Authored by Maggie Hira in Skin Care
Published on 08-22-2009

Age spots are oval or round shaped areas of discoloration that occur as a result of sun damage and aging. Exposure to the sun increases the amount of melanin in the skin, thus leading to age spots. They can occur anywhere on the body, but typically appear on the face and the back of the hand. Areas that are more often exposed to the sun are more likely to develop age spots. Lotions and creams can help fade and lighten these spots. There’s no need to purchase expensive, fancy creams. There are numerous affordable moisturizers on the market that provide similar results as the pricier options.

L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector Sheer Tint Moisturizer is an affordable moisturizer that works to fade out age spots and prevent new ones from forming. It evens out skin tone and provides added protection from further sun damage with its SPF 12 sunscreen. With pure vitamin C complex, it repairs skin cell damage and reduces the appearance of age spots.

Murad’s Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is an excellent age spot corrector. It contains hydroquinone 2%, a powerful skin bleaching agent that fades away dark age spots. Consistent use for at least four weeks will significantly reduce the amount of age spots on your face. This product may make your skin more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays so make sure to limit sun exposure while using this moisturizer.

Lancome’s Absoluete Hand moisturizing cream is a slightly pricier moisturizer that promises to fade away age and liver spots from the back of the hand while also softening the skin. With daily use, skin becomes smoother, softer and more even-toned. It also contains SPF 15 sunblock so users won’t have to worry about incurring more damage while using the cream.

Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-aging Moisturizer is specifically formulated to treat age spots that occur on the body. It’s not recommended for use on the face as the active ingredient Tripeptide 1 is meant for sole use on the body. The Prevage moisturizer reduces appearance of age spots while also firming and toning the skin. Moreover, this moisturizer reduces the appearance of stretch marks and minor scars.

Avon’s Skin So Soft Anti-aging Moisturizer softens dry skin, brightens up a dull complexion, fades dark spots and firms sagging skin. It also increases the elasticity of mature skin and evens out skin tone overall. Changes in skin’s appearance can be seen in as little as one week. Use regularly and consistently for best results.

Another good moisturizer is Professional Vita-K Solution. It’s enriched with licorice root extract, which is a common ingredient in many skin lightening creams. It diminishes age spots and minimizes blotchiness and redness. Use this moisturizer for at least 4-6 weeks to fully take advantage of the cream’s effectiveness.

Unfortunately, age spots cannot really be avoided. However, they can be treated with relative ease using lotions that contain skin-lightening ingredients like hydroquinone and licorice root that fade away high concentrations of melanin. Thereby, the dark age spots are reduced until they’re no longer visible. Expensive and affordable age spot moisturizers are highly similar, and the expensive ones are not necessarily better.