Brown spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are extremely common as people get older. They are caused by an accumulation of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While brown spots are harmless, many people want to know if they will go away on their own without treatment.
Do Brown Spots Go Away Over Time?
For the most part, brown spots do not go away completely on their own. However, there are some cases where brown spots may fade or become less noticeable over time:
– Sun Exposure – Increased sun exposure can cause brown spots to temporarily darken and look more prominent. When sun exposure is avoided, this darkening fades and spots may look lighter in comparison. However, the spots don’t disappear completely.
– Skin Turnover – As we age, skin cell turnover slows down. Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, making brown spots appear darker. Exfoliation can help promote skin turnover and make spots less noticeable, but not remove them entirely.
– Skin Lightening – In some cases, brown spots may slowly fade over many years due to the natural skin renewal process. However, this process is slow and results are minimal. Spots don’t fully disappear.
So in summary, while brown spots may fluctuate in appearance or lighten slightly over time, they do not truly go away on their own without treatment. The underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation remains.
What Causes Brown Spots to Develop?
There are a few key factors that cause brown spots to appear in the first place:
– Sun Exposure – Chronic sun exposure is the leading cause of brown spots, as it stimulates melanocytes to produce excess melanin. Spots typically appear on areas of the body that get the most sun.
– Aging – With age, skin produces less melanin, but the melanin that is produced tends to cluster in certain areas, resulting in spots. Age spots are most common in adults over 50.
– Hormones – Hormonal changes in women, such as during pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills, can trigger overproduction of melanin.
– Genetics – Those with naturally darker skin tones have a higher risk of developing brown spots with age or sun exposure compared to those with fair skin.
– Liver Disease – Sometimes brown spots on the skin indicate an underlying liver condition such as cirrhosis. These spots are known as liver spots.
– Medications – Certain medications like NSAIDs, tetracyclines, and chemotherapy drugs may induce brown skin discolorations. These fade when the medication is stopped.
So while brown spots themselves are harmless, it’s important to understand what causes them to show up in the first place. This can help you prevent new spots from forming.
Where Do Brown Spots Typically Appear?
Brown spots can show up in many places on the body, but there are some common hot spots. These include:
– Face – Cheeks, forehead, upper lip and around the eyes. Spots here are primarily due to chronic sun exposure over time.
– Hands – Backs of the hands and fingers. With frequent sun exposure, age spots on hands are very common.
– Forearms – Often caused by driving with your hands/arms out an open car window.
– Shoulders – For women, spots often develop on the upper chest and shoulders where bathing suits don’t provide coverage.
– Bald Scalp – Age spots on the head are common, especially for men. Without hair coverage, the scalp is vulnerable to sun damage.
– Lower Legs – In women, hormone-related melasma spots frequently show up on the lower legs.
The development of brown spots in these areas reinforces the link between sun exposure and hyperpigmentation. Use protective clothing or daily broad spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas whenever possible.
Are Brown Spots a Sign of Skin Cancer?
While brown spots and skin cancer lesions can look similar to an untrained eye, they are very different. Here’s how to tell them apart:
– Appearance – Brown spots have uniform coloring and smooth borders. Skin cancers are often multi-colored, with uneven borders and an irregular shape.
– Change – Brown spots are usually stable over time. Cancerous lesions evolve rapidly, growing bigger, darker or more raised quickly.
– Location – Cancerous lesions can show up anywhere on the body. Brown spots have a predilection for sun-exposed areas.
– Sensation – Skin cancers are often tender, itchy, crusty or bleed. Brown spots themselves don’t cause discomfort.
– Onset – Brown spots develop slowly due to chronic sun exposure. Skin cancers can arise rapidly.
So while an existing brown spot doesn’t morph into a melanoma, one should still monitor all skin markings regularly. See a dermatologist promptly about any new lesions or changes. Early detection is key for improving outcomes.
Can Brown Spots Return After Being Removed?
If you opt to have brown spots professionally removed by a dermatologist, there is a chance they could return after time. Here’s why:
– Underlying Pigment – Procedures like cryotherapy or laser only treat pigment in the top layers of skin. Melanocytes deeper in the skin remain unaffected and can reproduces spots.
– Ongoing Sun Exposure – If everyday sun protection isn’t implemented after spot removal, UV rays will continue to stimulate melanin production and cause new spots.
