Home laser devices are becoming increasingly popular for treating age spots or hyperpigmentation. These devices use a similar technology to professional laser treatments, but they are designed for use at home, making them a more convenient and cost-effective option.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Home laser for age spots, laser treatment for dark spots on face, best at home ipl for hyperpigmentation, and How can I remove age spots at-home?
Over-the-counter cosmetic laser and light devices have become as readily available as OTC pain relievers. A quick Google search for “at-home laser therapy for skin” returns devices that promise to zap zits, eliminate unwanted body hair, reduce wrinkles and fix discoloration.
Dr. Tyler Hollmig, director of Laser and Aesthetic Dermatology at Stanford Health Care, told CNET it’s obvious why the market for at-home laser treatments has grown so much: “Going to an actual clinic can be less than convenient as well as expensive,” he said. “At-home devices are relatively inexpensive and promise similar results as those used by dermatologists.”
While it’s tempting to place an order for one of these skin-smoothing lightsabers, dermatologists warn that you might not get the results you want. Before you spend the money, learn about the safety of these devices, how they work and what kinds of changes to your skin you can expect.
Home Laser for Age Spots
To clear up any confusion, it’s important to mention that most devices marketed or referred to as “at-home lasers” don’t actually use laser technology like the kind you’d get at a clinic or medispa.
“True laser technology is not available for home use,” Dr. Kathleen Cook Suozzi, a dermatological surgeon and the aesthetic director of Yale Medicine Dermatology, told CNET. “The at-home ‘lasers’ on the market are typically light-based devices that do not have the power of laser devices available for in-office procedures.”
Home use devices do use some of the technology you’d find in a dermatologist’s office, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) and light-emitting diodes (LED), but not with the same pinpointed accuracy.
Many home “laser” hair removal devices also use light therapy, but there are some devices that actually use a laser to remove hair.
At Home IPL for Dark Spots
The most common type of home laser for age spots is the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device. IPL targets the excess pigment in the skin with a broad spectrum of light, which the body’s natural processes then absorb and eliminate. IPL devices can be effective for treating age spots, sun damage, and other types of hyperpigmentation.
When using a home laser device for age spots, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment. Most home laser devices require multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired results, and patients may need to wait several weeks between treatments to allow the skin to heal.
It’s also important to note that while home laser devices can be effective for treating mild to moderate age spots, they may not be as effective as professional laser treatments for more severe cases. Patients with darker skin tones may also need to exercise caution when using home laser devices, as they can cause skin discoloration or other side effects if used improperly.
In conclusion, home laser devices can be an effective and convenient option for treating age spots, but they may not be as effective as professional laser treatments for more severe cases. Patients should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their skin or the effectiveness of the treatment.
laser treatment for dark spots on face
We’ve all been there. That moment in our youth where sun protection just didn’t seem all that important. Unfortunately, those days of skipping the sunscreen may have done more damage than you think. Brown spots (aka sun spots or age spots) start to appear about 20-years after your skin was damaged by harmful UV-rays. These days, however, we’re able to treat most hyperpigmentation issues with minimally-invasive laser treatments.
Capital Laser & Skin Care offers various laser treatments designed to treat a wide range of aesthetic concerns. Your cosmetic dermatologist will customize your laser treatment based on the severity of your condition. For brown spots, we like Fraxel® Dual Laser or Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser. Both produce exceptional results with minimal downtime.
*Individuals Results May Vary
Fraxel® Dual Laser for Brown Spots
Fraxel® is a highly effective laser treatment for mild to moderate sun-damage. The procedure has very few side effects and almost no downtime. Treatments deliver non-ablative thermal energy to the deeper layers of skin for long-term collagen enhancement. Although some results can be seen in just 3-4 days, an optimal outcome may not occur for 3-6 months following your final Fraxel® session.
Halo™ Hybrid Fractional Laser for Brown Spots
Halo™ is a hybrid laser treatment that uses both non-ablative and ablative wavelengths to tackle moderate to severe hyperpigmentation. While non-ablative energy targets specific layers of sun-damaged skin, ablative energy resurfaces the topmost layers of skin. Halo™ laser treatments can be customized for a gentle resurfacing or a one-time treatment with more downtime but better results.
Laser Treatment Consultations Available
Long-Term Brown Spot Reduction with Laser Treatments
You’re encouraged to maintain your new complexion by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ during outdoor activities. You’ll also want to skip the tanning bed if you want to keep your skin looking youthful.
What a lovely practice with excellent results. Would recommend to anyone. Patient-centric, caring staff that strive to make you comfortable and focus on your needs. Atmosphere is welcoming and kind.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning more about Brown Spot treatments at Capital Laser & Skin Care? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation just blocks away from Washington, D.C.
