over the counter cream for age spots

[floridascgirl]

Has anyone found an over-the counter cream that really works for age spots..ahemm...I mean "sun spots" on the face?

My dermatologist said the only product that works is the prescription-only cream by Obagi, but I'm skeptical because they sell it in office...plus it's quite costly.

 

[C_leen]

Hi,

I have not tried these but dermatologists recommended them on Dr. Oz.

1. Brazilian Peel Glycolic Acai Peel $20. They claimed it was 'medical srength.'

2. Earth Science A/B Hydroxy Acid Night Rejuvenator $20

 

[MrsDoubtfire]

I found one that worked wonders for me....

I had a nasty "sun spot" on my right cheek - very close to my dimple (that appears when I smile) . I hated that spot with a passion and even when I wore foundation, it was visible. I tried a product called "Spot Light" by Alpha Hydrox on my spot, and it worked super. My spot is now 95% lighter than what it was. Foundation totally colors it (I use Clinique), and with no make-up on, the spot is almost invisible.

When I first started using the product, I just dabbed it on my spot with a q-tip - enough to only cover the spot. I did this at night before bed. The immediate reaction was the spot reddened a bit, but no itch and no pain/burning. After a week or so, the cream caused the skin over the spot to dry out completely, then flake off (not a good stage, but I was hopeful). I did use my regular moisturizer during this time as well as the Spot Lightener is not a moisturizer. After the skin over the spot healed, the spot was still visible, although much lighter. I started the process once again with more of the same - slight redness of the spot, then drying, flaking, peeling - then "new" skin. After the second round, my spot had all but disappeared. I am very thrilled with the results - especially considering that I used an OTC product and didn't have to plunk down $$ at a "spa" or dermatologist for a peel or laser therapy. If you try this product , please be patient. I did work for me, but not overnight. It took many years for the gross spot to settle into my skin, so a few months of working at it was so worth it to me. I did buy only one tube and it lasted quite a while. I purchased mine at Drugstore.com in the event you cannot find it at a local store.

I also tried a product prior to the Alpha Hydrox that Garnier puts out - "Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector", but I saw no difference in the lightening of the spot with that product. That product was a total waste of money and time.

 

[floridascgirl]

I found one that worked wonders for me....

I had a nasty "sun spot" on my right cheek - very close to my dimple (that appears when I smile) . I hated that spot with a passion and even when I wore foundation, it was visible. I tried a product called "Spot Light" by Alpha Hydrox on my spot, and it worked super. My spot is now 95% lighter than what it was. Foundation totally colors it (I use Clinique), and with no make-up on, the spot is almost invisible.

When I first started using the product, I just dabbed it on my spot with a q-tip - enough to only cover the spot. I did this at night before bed. The immediate reaction was the spot reddened a bit, but no itch and no pain/burning. After a week or so, the cream caused the skin over the spot to dry out completely, then flake off (not a good stage, but I was hopeful). I did use my regular moisturizer during this time as well as the Spot Lightener is not a moisturizer. After the skin over the spot healed, the spot was still visible, although much lighter. I started the process once again with more of the same - slight redness of the spot, then drying, flaking, peeling - then "new" skin. After the second round, my spot had all but disappeared. I am very thrilled with the results - especially considering that I used an OTC product and didn't have to plunk down $$ at a "spa" or dermatologist for a peel or laser therapy. If you try this product , please be patient. I did work for me, but not overnight. It took many years for the gross spot to settle into my skin, so a few months of working at it was so worth it to me. I did buy only one tube and it lasted quite a while. I purchased mine at Drugstore.com in the event you cannot find it at a local store.

I also tried a product prior to the Alpha Hydrox that Garnier puts out - "Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector", but I saw no difference in the lightening of the spot with that product. That product was a total waste of money and time.

Thanks so much. I'm definitely going to look in to "Spot Light" and I see they carry it at Ulta, which we have nearby.

 

[Candace]

Has anyone found an over-the counter cream that really works for age spots..ahemm...I mean "sun spots" on the face?

My dermatologist said the only product that works is the prescription-only cream by Obagi, but I'm skeptical because they sell it in office...plus it's quite costly.

Yes, Obagi works, and yes it is quite costly. Plus, after I did the whole thing for about 4 months, looking like I had been burned in the face, peeling, hurting, etc. THEN the spot returned. They told me that I had gotten in the sun again (without realizing maybe?) The next time I tried Obagi, I had become allergic. Go figure. Anyway, the Clinique product advertised on TV (the one with the spotted egg which fades and fades) didn't work either. Wasted money on a couple of tubes of that - at $60 a pop. I think I will try the product mentioned by Mrs. Doubtfire.

 

[si-am]

I have a huge brown spot that appears on my forehead every summer. Porcelana usually takes care of it, though it does take a while to work.

 

[tripletots]

I wanted to cry when my dermatologist referred to my sun freckles as age spots. She said use lots of sunscreen everyday and wear a hat. She said most of the over the counter products don't work. But she never tried to sell me prescription strength either.

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

I don't know if you've heard of BB creams. The Garnier one is about $11. I have found them to be wonderful for evening out my complexion.

