleum jelly that seals in moisture and doesn't contain any ingredient that would remove dark spots.
Can Colgate toothpaste remove dark spots? ›Colgate can get rid of pimples and dark spots
Dabbing a little bit of classic Colgate on the pimple and leaving it to dry overnight will help to dry it up and reduce the swelling around it. Remember to moisturise your skin in the morning though! Colgate can also help to clear any dark spots you might have.
When it comes to dark spot treatments, hydroquinone has been the gold standard for over 50 years. You can find this ingredient over the counter in concentrations of 2% or less, whereas the prescription has 4% or greater.
Does baking soda remove age spots? ›
Does baking soda help remove dark spots? A. Owing to its bleaching properties, baking soda can help fade away black marks and spots on the skin. However, it's important that you mix baking soda with other natural ingredients as it can be harsh on your skin if used topically.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to fade dark spots? ›Fade Blemishes & Discoloration
Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. Over time this treatment will lighten those spots and make them much less noticeable.
Apple cider vinegar
Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water. Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire.
- Frankincense oil. Research indicates that Frankincense can help reduce dark spots, reduce scar visibility, improve complexion, and can support cell turnover. ( ...
- Pomegranate oil. ...
- Geranium oil. ...
- Lemon oil. ...
- Ylang-ylang oil. ...
- Evening Face Serum For Better Skin Tone.
- Drink Plenty Of Water. Drinking plenty of water can do wonders to your skin. ...
- Lemon Juice And Yogurt Face Mask. We all know that lemons have a number of benefits. ...
- Buttermilk. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Tomatoes. ...
- Papaya. ...
- Honey.
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
Does lemon get rid of age spots? ›The citric acid in lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent and exfoliates the skin, reducing the appearance of age spots. Simply dab fresh lemon juice directly onto the spots twice daily and you should begin to notice improvements in about two months.
How do you get rid of a spot in 24 hours? ›People cannot remove pimples overnight, but home care can lessen swelling and may improve the appearance of pimples. Keeping the area clean, using ice, and hot compresses can help. For persistent or recurring pimples, people may wish to try acne treatments.
How do you get rid of a spot in less than 24 hours? ›“The fastest way [to get rid of a pimple] is to go to your dermatologist and get a cortisone shot,” says Dr. Friedier. Most of the time, she says, this steroid injection, which goes straight into the lesion, brings down the inflammation, swelling, and pain from a gnarly pimple within 24 hours.
How long to leave toothpaste on dark spots? ›Let it sit overnight, or at least 1-2 hours.
What happens if I put Vaseline on my face at night? ›
Locks in moisture
Vaseline locks in any moisture on your face without adding other ingredients that might irritate your skin. A layer of Vaseline applied before you sleep can help restore your face's natural level of moisture and softness.
Yes. Since witch hazel is a natural astringent it helps in the treatment of bruises, reduces pigmentation and calms redness on the skin. It helps in skin brightening and reducing age spots.
Can aloe vera remove dark spots? ›Aloe vera has been found to have many health benefits for the skin, from helping to heal wounds to moisturizing. There's a small amount of scientific evidence suggesting that applying aloe vera to your skin may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented areas, though it won't completely get rid of these darker spots.
What whitens dark spots? ›- 2% hydroquinone.
- azelaic acid.
- glycolic acid.
- kojic acid.
- retinoids, such as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene.
- vitamin C.
Roc Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
This all-in-one daily moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen from Roc was the consumer favorite in the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test and scored high for reducing visible spots by 4.5%, over four weeks in Lab measurements.
With baking soda:
Take one spoon of baking soda and one spoon of hydrogen peroxide and mix them in a bowl. Pat your face dry and apply it all over your face. Let it dry for at least 10-15 minutes and then wash it off. Follow up with a moisturizer.
Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apply the paste on the dark spots and leave it for 15 minutes. Allow it to dry and then wash off with cold water.
Lemon juice can help fade away dark spots and scars
Applied topically, lemon juice will work to gradually reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scars. With a cotton pad, wipe fresh lemon juice onto any healed scars or dark patches. Rinse off with lukewarm water after five minutes and pat dry.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
The mixing reaction causes the baking soda to foam up and produce carbon dioxide gas. If these chemicals are kept in a sealed container for a long time, it can cause a small explosion because the carbon dioxide will try to escape.
Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, but it should not be used on the skin. This is because it can cause irritation and may make wounds heal more slowly. It can also be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
Does hydrogen peroxide bleach dark spots? ›
Because hydrogen peroxide has very strong bleaching properties, it can lighten dark skin areas such as dark spots caused by sun damage, aging, scars or hormonal changes.
Does bleach remove dark spots? ›Minimizes dark spots
Skin bleaching treatments can reduce dark spots on the skin caused by sun damage, aging, and hormonal changes. It can be beneficial for those who want to minimize skin discoloration, such as: liver spots or age spots. sunspots.
Since the ingredient is not acidic, it will leave your skin feeling extremely gentle. The key is to apply apple cider vinegar in small amounts throughout your face. Once you apply this treatment, let it sit on your skin overnight. By the time you wake up in the morning, your skin will be clear, smooth, and vibrant.
Can rubbing alcohol remove dark spots? ›Areas of dark-brown hyperpigmentation could be completely rubbed off with isopropyl alcohol (Fig. 2).
What home remedy gets rid of dark spots overnight? ›According to research, aloe vera includes aloin, a naturally occurring depigmenting substance that has been demonstrated to lighten skin and function well as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation therapy. For using this: Before going to bed, apply pure aloe vera gel on pigmented areas. The next morning, rinse with warm water.
What vitamin deficiency causes age spots? ›Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, helps your body produce red blood cells. Not getting enough folate in your diet can lead to a loss of skin pigmentation.
How do you get rid of dark spots naturally? ›- Drink Plenty Of Water. Drinking plenty of water can do wonders to your skin. ...
- Lemon Juice And Yogurt Face Mask. We all know that lemons have a number of benefits. ...
- Buttermilk. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Tomatoes. ...
- Papaya. ...
- Honey.
- Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container.
- Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes.
- Rinse using lukewarm water.
- Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire.
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
What vitamin stops brown spots? ›Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
What vitamin gets rid of spots? ›
Increasing consumption of vitamin A, D, zinc, and vitamin E can help fight acne and lead to clearer skin. For more tips on acne treatment and supplements, consult a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information.
Can Vaseline remove dark spots? ›So to answer if vaseline removes dark spots - No, regular Vaseline is just petroleum jelly that seals in moisture and doesn't contain any ingredient that would remove dark spots.
Can baking soda remove dark spots? ›Does baking soda help remove dark spots? A. Owing to its bleaching properties, baking soda can help fade away black marks and spots on the skin. However, it's important that you mix baking soda with other natural ingredients as it can be harsh on your skin if used topically.
How can I remove dark spots in 2 days at home? ›Mix some freshly grated cucumber, lemon juice, and one teaspoon of sandalwood powder. Apply this to your skin and wait for it to dry completely before washing it off with ice-cold water and patting it dry. It will have a considerable effect on reducing dark patches and pigmentation.