Changes in skin coloration are a normal part of the aging process. But many people find brown spots, also known as "liver spots" or "age spots", to be unattractive. These spots that often appear on the back of the hands are caused by sunlight exposure or chronic bruising of the skin.

While others refer to them as "liver spots," these dark areas have no connection with liver function. Instead, they are often the result of sun damage, much like a freckle that appears after summer. Occasionally, these dark patches appear on the face and neck as a result of hormonal changes due to pregnancy and after cuts and blemishes heal on dark skin.

In order to get rid of brown spots, you have to work at it. If you have the means, get laser treatments or chemical peels from a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Microdermabrasion is another option to remove brown spots. By gently abrading the skin with ultra-fine crystal particulates, microdermabrasion can reduce unwanted pigment changes and age spots. It can also benefit acne patients. This procedure can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands. A progressive series of 5 - 8 treatments are gently performed 2 - 4 weeks apart. Peels are often combined with microdermabrasion to produce even better results - a brighter, smoother, fresher looking skin with very little redness.

But remember, after treatment you need to be vigilant to keep the problem from returning. Use a sunscreen every day and avoid unnecessary sun exposure to prevent further skin damage and allow your skin to repair itself. Before you rush to eliminate those dark patches, make sure you check with your dermatologist to rule out melanoma completely.

For those who don’t have $1,000 to spare for treatments, there are a number of good topical preparations that, if used regularly and in combination with a good sunscreen, can gradually diminish brown spots. Lumnaderm is one of them. This product lightens skin and eliminates unsightly brown spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation with its scientifically advanced skin formula. Visit www.lumnaderm.com for more information.