We’re all bound to see changes in our skin as we age, but the development of age or liver spots is among the most dreaded. These irregular patches of darkened skin make our complexions appear uneven and therefore age us past our years. Fortunately, if you’re noticing more and more of these blemishes on your skin, you aren’t without treatment options. These are some of the best ways to get rid of age spots and return your youthful glow.

Always Wear Sunscreen

First and foremost, you need to protect your skin if you want to see results from your treatment efforts. Age spots occur as a result of the sun damage your skin has sustained during the course of your life. As such, you’ll need to wear and reapply sunscreen whenever you leave the home. This won’t remove the spots you already have, but it’s the best way to ensure you aren’t creating additional blemishes that you’ll then need to correct down the line.

Apply Skin-Lightening Creams

Adopting a skin care regimen of lightening creams is also one of the best ways to get rid of age spots. Many anti-aging skin care products contain ingredients that stop the skin’s overproduction of melanin, bringing the skin back to its original tone in time. Some of these key substances include collagen, vitamin C, and hydroquinone. However, it’s important to note that their effectiveness can depend on your specific condition, and you may need to talk to a dermatologist to find the right ones for you.

Try Laser Treatments

If you’re looking for something a bit more direct, think about pursuing laser treatment as well. Performed by a trained professional, these procedures destroy cells that produce excess melanin, leaving the surface of the skin untouched. This way, your skin has a better chance of returning to its previous appearance. Keep in mind this process can take two or three separate sessions to fully complete, and you may need to redo it for future blemishes.

Use Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are another procedure you can receive in your dermatologist’s office. Rather than removing the cells underneath the skin, this treatment works by removing the damaged outermost layer of skin. A mild acid is applied directly to your face, destroying the damaged cells on top and making way for newer cells to take their place. You may also need to undergo several of these sessions to start seeing results, but it’s been shown to lighten the complexion overall.

Recommended anti-wrinkle treatments: What you should know about them.