You'll need a tank or terrarium with a diagonal at least the length of the snake. Make sure you have a place to put a cage this size. You may need a larger home for your snake as it grows, so be sure you are prepared to purchase a larger terrarium if needed.  You can choose a plastic enclosure, a cage made of wood, or a glass terrarium.  Don’t pick a cage with mesh screens, as they don’t hold heat well, plus the snake may injure its snout by rubbing on the screen, or wear a hole through it and escape.  Snakes are escape artists, so you need to have a very secure lid on your tank to ensure the snake does not get out. Your snake will also need a hiding place, such as a cave made of rock, a splinter-free piece of driftwood, or a ceramic log to curl up in. Choose something that is durable and easy to clean or replace.  Make sure your hiding place is just large enough for your snake. The snake should be able to hide completely out of view in a snug, secure place. You can also provide rocks, branches, and vines for your snake to climb on. If you choose living vines or plants, ensure they are compatible with, and not poisonous, to your snake species. Your snake needs a soft, absorbent material for the bottom of the cage. Find out what kind of bedding is best-suited for the species of snake you are going to purchase. In many cases, shredded newsprint works well.  You can also purchase aspen or cypress shavings for your snake’s bedding. Avoid using fragrant wood shavings, such as cedar or pine.  Don’t use aquarium gravel, as the snake could cut itself on the sharp edges of the rocks. Snakes cannot regulate their body temperature the way mammals can. Snakes require heat lamps either above, on the outside walls, or underneath their tanks. Find out which method is best for the species of snake you have.  You should also provide a thermal gradient in the snake’s home; a warm basking area at one end and a cool area at the other end allows the snake to move around depending on its needs.  Though heated rocks may look nice, they can burn a snake’s sensitive skin, so do not use them. Snakes tend to take in heat through their belly, so you may want to provide a heating pad instead. You will also need thermometers and hygrometer (humidity gauge) for your snake’s cage to ensure it is the right temperature and humidity. Some snakes do well in natural light, while others require special lamps or lights. Do your research to find out what kind of lighting is best for your snake species, and purchase lights if need be. Some snakes are nocturnal while others are diurnal. Be sure to find out which type your specific snake species is and use timers on your lights if you won’t be home or awake when the lights need to turn on or off. You’ll need a small, heavy, dish for the snake to drink out of. You will also need a larger dish for the snake to soak in.
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One-sentence summary -- Purchase a home for your snake. Choose a hiding place and things to climb on. Get cage lining. Obtain a heat source. Acquire the proper lighting. Purchase water dishes.


Intense Pulsed Light (IPL lasers are especially effective at lightening age spots. During the treatment, an intense laser light penetrates the epidermis and causes the skin to rejuvenate. The intensity of the light scatters the skin pigments and destroys the discoloration.  The laser treatment is not painful but may cause minimal discomfort. An anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure to ease the discomfort. The number of sessions required will depend on the size of the area and number of spots to be treated. Generally, 2 to 3 sessions will be required. Each session can last from 30 to 45 minutes. The treatment requires no downtime, but redness, puffiness, and sensitivity to sunlight may occur. Although laser treatment is extremely effective, its major downside is the cost. Depending on the type of laser used (Q-switched ruby, alexandrite or Fraxel dual laser) and the number of age spots requiring treatment, prices can range from $400 to $1500 per session. Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive skin treatment that uses a wand with air pressure. The wand blasts crystals, zinc or other abrasive materials directly against the skin, exfoliating the top layers to remove the dark, hyperpigmented skin.  Microdermabrasion requires no downtime and there are no side effects. A session can be from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the area being treated. Treatment sessions are given in 2- to 3-week intervals. Typically, 2 to 3 sessions will be required. Prices range can be $75 or more per session. A chemical peel works by dissolving dead skin so the new, radiant skin will surface. During a chemical peel, the area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed and a gel-like acidic substance is applied. The area is then neutralized to stop the chemical process.  Side effects include redness, peeling and sensitivity, which may require downtime. Generally, two treatment sessions are required, which are given in 3- to 4-week intervals. The prices can be $250 or more per session.  One study found that combining a Jessner peel with a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel was more effective than 1 of these types of peels alone for removing acne scars, so it might also be helpful for age spots. Ask your dermatologist if this might help to reduce your age spots.
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One-sentence summary --
Talk to a dermatologist about laser technology to remove age spots. Try microdermabrasion treatments to remove age spots. Get a chemical peel.