Is there a treatment for sun spots/dark spots on the arms and legs?

What can you do with sun/age spots on your arms and legs? I know they can be lightened,but they come back darker when getting spray tanned or tan from a bottle. I look like I have polka dots - yikes

I know exactly what you mean and it’s frustrating because just when you want to cover some of the sun damage with the self tanner, certain areas actually look worse!

This happens because over time that brown spot has gone from just a flat, light tan spot (a lentigo) to a more treatment resistent lentigo plus surface change (a slightly rough texture) or an early “barnacle” (seborrheic keratosis).  It’s the slightly rough surface that concentrates the pigment from self-tanners.

Products that are helpful are anything that helps to smooth the surface – not perfect but helpful.  The SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest, Hand can be used.  Their body retexturizing treatment is helpful.  In the drugstore, Amlactin is helpful. Also, glycolic lotions like this one.  Use them consistently for 2 months at least before deciding if they are helping (stop if you get irritated, of course!).

Also, helpful is a twice monthly epsom salt bath with a scrub.  After you’ve done this for a few months, write again and I’ll discuss the other, more downtown options.

Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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