Learn how to manage and treat common skin problems like age spots, skin tags, and broken vessels.
While skin concerns like age spots, skin tags, and broken blood vessels are generally harmless, they can still be a source of frustration, particularly as we age. Some of these conditions can be addressed with cosmetic treatments, while others may simply require acceptance as part of the aging process. Here’s how to deal with these common skin issues.
Broken Blood Vessels
If you notice red, blotchy patches or spider veins on your face, you may be dealing with broken capillaries, also known as telangiectasias. These tiny, reddish blood vessels can become enlarged and typically appear on areas like the chin, nose, and cheeks.
Sun exposure, rosacea, radiation treatments, birth control pills, and even factors like aging, hormones, and genetics can all contribute to broken blood vessels. While not harmful, they can be unsightly. To hide them, try using a green-tinted concealer, which neutralizes redness. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consult your doctor about laser treatments that can help reduce their appearance.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft growths that typically appear in areas where skin rubs against skin, such as the neck, eyelids, armpits, groin, and other skin folds. They are usually harmless, though they can be irritating or bothersome.
Friction from clothing, jewelry, or seat belts can lead to skin tags, and they are more common in individuals with obesity or diabetes. While there’s no surefire way to prevent them, maintaining a healthy weight might help. Treatment isn’t required unless they become irritated, but options include freezing them off with liquid nitrogen or surgical removal.
Age Spots
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, are dark patches that develop from sun exposure over time. These benign spots form when ultraviolet (UV) light triggers an accumulation of melanin in the skin. They are most commonly seen in areas frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, hands, chest, arms, and back.
Age spots can be treated with chemical peels, prescription creams, or laser treatments. However, prevention is the best approach. Minimizing sun exposure and using sunscreen regularly can stop these spots from appearing or worsening. The earlier you begin protecting your skin, the better.
If you’re concerned that an age spot may be skin cancer, it’s always a good idea to have your dermatologist take a look. It’s important to differentiate between harmless age spots and potential skin cancer.
Embracing Your Skin’s Journey
As we age, certain skin issues become more common. Whether you choose to address these concerns with treatment or simply accept them as part of aging is a personal choice.
If you opt for treatment, remember that protecting your skin afterward is key. For example, if you undergo laser resurfacing to correct sun damage, you’ll need to commit to sun protection to maintain the results. Daily use of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is essential to protect against further skin imperfections and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Treatments can help improve your skin’s appearance, but the best long-term strategy is prevention and consistent care.