How to treat age spots on hands?

Ever looked down and noticed tiny brown spots on your hands? These age spots, sometimes called "liver spots," tend to pop up as we get older. But what actually causes them, and is there anything we can do to treat or prevent them?


What causes age spots?

First, let’s clear up a misconception: despite the name, “liver spots” have nothing to do with your liver! The term stuck simply because these spots can resemble the color of the liver. In reality, they’re just a natural result of UV exposure and aging.


Age spots develop from overactive pigment cells. When your skin is repeatedly exposed to UV light (whether from the sun or tanning lamps), it ramps up melanin production as a defense mechanism. Over time, this melanin collects under the skin, creating those brown or black spots.


Can anyone get age spots?

Yes—age spots can appear on anyone who spends time in the sun. Genetics can also play a role, so if age spots run in your family, you may notice them appearing sooner or more prominently.


How to treat age spots on hands

Age spots are located at the base of the epidermis, the skin’s top layer, so treatments must reach this level to be effective.


1. Sun Protection

The most important step. Preventing more spots is essential. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily protects your skin from further UV damage and helps prevent existing spots from darkening.


2. Retinoids

Retinoids like retinol are highly effective for treating age spots. They speed up cell turnover, helping to shed damaged skin cells and lighten pigmentation over time. Retinoids also thicken the skin’s outer layer, making hands look smoother and more resilient.


3. Other Options

Treatments such as laser therapy, cryotherapy, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels can address age spots. Consult a dermatologist to explore which treatment method would be best for your specific skin if you’re looking for faster results1.


Why Retinol is a Great Choice in Hand Treatments

Compared to other ingredients, retinol provides long-lasting benefits for age spots and overall skin texture:


1. Deep pigment targeting
: Retinol penetrates the skin deeply, effectively targeting pigmentation at its source.


2. Thickening and strengthening
: By thickening the skin, retinol makes hands look smoother, plumper, and more youthful.


3. Collagen production
: Retinol enhances collagen production, which helps firm the skin, minimizing the visibility of veins and age spots.


The retinol hand cream for age spots

Soft Services' Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment is specifically designed for nighttime use, putting in the work iwhile your hands are at rest. Applying it as the last step before bed ensures the formula stays on your hands longer without being washed off, allowing maximum absorption and effectiveness.


Theraplush's nourishing, medium-dense formula combines 0.05% retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to repair and restore hands, reduce age spots, keep cuticles tidy, and even strengthen nails.

Mass Index Recommends

Soft Services

Theraplush

$62

1.7 fl oz

fragrance-free

Cushion-coat hands in a soft, waxy layer of nourishing, soothing and repairing ingredients overnight, for a just-manicured feeling each morning.


Here’s what our customers have to say about their results with Theraplush:


“Four-ish weeks into nightly use of Theraplush and my hands are buttery soft, smoother than ever, and less sun-spotty.” — Hannah

“I’ve been using Theraplush for about 30 days. The age spots on my hands have definitely lightened and, in some cases, disappeared.” — Nancy


“After 75 years of exposure to detergents and sun, I saw a reduction in lines and wrinkles, and it’s also helping to reduce the brown (age) spots.” — Valerie“

Theraplush is the gold standard for hand cream. My hands are silky smooth, brighter, and my brown spots have faded. It even improved my cuticles!” — Barbara

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Discoloration

An area of skin, maybe a dot or a patch, that's darker or lighter than its base tone.

Also Called

Hyperpigmention, hypopigmentation, scar, freckles, melasma

Looks Like

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Frequently Found On

Neck, chest, hands, arms

Related Concerns

Learn More: Discoloration