 

[MrsDoubtfire]

Floridagirl... YW for the info. The "Spot Light" has hydroquinone in it - 2% I believe. Check it out on the Drugstore.com site to read many reviews about it. I have also used the souffle cream that Alpha Hydrox makes and it is an excellent product as well, IMO. It worked wonders for my spot, but everyone's skin is different. My spot is barely visible now and to keep it that way, I always dab sunscreen on it before going out and about. I still get a little color every summer, but I don't overdo it like I did in my 20's. My sister lives in Florida and is 9 years my junior - but in all honesty, my skin looks WAY better than hers. That Florida sun does a tune on skin I think. Good luck !

 

[SGB13]

Hydroquinone is what is in all the prescription creams to lighten spots. It's 4% as prescription strength. Just read labels and find an inexpensive one over the counter. Or ask the dr for a prescription for the generic.

 

[mrsklamc]

Allure had one in it's beauty awards (sorry I don't have time to dig through them, but they are online) that is over the counter and like $5. I didn't buy it because of the link to thyroid cancer, which I've already had.

 

[jwgm2012]

I use Obagi (actually applying sunscreen right now) and I love what it did for not only my melasma (dark spots) but my overall skin tone. I had two very large areas that were deeply pigmented. My Dr. called it the severe end of the spectrum in regard to levels of sun spots - but Obagi worked. Although my dermatologist is who recommended the system, I ended up finding a supplier through eBay and it's the same medicine/strength sold through the doctor's office. (on eBay you can buy the items without the medicine, 4% hydroquinone but that's the key to making the spots go away)

It is a step-system and therefore does take a while to work but it does work if you follow the plan and use sunscreen. Sunscreen is key. I used it at the beginning of last year, loved the results but over the summer I didn't use sunscreen like I should have and yes, my spots came back (not as dark as before) so I restarted the entire process daily like at the beginning and I'm back to clear skin. So sunscreen is key - no way around it.

I can PM you the link to the vendor I use. I think the derm's office wanted about $350 for the entire system (including the retin-a cream - which is crucial to the system) but through this vendor I paid about $240.

 

[floridascgirl]

I use Obagi (actually applying sunscreen right now) and I love what it did for not only my melasma (dark spots) but my overall skin tone. I had two very large areas that were deeply pigmented. My Dr. called it the severe end of the spectrum in regard to levels of sun spots - but Obagi worked. Although my dermatologist is who recommended the system, I ended up finding a supplier through eBay and it's the same medicine/strength sold through the doctor's office. (on eBay you can buy the items without the medicine, 4% hydroquinone but that's the key to making the spots go away)

It is a step-system and therefore does take a while to work but it does work if you follow the plan and use sunscreen. Sunscreen is key. I used it at the beginning of last year, loved the results but over the summer I didn't use sunscreen like I should have and yes, my spots came back (not as dark as before) so I restarted the entire process daily like at the beginning and I'm back to clear skin. So sunscreen is key - no way around it.

I can PM you the link to the vendor I use. I think the derm's office wanted about $350 for the entire system (including the retin-a cream - which is crucial to the system) but through this vendor I paid about $240.

Thanks and I just sent you a PM in case I decide to use the Obaji. I think I'm going to see if I have any luck with the over the counter "Spot Light" first, though.

 

[PebblesMK]

I've been using Neutrogena "Visibly Even" moisturizer for about a week and a half and I can already see a difference, not only with my one sun spot, but with my complexion as a whole. The line has a facial cleanser and toner as well, but I have yet to find those in my local stores. The moisturizer runs around $15 but it also has SPF30 in it, which is great.

 

[momto2cuties]

When applying these creams, does your dermatologist recommend applying them only to the "spots"? Or are you supposed to apply it to your whole face?

 

[MrsDoubtfire]

When applying these creams, does your dermatologist recommend applying them only to the "spots"? Or are you supposed to apply it to your whole face?

I have not consulted with a dermatologist since I was in my 20"s and had occasional break-outs. With that being said, I only used the "Spot Light" (by Alpha hydrox) in the spot that I had, not my entire face. I didn't want to lighten my entire face - just the spot. I suppose some creams that suggest they " lighten the complexion and/or brighten it" are made to be applied to the entire face.

Also my advice to any gal is pay attention to your neck when applying sun screen. You'd be surprised how that spot as well as under the chin gets overlooked ... and then years down the line you check yourself out in a magnifying mirror and notice the creppiness creeping in. Not cute, and preventable with a little due diligence.

 

[pixiewings71]

What about age spots on your hands? I've got 3 spots on my hands that are slightly darker and always feel dry, I'd love to find something to put on them to help clear them up.....or just make them look better.....

 

[AnjieNet]

I recently noticed that Pro Active had a spot reducer on an infomercial. Anyone have any experience with it?

 

[mieuxmew]

I am a physician and I brought the Obagi line to our office. That skin care line is AMAZING!!!!! A little product goes a very long way! Some of their products are prescription strength and are only sold to physicians. If you buy thru a physician and have a problem, Obagi will take the product back and you will be refunded 100%. There have been some problems with counterfeit ineffective products being sold online, so I would be very careful buying from on online retailer. Plus, if you have a problem, Obagi will not take the product back and you will be out the money. Ask the physician office if they have any specials or promotions. There is currently a very nice Mother's Day offer available.

I HIGHLY recommend the sunscreen!!

 

[R3rjr]

Since this thread was last posted about 7 years ago...

1. Have there been good results with the posted suggestions?

2. Have there been any new breakthroughs over the past 7 years with over the counter creams?

3. What are you using?