– Aging – The natural aging process causes melanocytes to cluster as time goes on. Treating current spots doesn’t prevent new ones.
– Genetics – Those with darker skin tones are prone to hyperpigmentation and spots returning.
So while removing existing brown spots can temporarily restore a more even skin tone, it doesn’t address the factors that caused spots to form in the first place. Diligent sunscreen use and skin checks are imperative for ongoing prevention and early detection.
Should Brown Spots Be Removed For Cosmetic Reasons?
The decision to have brown spots removed for purely cosmetic reasons is a personal one. Here are some factors to consider:
Pros:
– Improves Appearance – Removes unsightly spots and age spots, providing a more even skin tone.
– Boosts Confidence – Those embarrassed by visible spots may feel more comfortable in their skin after removal.
– Affordable – Many removal options like cryotherapy and chemical peels cost under $150 per session.
– Low Risk – Modern removal techniques are very safe when performed properly by a dermatologist.
– Quick Healing – Most methods have minimal downtime and quick recovery.
Cons:
– Spots May Return – As previously discussed, underlying causes still need to be addressed to prevent recurrence.
– Multiple Treatments – For severely sun-damaged skin, a series of removal sessions may be required over time.
– Temporary Results – Completely spot-free skin may only last weeks or months before new ones appear.
– Scarring Risk – Aggressive treatments like TCA peels can cause scarring if not performed correctly.
– No Health Benefit – Strictly cosmetic removal does not improve actual skin health.
Weigh these factors carefully before deciding if cosmetic removal of brown spots would be beneficial for your unique situation and skin. Your dermatologist can help guide you.
What Are the Best Ways to Remove Brown Spots?
If you and your dermatologist determine spot removal is right for you, there are a variety of effective options available. Popular methods include:
– Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy pigmented lesions. Affordable, low pain.
– Laser Therapy – Precise lasers target and eliminate dark spots. Minimal discomfort or downtime.
– Chemical Peels – AHAs and TCAs remove top layers of skin to reveal newer, spot-free skin. More intensive.
– Dermabrasion – A rotating instrument sands skin’s top layer off. Require bandages and ointment after.
– Microdermabrasion – Gentler exfoliating crystals buff away pigmented skin. No downtime.
– Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – Pulses of light break up melanin clusters. Often requires multiple treatments.
– Fillers – Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers can be used off-label to flatten raised seborrheic keratoses spots.
– Retinoids – Prescription vitamin A creams may help lighten spots over several months.
Discuss advantages, disadvantages and side effects of each method with your dermatologist. Cost will also be a factor in choosing the optimal removal approach for your particular spots.
Are There Effective At-Home Treatments for Removing Brown Spots?
While professional spot removal yields the best results, you can diminish the appearance of brown spots at home between treatments. Options include:
– Over-the-counter bleaching creams with hydroquinone, kojic acid or vitamin C. Use as directed.
– Daily sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher blocks UV rays that stimulate melanocytes. Prevent new spots.
– Regular exfoliation with AHAs, BHAs or retinol encouragement skin cell turnover to gradually fade spots.
– Vitamin C antioxidant serums inhibit excess melanin production and lighten existing spots over time.
– Niacinamide applied topically calms inflammation and can lighten hyperpigmentation.
– Soy extract has been shown to inhibit melanin transfer to skin cells when applied regularly.
– Licorice extract contains glabridin which interferes with melanin formation and absorption.
– Aloe vera gel and apple cider vinegar masks may provide mild lightening benefits.
While home remedies won’t remove brown spots entirely, they can be beneficial as part of your prevention regimen between professional treatments. However, consult your dermatologist before trying any new products – especially if you have sensitive skin.
The Takeaway
To recap the key points:
– Brown spots do not completely disappear on their own over time. Some minor fading may occur, but spots don’t vanish.
– Chronic sun exposure, aging, hormones and genetics contribute to initial spot development.
– Brown spots and skin cancer are two distinct conditions. Monitor any suspicious lesions.
– Removing spots for cosmetic reasons has pros and cons to weigh. Recurrence is likely without sun protection.
– Multiple professional spot removal options are available like cryotherapy and chemical peels. Discuss optimal choice for your skin with a dermatologist.
– Certain at-home ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide may help lighten brown spots. Use between treatments.
While brown spots are harmless, follow prevention best practices to maintain clear skin for years to come. Seek professional advice to decide if spot removal procedures could help you achieve your skin goals.
