Liver/age spots

A liver spot is caused by the build-up of melanin under the skin. This is the pigment that is responsible for the colour of our skin hair and eyes. Over many years of ultra violet (UV) radiation from the sun there will be an increase of melanin production. As opposed to this been evenly distributed throughout the skin it forms clusters of pigmentation resulting in dark patches, these can vary in colour and size giving the appearance of the liver, sun or age spot.

Although as the name suggests Liver spots have no connection to the liver health or its function and the name was purely derived from this misconception. They are also known as age or sun spots as they develop during the ageing process, due to an accumulation of melanin over many years of sun exposure.

Treatments for liver/sun spot removal can be very effective.

1. Intense Pulse Light (IPL): A treatment for liver/sun spot removal without the downtime of skin peeling. Suitable for face and body pigmentation, including the arms and hands. As the light energy passes over the skin the heat is absorbed by the melanin in the pigmentation which leads to a superficial micro crust and exfoliation gradually fading and removing of the sun spot over a course of treatment. The pigment will also be eliminated by the body’s immune system.
2. Q Switch Laser – Can be effective on deeper dermal pigmentation. The laser will emit a pulse of light targeting the pigment causing it to break up. This will then be naturally eliminated by the body’s immune system, resulting in a gradual fading of the pigment over a course of treatment.
3. Obagi Nu Derm will transform your skin from the inside out. It is the world’s leading prescription-strength skincare range, and is only available from a qualified medical practitioner. Obagi Medical have been specifically formulated to safely transform the skin from and visibly reduce pigmentation concerns such as sun damage and freckles resulting in healthier, radiant skin.
4. Hydrafacial – HydraFacial is an effective treatment for reducing superficial pigment . This treatment provides a combination of cleansing, deep exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant infusion finished with light therapy to deep clean and rejuvenate and brighten the skin.
5. Chemical Peels – The Blue Peel Radiance and ZO Stimulator peel are effective. This will involve an application of a peel to the ski which will gently exfoliate the upper layer of skin cells. A treatment option for those wanting to brighten the skin and fade sun spots but not remove them completely.
6. ResurFace: This is an effective treatment for any type of pigment including liver/sun. The laser treatment will cause tiny columns of thermal damage, resulting in a break up of pigmentation, a stimulation of collagen and skin cell turnover and deep resurfacing of the skin for a much clearer and brighter complexion.

Following your consultation your practitioner will advise the best treatment for optimal results. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including benefits, any downtime expected, duration and costs.

Following treatment to remove liver spots it may be possible for them to return over time, especially if the area is exposed to sun. In order to prevent their recurrence it is important to wear a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 on a daily basis, avoiding exposing your skin to the sun by wearing protective clothing and wide brim hats and seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day. Over a period of time new sun spots may develop, however bear in mind these have been developing following years of sun exposure and then may only surface a couple of decades later.

ZO Principles of Skin Health Restoration specifically focus on restoring skin’s strength and optimizing cellular functions to provide the best treatment outcomes and achieve overall skin health restoration. Skin should be fortified to renew, protect and strengthen itself to maintain healthy skin for life. ZO has your skin health covered with its clinically proven, medical skin care brand. ZO Skin Health products are specifically designed to be the best skin care for ageing skin by addressing both the visible signs and key triggers of pigmentation at every phase. Only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more. Following a consultation the best pigmentation regimen that works to brighten the skin, improve skin texture, repair your skin barrier and restore a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

To help improve the appearance of ageing skin including sun damage, freckles, sun spots and hormonal pigmentation, experts recommend supporting the skin ageing with supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements. While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach, your skin will certainly thank you for it.