Skin texture changes are the visible changes to your skin that make you look older and more tired, and they include wrinkles, dry skin, age spots, scars, and sun damage. Everyone experiences changes to the skin's texture as they age, based on their genetic predisposition and their lifestyle choices.

Age spots are the darker areas of pigmentation that usually show up on the face and hands. They are caused when the melanin collects together due to frequent exposure to the sun over a lifetime; though, if you're a frequent sunbather, you can have age spots show up before your time.

The spots can be frustrating because they do not respond completely to over the counter treatments, despite the claims on skin lightening products that line the shelves of department stores. To truly combat the appearance of the spots, you must have a professional esthetician or plastic surgeon evaluate your skin and recommend a medical-grade treatment.

The most effective treatment for age spots is a laser treatment or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment. There are a number of laser treatment options out there, allowing the surgeon or esthetician to control the depth and location of the laser. This gives them extreme precision, allowing them to treat the age spot without altering the surrounding skin. The waves from the laser target the collected melanin, causing it to fragment and fade.

It will require a course of three to five laser treatments to fully treat age spots, with the treatments spaced between one and six weeks apart. The length of the treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated, but is generally no more than one hour (usually less). A laser treatment for age spots will usually require no downtime, meaning you will be able to return to your usual activities as soon as you leave the office.

The process of the laser treatment is simple. Most people do not require any anesthetic. You might experience a mild stinging sensation at the first visit, but the sensation will lessen with each session you have. After the treatment, the esthetician may apply a cooling gel to the treated areas, in order to soothe any stinging you may be feeling.

You can apply sunscreen and makeup as soon as you are done with treatment. The lack of serious side effects and short treatment time make this an excellent option for those who need to treat age spots over a lunch break.