Best Laser Pen for Dark Spots
There are many different at-home IPL devices available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an at-home IPL device for hyperpigmentation:
Treatment area: Consider the size of the treatment area that you need to cover. Some devices are designed for smaller areas, such as the face or hands, while others are suitable for larger areas like the legs or back.
Wavelength: Look for an IPL device with a specific wavelength that is appropriate for treating hyperpigmentation. A device with a higher wavelength may be more effective for deeper pigmentation, while a lower wavelength may be better suited for surface-level pigmentation.
Intensity levels: Check that the device has adjustable intensity levels, so you can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and skin type.
Safety features: Ensure the device has safety features such as skin tone sensors and safety shields to protect your skin from burning or other adverse reactions.
Brand and reviews: Look for a reputable brand with positive reviews and customer feedback.
Some of the most popular at-home IPL devices for hyperpigmentation include the Philips Lumea, Silk’n Infinity, and Tria Beauty Hair Removal Laser 4X. It’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any at-home IPL treatment to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your skin type and condition.
How can I remove age spots at-home
These small, flat, dark areas on your skin won’t hurt you, so you don’t have to treat them. But if you don’t like how they look, you can make the spots less noticeable or even make them disappear. You also can stop new ones from forming and keep the ones you have from getting darker.
Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions
You can find lots of skin-lightening products at the drugstore. But before you buy, check the ingredients. Look for creams that contain tranexamic acid, niacinamide, or kojic acid. Keep in mind: For creams to work, you’ll have to use them regularly for weeks or months. And they might irritate your skin.
Beware of Mercury
Make sure nothing on the label suggests your skin lightener contains mercury. It can damage your liver and nerves. People who get close to you while you wear products containing mercury can develop serious health problems, too. You might see the words “mercury” or “mercuric” on the bottle or tube. But products with mercury might also list any of these ingredients: calomel, cinnabaris, hydrargyri oxydum rubrum, or quicksilver.
Get a Prescription
It’s OK to try drugstore products. But a dermatologist could save you time and money on creams that may not work. Your doctor can help figure out which formulas, if any, will be best for your skin. Prescription remedies are stronger than the ones you can buy over the counter. They usually have hydroquinone. Sometimes they have retinoids or a mild steroid, too. You’ll still need to use them regularly for months.
Age Spot Procedures
If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels. Keep in mind that procedures cost more than creams. They also come with more risks. Your doctor can help you weigh your options.
Laser Treatment
Your doctor can use narrow beams of light to get rid of the cells that are causing your age spots without damaging the rest of your skin. You’ll probably need more than one treatment for it to work. Lasers might make your skin crust at first or darken your spots. But these side effects usually go away quickly.
Freezing (Cryotherapy)
Your doctor will put liquid nitrogen on your skin for a few seconds. This will freeze the areas where the spots are. As your skin heals, it should get lighter. This treatment can be painful and may cause irritation, swelling, blisters, or redness. There’s a chance it could cause scars or darker patches, too.
Dermabrasion
For this procedure, doctors use a rapidly spinning brush to sand down your spotted skin so new skin can replace it. You may have to do it more than once. The process can cause redness, scabs, and swelling. It could also take a long time for your skin to heal and look normal again.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to “sand” the skin instead of a spinning brush. It’s easier on your skin than dermabrasion. But you’ll need to have the treatment many times over months to fade your age spots. It might make your skin red or flaky.
Microneedling
In this procedure, the doctor uses fine needles to make tiny, evenly spaced holes in your skin. Your body responds to the little wounds by growing fresh collagen and elastin — signs of youth — to heal them. This response can improve the look of age spots and other skin damage.
Chemical Peel
Your doctor will apply an acid-based solution to remove layers of skin where you have age spots. New skin will take its place. You might have to do it more than once to get the results you want. This procedure may cause scarring, infection, or changes in your normal skin color.
Can Foods Help?
You may have seen that certain ingredients in your kitchen like lemon juice, oatmeal, or honey can help with age spots. While these things aren’t going to hurt your skin, they probably won’t do much for your age spots. If you really want those spots to fade, it’s best to use products or procedures that your doctor recommends.
Try Some Makeup
No matter which treatment you choose, getting rid of those age spots will take time. In the meantime, you could try using makeup to cover them up and make them harder to see.
Age Spot Prevention
To keep age spots lighter and avoid new ones, try these tips. Avoid the sun, especially at times when it’s most intense. Use a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen before you go outside, and reapply often. Wear gloves, a hat, or other clothing to protect the areas where you have age spots.
