Liver spots on hands: causes and treatments
Liver spots on hands can be a worry to many, and even more so as we get older. We’ll tell you more about why they appear and what you can do to treat them.
If you're reading this blog, we bet you've got your facial skincare down to a tee with hydrating and anti-ageing products and the all-important SPF! But do you take the same care of your hands? It's easy to forget about our hands and neglect to give them the care they need. This can cause liver spots to appear or decrease the quality of the skin.
If you're interested in preventing and treating spots on hands, read on!
Why do spots on hands appear?
The skin on our hands is especially fine, and this can lead it to show earlier signs of ageing than other areas. Over time, skin typically loses density which causes wrinkles and the appearance of spots on hands.
Sun exposure, and the resulting increase in melanin within our skin's cells, gives rise to these age spots. Radiation from the sun is usually the key factor causing these liver spots, but other elements can also come into play. These include:
- Genetics
- Inflammatory lesions, such as cuts, scars and burns
- Certain types of medication, etc.
Types of spots on skin
There are many different types of skin spots which can appear for various reasons. It is important to know which spots on skin we're dealing with before we begin any treatment.
- Lentigo simplex: Over time, cellular damage due to various causes can become evident. As ever, the sun's radiation is the key factor. This damage causes small brown marks on the hands which makes the skin look older.
- Solar lentigo or 'liver spots': Much like lentigo simplex, these sunspots appear after exposure to the sun's radiation. These can become visible at any time, even on young skin, and are often confused for freckles.
- White spots: White spots on hands can be the result of various diagnoses which can, in turn, impact the type of treatment they require. They can be caused by an infection, dermatitis or vitiligo. Always consult a dermatologist to ensure you receive the right diagnosis.
How can liver spots on hands be prevented?
Our hands are often exposed to the sun's damaging rays which is why it is important to treat them with as much care as our faces. Use full spectrum, high factor sun protection every single day. Don't forget to reapply throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. Keeping this skin well protected from the sun will prevent the appearance of spots on your hands.
It is recommended that you carefully limit your sun exposure at peak times. This can help to prevent the appearance of dark spots on hands.
Can brown spots on skin fade?
Every person is unique, so if you suffer from brown spots on skin or liver spots on hands and you're interested in removing or fading them, we recommend that you visit a professional who can suggest the best course of treatment for your particular situation.
At mesoestetic®, we recommend a combination of peels and microneedling which, together, offer the best results to remove dark spots.
Find your nearest aesthetic or medical-aesthetic centre.
What are the treatment options for spots on hands?
Our treatment consists of 5 in-centre sessions or medical consultations (depending on the severity of the spots). The skin is cleaned, ready for the application of a specific peel (mesopeel® melanostop tran3x or mesopeel® MD melanostop tran3x) which is used to treat spots on hands. The peel uses powerful lightening actives such as salicylic acid, kojic acid and tranexamic acid which, beyond their lightening properties, offer visible improvements in both tone and luminosity.
After the peel, during the same session, we carry out microneedling with a depigmentation solution. Microneedling is a process where the skin is micro punctured in a controlled manner, allowing for a deeper penetration of the treatment for increased efficiency.
The combination of the peel and microneedling will help your spots to fade within just a few weeks. Please keep in mind that you must always protect your hands with sun protection which is specifically designed for skin with liver spots, such as mesoprotech® melan 130 pigment control.
Are you looking to treat the spots on your hands? Reach out to the experts and request a professional diagnosis.
We always recommend consulting a healthcare professional who can advise your particular case.
Arantza Azparren
Global Training Manager
Dispone de amplia experiencia en el sector de la estética profesional, desarrollando protocolos y soluciones para las diferentes alteraciones de la piel y la silueta corporal.
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