I was going to say yes until I read the thread. We used peroxide on stains on our shoes at the hospital.

Interesting that peroxide would fade age spots. Hopefully someone speaks up.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down pretty quickly, so how it would remain long enough in a form that would bleach is a puzzler. And, It would surely treat only the topmost pigmented cells, so wouldn’t those areas would have to be retreated regularly?

I have no idea if there is any scientific basis for the process. A dermatologist’s laser treatment would probably be far more effective, and of course faster.

I had a sunspot on my face that I had removed by laser treatment about eight years ago and was told it would possibly eventually come back. It did a few years later. 😞 When talking with a new dermatologist about having it removed again, she looked back at old photos and noticed a very small change I had not noticed so she biopsied it. It was stage 0 (in situ) melanoma. So please keep an eye on those sun spots and get annual skin checks. As an adult I have always worn sunscreen, but was not careful when I was a teen. Being Italian with olive skin, stupidly never really thought I had to worry about melanoma.

As for over the counter treatments, nothing really worked for me. My spot was prominently on my cheek, slightly smaller than a pencil eraser which is why I eventually decided to have it lasered. It wasn't expensive and I was happy with the result, but it did come back.

I’ve had a number lased over the years. It’s not expensive and is effective. Sometimes darker or larger spots need to be lased twice. For a week or so the after lasing the spot looks a bit worse (but not larger) as it granulates, but then the granules gradually come off.

I think some blemish ointments are made with peroxide (based on the bleached out spots on dark towels I had in my guest bath). That would be easy to apply to a small area to see if it bleached a spot.

I have no idea so I went looking for a scientific study on peroxide and skin and found this:

" In this regard, a series of recent studies have elegantly shown that the production of hydrogen peroxide, by both cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, may provide the necessary “fertilizer,” by driving accelerated aging, DNA damage, inflammation and cancer metabolism, in the tumor microenvironment. By secreting hydrogen peroxide, cancer cells and fibroblasts are mimicking the behavior of immune cells (macrophages/neutrophils), driving local and systemic inflammation, via the innate immune response (NFκB). "

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3180186/

Sounds to me like it would do the opposite of what you intend.

Oly, I forgot until you mentioned it that one derm told me that some people find that Differin — an OTC acne ointment — helps with hyperpigmentation. I wonder if it has HP in it.

4kids, I have had basal cell carcinoma 2x so I am religious about my annual skin checks!

The last time I went, I asked the dr about my lovely spots (she was a new one, not the one who recommened Differin) and she gave me a Rx for Retin A, but it doesn’t seem to be doing much even after about 6 months.

I did a few laser treatments about 10 or 12 years ago but the results were only so-so. Maybe they are better now. The office where I go for electrolysis for my ’stache also does laser…I will inquire the next time I go in. (Don’t I sound pretty? Spots and a stache!)

Retin-a tretinoina crema works on spots. It costs about $50.

Ditch the electrolysis and do IPL! you can even do it yourself at home!

Growing up we put it on cuts. I understand it is no longer recommended for that so I would be very cautious.

Ok Sue, head to your kitchen.....Natural remedies for age spots

One on my kids had very bad poison ivy that was in danger of infection and I told them to spray it with Hydrogen Peroxide, then the Dr. told them not to use it at.all. New one on me.

Poison Ivy or other plant-based rashes, I wash with lots of dawn dishwashing liquid. It's caused by an oil on the skin and the dawn gets rid of the oil.

This wasn't about the poison ivy anymore but the secondary concern of infection.

Okay, no HP. Maybe I’ll make myself a yogurt mask.

There may be many distinctions between ”age/sun spots”.

For example, actinic keratosis is different that hyperpigmentation. (I am no expert.)

Hydroquinone used to be used (topically) by some to treat hyperpigmentation. You would want to ask your doctor or dermatologist. Many years ago, I believe I was prescribed that for melasma. I believe it is no longer on the market.

I have some areas of (presumed) hyperpigmentation that I would like to have gone. Maybe a friend still have his photography chemicals (kidding)

Hyperpigmentation can result from sun exposure and injury. If you get any hyperpigmentation area removed or lightened, please tell me how you did it.

ETA Hyperpigmentation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperpigmentation

There is a section on possible treatments.

Thanks, martinca.