Best treatment for sun damaged, age spotted face

[Aberdeeneagle]

I have reached mid 50's and my lovely skin is now a former husk of itself. I am developing age spots on my forehead and the texture is not great and getting some moles as well. I have sensitive skin and can react. I know nothing about treatments but think I will need to see a professional. Lasering?

Watching, as my face is the same (although I'm older). I am a runner and lathering my face in Factor 50 makes me sweat like a drayhorse on a hot day!

Lasers would obviously be a quicker option but expensive.
In your position I would try embarking on a tretinoin programme as a first port of call. I started on Skin + Me last year and have been so pleased with the resurfacing and glowing effects it has had. You do need to be patient with it - I started seeing results after a few weeks but it’s after 3-6 months that it gets really impressive.
It has sort of removed the outer layers of my skin, got rid of all the dullness and brightened it, and I wish I’d started it years ago!
There is also Dermatica - I think that and Skin + Me are pretty much interchangeable.
Good luck!

Thank you. I am worried about skincare as I can really react - can't use Clarins, Elemis etc. I have been using Caudalie which is nice but doesn't seem to be doing anything!

As you’re developing moles you need a skin check to make sure they aren’t risky.

Hi, Thanks for replying. I have a had a mole check as I had also developed a warty thing on my face. It was very attractive!

I’ve just posted on another thread about my success with Dermatica. My skin is glowing, it kind of ‘sloughs’ off (sometimes) in the shower, leaving me bright and smooth!

Dermatica have been great. Photos uploaded, ‘wants’ for my skin shared (does include age spots). Contact with the dematologist has been frequent and prescriptions adjusted. It is very easy to delay the monthly supply too, if you have cream left over. I have saved time and money as previously my purchases were very much ‘trial and error’.

I started after reading this thread, using the codes shared.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5160597-has-anyone-tried-dermatica?reply=142297309

Watching with interest as I’m the same age and have very obvious age spots on my cheeks.

What is the cost of this - if you don’t mind me asking?

I have melasma caused by chemo and HRT (and not wearing SPF until recently). I started vitamin c and retinal a few months ago but it didn't help with the pigmentation and after seeming fine for a while my skin reacted with lots of little red spots around my jawline. I think if you have sensitive skin you should be cautious with retinol/tret. I also tried the Caudalie vinoperfect and it felt nice but I didn't see any change in the pigmentation.

I had a long conversation with ChatGPT (I know how ridiculous this sounds) and found it really useful in weighing up all the different products/ingredients that are out there and what is particularly good for melasma vs sun damage vs age spots etc. Plus understanding what's best for my skin specifically given age, history, other concerns etc. Obviously a real dermatologist would be better if you can afford it.

For my skin it sounds like the best option is using both azelaic acid and tranexamic acid, one am one pm. ChatGPT was adamant I could get good results from cheap products (and recommended several) but I ignored it and bought two Allies of Skin products which are extortionately expensive. I've only been using them a couple of weeks so I can't say yet whether they will work, but I like them, haven't had any irritation and my skin looks generally calm and better than before.

I had mine lasered and it was great. I had brown spots all over my face including under my eye and they have all gone now. My skin is so much smoother now. It didnt work immediately. They faded away over a month. It didnt cost me that much but you do have to look around and compare prices.

How much did this cost? I guess every area will be different but are we talking £100 or £500 ballpark?

It used to be 100 but you can get it slightly cheaper if you just want target areas done. I think a full face is better.
If a skin specialist does it its 1 to 2k.
If you can find a beautician who does it its a lot less. £500 or less. I saw a beautician.

this is all super helpful! Thank you.

Re brands you are using - Elemis, Caudalie all highly fragranced and no wonder you are reacting

I'd start by checking moles

I’ve had BBL (laser) several times for pigmentation and it’s been great. I sign up to a monthly skin gym package so have monthly treatments so BBL was reduced. Think it costs about £350 though.

Hi OP. You're right that a professional (derma) is the best starting point. Laser is also worth looking into. On the skincare side to support whatever professional treatment you go with, ingredient-wise look for a combination of a stable Vitamin C in the morning for brightening & antioxidant protection, niacinamide for tone evening & barrier support, and a retinoid at night for cell turnover & collagen stimulation. And SPF every single day because UV exposure is what drives both the pigmentation and texture issues.