My Skin Transformation After 50: What Really Worked to Fade My Brown Spots
As many of you know, I am on a personal mission to age confidently and hope to help other mature women do the same. What you may not know is how my skincare journey truly started. Today I’m sharing photos I never thought I would post publicly. But the older I get, the more fearless I’m becoming, and if my story helps even one woman feel optimistic about eliminating her brown spots, then it’s worth it.
Back in 2018, when I was 58, I started noticing a rapid increase in brown age spots and hyperpigmentation, far more than I ever expected, and resistant to my best makeup tricks or heavy concealer, which only made them look worse. I remember looking in the mirror and realizing that if I didn’t take action soon, these age spots would only grow darker, larger, and even more difficult to treat as I moved into my 60s. I was doing all the right things: retin-A, hydroquinone, vitamin C serums, brightening treatments, and trying every over-the-counter product recommended for mature skin. They absolutely helped, and I still use them (I believe my topical and at-home maintenance are what have kept my brown spots from returning!). However, after several consultations with board-certified cosmetic dermatologists, the truth was undeniable. The amount of pigmentation I had simply could not be fully reversed with topical products and red light therapy alone.
In November 2021, I made a decision that changed everything: I underwent a Fraxel laser treatment on my face and neck. Although there are a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available for mature women, Fraxel laser resurfacing was the right choice for me. The actual procedure was painless. I arrived early so a numbing gel could be applied to my entire face and neck. After the treatment, I left looking like I had a very intense sunburn. I knew from my consultation that Fraxel came with downtime, and for me, the first week was the most challenging. My skin felt rough and dry, almost like sandpaper, and it began to slough off as the laser worked beneath the surface. I also experienced breakouts, and for a short while, my skin looked worse before it began to improve. My most noticeable results didn’t appear until around six months later, when my skin finally looked brighter, smoother, and more even than it had in years.
My brown spots before in 2018 and after in 2025
WHAT CAUSES BROWN SPOTS? Another Helpful Way to Understand Hyperpigmentation
Before I get into the different treatment options for fading brown spots, it’s important to understand what they actually are and why they appear. Brown spots, often called hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots, or solar lentigines, occur when the skin produces excess melanin. This can happen for several reasons: years of UV exposure, hormonal changes, genetics, past acne marks, and the natural aging process. As we reach our 50s and beyond, our skin becomes less efficient at regulating melanin. The brown spots that used to fade when we were younger simply stay. This is why so many mature women feel like pigmentation suddenly worsens around menopause. It’s not your imagination; it’s a normal biological shift. If you would like to learn more about brown spots and how daily sunscreen helps prevent them from getting worse as you age. Click Here 👉https://www.anemonemakeup.com/blog/the-power-of-daily-sun-protection-stop-age-spots-in-their-tracks
EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS and How to Know Which Option Is Right for You!
There are generally three levels of treatment for brown spots: at-home brightening products, professional chemical peels or IPL, and Fraxel laser, which is what I ultimately chose.
Before committing to Fraxel, it’s important to understand both the pros and cons, especially for mature skin. One of the biggest advantages is that Fraxel can dramatically reduce sun damage, brown spots, pigmentation clusters, fine lines, and uneven texture in a way that topical products often cannot. It stimulates collagen production, improves clarity, and can make the skin look brighter and more youthful for years when supported with consistent skincare. However, the drawbacks are worth considering. Fraxel is a financial investment; there is social downtime, and the healing process can be uncomfortable as the skin peels, tightens, and purges. Some people experience breakouts, swelling, or prolonged redness. Results are not instant, and women with mature skin often see their best results several months after treatment. For me personally, the benefits far outweighed the challenges, but being informed is essential.
1. MY GO-TO AT-HOME BRIGHTENING PRODUCTS
These are ideal if your brown spots are mild to moderate. My top recommendations include prescription retin-A or retinoids to encourage new skin, vitamin C serums to brighten and protect, hydroquinone or tranexamic acid to reduce pigment formation, LED red light masks to support collagen and healing, and hydrating or brightening sheet masks to improve overall texture and radiance.
The following products work wonderfully for maintenance and ongoing brightening, and I continue to use them regularly.
RETIN A ALTERNATIVES - 1) Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative - Plant-based, gentle yet effective anti-aging serum with peptides. 2) Ogee Natural Retinol-Bakuchiol Elixer - Natural elixir with bakuchiol (plant retinol alternative).
VITAMIN C SERUMS - 1) Drunk Elephant C-Luma Hydrabright Serum with 10% Hydrating Vitamin C, -2) Murad Vita C Glycolic Brightening Serum & Surface Renewal
HYDRATING MASKS: Biodance Collagen Gel Mask & Serum Duo - Gives skin a glass-like at-home spa feel.
OMNILUX LED MASK https://omniluxled.com/ANNMARIELAURENDEAU ( Holiday Promotion! Customers receive 10% off award-winning medical grade, Omnilux Contour LED Face mask!)
SPF 30 to 50 Daily Sunscreen - EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Dermatologist Recommended
2. PROFESSIONAL CHEMICAL PEELS OR IPL
These treatments are excellent options for women with moderate pigmentation. They can lighten brown spots by 30 to 60 percent over time, and many of my clients love the results they get from IPL.
3. FRAXEL LASER (What I Chose!)
For significant or deeper pigmentation, Fraxel is often considered the gold standard. After consulting with several dermatologists, they all agreed that only a laser could break up the dense clusters of pigment I had accumulated. For me, this treatment was absolutely worth it. My results have been long-lasting, and with my at-home skincare routine, my 65-year-old skin looks healthier and more even-toned than it did at 50.
Glowing results in y 60’s! This photo was taken 6 months after my Fraxel laser treatment as part of my personal journey to reduce brown spots and restore radiance to mature skin.
WHY I’M SHARING MY STORY NOW
I’m sharing my experience because I want mature women to know they have real options for improving their skin. In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel discouraged when you see people appearing impossibly youthful while crediting a single product or supplement. The truth is that glowing, healthy, youthful-looking skin is rarely the result of one miracle cream. It’s a combination of lifestyle, skincare, sun protection, genetics, and in many cases, professional cosmetic dermatologist treatments.
There is no shame in wanting clearer, brighter, healthier skin, and there is no shame in taking advantage of the incredible medical and cosmetic advancements available today. If a treatment or product changes your skin, I believe in saying so openly. There is also no one right way to age. If you prefer creams and gentle at-home skincare, that’s wonderful. If you’re curious about lasers or energy-based treatments, explore them. If you want to start small with an LED mask, that’s a great place to begin.
Aging gracefully means doing what makes you feel confident, empowered, and happy. And most importantly, it is truly never too late to improve your skin. If I could achieve impressive results starting at 58, you can begin at any age.
If you’d like help choosing the right skincare and makeup products for your skin concerns, book an in-person makeup lesson or virtual consultation with me. I would be delighted to support you on your skincare journey.
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The information provided in this article is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any skin condition or medical concern. This content is not a substitute for professional dermatological or medical advice. Always consult a qualified, board-certified dermatologist or licensed medical professional for evaluation and personalized recommendations regarding your specific skin concerns, treatment options, and medical needs.