Have you tried these five simple ways to diminish age spots?

There are a wide variety of products to diminish age spots, but it's important to pick the right active ingredients. By choosing proven treatments, you'll be more likely to get the results you want. Follow these five tips to lighten age-related skin discolouration.

• Look for an ointment brand containing the vitamin A derivative tretinoin. Tretinoin encourages quick skin cell turnover, which exposes undamaged skin underneath.
• Age spots, also called sun spots, are caused by excess skin pigment that is stimulated by exposure to sunshine. Therefore, age spots may not be visible on deeper skin layers.
• According to MedicineNet, people with sun damaged skin can expect to see improvement in three to four weeks, while age spots should fade in six to eight weeks.

• Chemical peels remove damaged skin quickly and exposes newer skin underneath.
• Deep peels are more effective than lighter peels, but they can be painful and have heightened risks, including skin bleaching.
• Skin peels should always be administered under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist to diminish the chances of an adverse reaction.

• Creams with hydroquinone can diminish the appearance of age spots by bleaching the skin.
• For many people, over-the-counter creams with hydroquinone will help fade sun spots, but prescription creams are more effective.
• Safe concentrations range from two to four per cent; anything that exceeds four percent isn't allowed in Canada, notes Best Health Magazine.

• Glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids are known to break up the patches of melanin that result in age spots.
• These acids are found in prescription peels and creams but are also found in over-the-counter exfoliants and face washes. As an added bonus, glycolic acid also stimulates collagen production.

• Sun exposure can darken and multiply patches of hyper pigmentation, so it's important invest in a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 and can be worn every day.
• Sunscreen should always be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours.
• Even when wearing sunscreen, people should avoid the sun from the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wearing a hat and sunglasses can also protect the delicate skin on the face and neck from additional age spots and other sun damage.
• Keep in mind, most products that treat age spots also increase your sensitivity to the sun.

To try the most effective ways to diminish age spots, consult with a dermatologist. A professional will be able to suggest the best treatments for your skin. A dermatologist will also be able to help you pick products that will keep age spots at bay after your treatment is completed.