The whole subject of age spots is of high interest to scientists as well as to you and me.  What Wellness Online offers on this page is the latest that we know about the treatment of sun spots.  One thing everyone seems to know for sure is that there is no magic bullet.

Foods and supplements that can help

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant. Beta-carotene can be found in concentrated amounts in a variety of foods including sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro, fresh thyme, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce and broccoli.

In dietary supplements, beta-carotene is available as synthetic all-trans beta-carotene, beta- and alpha-carotene from the algae Dunaliella, and mixed carotenes from palm oil. It is important to note, however, that due to the inconsistent results from research studies aimed at evaluating the health benefits of beta-carotene supplements, the National Academy of Sciences cautions against taking high dose carotenoid supplements, except as a method for preventing vitamin A deficiency. You can take a supplement in amounts up to 10,000 international units a day.  In addition, take a multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains the Daily Values of all essential vitamins and minerals.

Selenium supplementation

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral.  Researchers claim that an adequate amount of selenium in the diet can prevent solar damage, pigmentation and dark spots.

Because the selenium content of soil varies by location, and has been reduced in many parts of the country, many people don’t get enough from just food alone.

A good source is a three-ounce can of tuna which delivers 99 micrograms.

We recommend supplements containing 100 micrograms a day, taken as 2 divided doses, in the form of I-selenomethionine.

Warning: Selenium can be toxic in doses exceeding 100 micrograms.  Before taking more than 100 micrograms a day, consult with your doctor.

Vitamin A is recommended because of its antioxidant properties.
We don’t know off-hand what level is considered safe.

Vitamin C as a supplement
You can take “C” in the form of a pill.  We recommend at least 1,000 milligrams a day taken as 2 divided doses.  However, a supplement may not deliver enough “C” to your age spots to make a difference.

Vitamin E
Researchers say you reap some sun-protective properties by taking vitamin E as a supplement. We recommend 200 to 400 international units of vitamin E a day in the form of d-alpha-tocopherol.   Dietary sources of the vitamin include polyunsaturated vegetable oil, wheat germ, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Topical Solutions

Buttermilk
It’s an old folk remedy for age spots.  It contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates sun-damaged skin and pigmented areas.  Wash your face with 2 tablespoons buttermilk daily to reduce the appearance of age spots.

Topical vitamin C
Vitamin C is the sun block vitamin according to some researchers. When applied topically to the skin it has been shown to be of some help.  It can significantly reduce the amount of so-called free radical damage that can occur from sun exposure. Antioxidants, of which vitamin C is one, seem to neutralize free radicals (atoms with a missing electron) by offering their electrons to protect healthy molecules from harm.

Cellex-C
There are topical vitamin C products that you apply to your skin.  Doctors from the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, developed a topical vitamin C product called Cellex-C.  It is a ten percent vitamin C lotion that reputedly delivers 20 to 40 times the levels you would achieve with pills, right where you want it, on the skin.  It is intended as an adjunct to sunscreen.

Cellex-C is available without prescription from dermatologists, plastic surgeons and licensed aestheticians (full-service beauty salon operators.  For more information and to do an online product search look for Cellex-C.

Vitamin E oil or skin cream
Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin.  Research has shown that vitamin E oil or skin cream can prevent inflammation and skin damage if applied within eight hours after sun exposure.

You can buy vitamin E oil or skin cream over the counter.  It should contain at least 5 percent vitamin E to be effective in reducing post-sun damage

Warning: Do not apply Vitamin E to your skin immediately before or during sun exposure.  Vitamin E itself produces damaging free radicals when exposed to the ultraviolet light found in sun light.

Yogurt and horse radish
Mix ¼ cup of plain yogurt with 1 tablespoon of grated horseradish, and then refrigerate the mix.  Dab it on age spots daily and see what happens.

Popularity: 1% [?]