Removing Age Spots with Hydrogen Peroxide

When It comes to the process of aging, there are many advantages and disadvantages, with many people agreeing that age spots fall into the latter category. As time goes on, age spots become more present for the world to see, some would say they are a beacon that middle age has parked itself right onto your skin. Fortunately, there are a few ways age spots can be treated and eliminated. While expensive lasers treatments, chemical peels, and freezing by liquid nitrogen are all valid options, there are inexpensive ways to successfully remove them yourself in the comfort of your home by using none other than hydrogen peroxide.

Age spots, or referred medically as lentigines, are prominent spots from sun exposure throughout the years. Medlineplus of the National Library of Medicine reports that age spots become a common skin disorder after the age of 40. These spots typically occur on areas that are exposed easily to the sun such as your face, forearms, back of your hands, forehead, abdomen, chest, and shoulders. Some have even known these spots as “liver spots,” However, they have no real connection to the liver or its functions.

The owner of an alternative medical clinic in Texas and researcher, Dr. David Williams, describes hydrogen peroxide as “an interesting substance that should be called hydrogen dioxide.” Hydrogen peroxide is a unique substance that contains more than one atom of oxygen than water does. The substance is also colorless and odorless, but not tasteless. It’s recommended not to digest hydrogen peroxide as it can be dangerous.

Insight from an Expert

Dr. Karen Burke, a New York dermatologist, recommends using hydrogen peroxide on small prominent age spots for inexpensive, over-the-counter treatment. However, this shouldn’t be used as a quick fix. Using hydrogen peroxide could take up to several weeks to get rid of the appearance of age spots that you’re targeting. Dr. Burke advises using at least 12 percent hydrogen peroxide, which typically is found at local drug stores or beauty supply stores. Higher percentage hydrogen peroxide is often used in combination with hair bleaching products, thus making it very potent. Compared to hydrogen peroxide you may have in your home, – which is usually only 3 percent, – won’t be enough to remove the appearance of age spots effectively.

Before You Begin

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Before you begin applying the hydrogen peroxide, be sure to distinguish your age spots first from the other brown marks on your skin. Typically, age spots are flat in shape, and range in tones of light to dark brown or black areas that are a result of overproduction of pigmentation. The edges of age spots are rarely the same in appearance. When you begin setting up the materials for this home treatment, be sure to do it at an area where you can easily guard against any spilling of the peroxide. Because it’s recommended to use 12 percent, spilling the solution could damage any colored surface it touches. When you begin the application, don’t be alarmed when you notice foaming over the area, this is a typical reaction that hydrogen peroxide makes when it contacts with a surface; it’s merely an interaction with oxygen.

Instructions for Age Spot Removal with Hydrogen Peroxide

Dr. Burke recommends using a cotton swab that is dipped and saturated in the peroxide solution. Once fully coated, apply the hydrogen peroxide-soaked cotton swab to one small spot to see how your skin reacts. If you find your skin tolerates it well then re-apply it on your other age spots by gently pushing in slightly with the swab to allow the solution to coat the area for better absorption.

When applying, be careful to only place the peroxide solution only onto the spot itself, not allowing it to drip down onto your face. Typically this happens when the cotton swab has absorbed too much liquid. After pressing in, hold the swab in place until a slight stinging sensation occurs. Repeat this process once every three days for a total of several weeks to achieve the best results.

The Time Frame To See Results

After you have applied the hydrogen peroxide to all your age spots, you may experience or feel a slight burning sensation for up to 10 minutes. This feeling is normal and should not be of concern. Some age spots may appear white in color for up to four hours. After the white begins to fade, the spots may change in color to that of pink or red for a few days. After several days has passed, expect the spots to scab over for a few more days then eventually falling off on its own. Please be sure not to pick these scabs off prematurely, or you will not see the full effect of the hydrogen peroxide.