Protect Your Skin: Sun Spots and How to Avoid Them

Sun Spots: Understanding Causes, Treatments, and How to Prevent Them

Sun spots—also referred to as age spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines—are among the most common forms of hyperpigmentation that affect aging skin.

These flat, brown to black spots appear primarily on areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun. While typically harmless, they often represent more than just a cosmetic concern.

They are visible reminders of cumulative UV damage that the skin has endured over the years.

For many people, sun spots become a frustrating feature as they age, contributing to an uneven skin tone and premature signs of aging.

Fortunately, there are several effective treatment options available to reduce their appearance.

Moreover, understanding how to prevent sun spots from forming in the first place can significantly improve the long-term health and appearance of your skin.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what causes sun spots, what they look like, how to treat them, and—most importantly—how to keep them from returning.

What Are Sun Spots?

Sun spots are areas of hyperpigmentation that develop due to repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.

Unlike freckles, which can fade over time or with reduced sun exposure, sun spots typically persist and may even darken over time without intervention.

These spots are:

Flat and oval in shape

Brown, black, or gray in color

Often grouped together

Found most commonly on the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and arms

They are often referred to as “age spots” because they are more prevalent in older adults. However, sun spots can occur at any age if a person has had significant cumulative sun exposure without proper protection.

What Causes Sun Spots?

The main cause of sun spots is UV exposure. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays—whether from natural sunlight or tanning devices—it reacts by producing more melanin.

This increase in melanin is your skin’s way of defending itself from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

Over time, especially with repeated sunburns or chronic sun exposure, melanin production can become irregular or overactive in certain spots. This leads to the formation of sun spots.

Additional Risk Factors:

Age: Skin becomes less resilient and slower to repair itself with age.

Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin are more likely to develop sun spots due to lower melanin levels and reduced natural protection.

Genetics: A family history of pigmentation issues can increase your risk.

Occupation or Lifestyle: Spending long hours outdoors without sun protection—whether for work or leisure—increases your exposure and likelihood of sun spot development.

What Do Sun Spots Look Like?

Sun spots can vary in size, shape, and intensity. They are generally:

Flat (not raised or textured)

Light to dark brown, black, or gray

From a few millimeters to over a centimeter wide

Clustered or scattered

Painless and non-itchy

Common Locations for Sun Spots:

Face – Particularly on the cheeks, forehead, and nose

Shoulders and upper back – Common in people who wear sleeveless tops or spend time swimming or sunbathing

Backs of hands – A frequent spot due to daily sun exposure while driving or being outdoors

Chest and décolleté – Often overlooked in sun protection routines

It’s important to differentiate sun spots from other types of pigmentation or lesions.

If a spot changes in shape, color, size, or texture, or begins to bleed or itch, seek medical attention to rule outskin cancer.

Other Signs of Sun-Damaged Skin

Sun spots often occur alongside other symptoms of photodamage, including:

Fine lines and wrinkles

Uneven skin tone

Rough or leathery skin texture

Redness or blotchiness

Enlarged pores

Broken capillaries or spider veins

Loss of skin elasticity

These signs indicate not only cosmetic concerns but also damage to the underlying cellular structure of the skin, reinforcing the need for prevention and early treatment.

How to Treat Sun Spots

Fortunately, there are several treatment options—both at-home and professional—that can help lighten or remove sun spots. The right choice depends on the severity, depth, and location of the pigmentation, as well as your skin type and sensitivity.

1. Topical Skin-Brightening Ingredients

Several over-the-counter and prescription creams contain active ingredients that can help fade sun spots:

Hydroquinone – A gold-standard skin lightener that inhibits melanin production.

Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin) – Increase cell turnover and promote new skin growth.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – A powerful antioxidant that brightens and evens tone.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Reduces the appearance of dark spots while soothing skin.

Azelaic Acid – Treats both acne and pigmentation gently.

Tranexamic Acid – Helps address stubborn pigmentation and is ideal for melasma-prone skin.

These should be used consistently for several weeks to months, and results may vary depending on your skin type and condition.

2. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use acids such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid to exfoliate the top layer of the skin.

This process removes the pigmented outer layers and stimulates the regeneration of fresh, evenly pigmented skin.

Deeper peels are available through dermatologists for more significant results but may require downtime.

3. Laser Treatments

Lasers such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), fractional lasers, or Q-switched lasers target melanin and break it up, allowing the body to absorb and eliminate the pigment.

Laser treatments offer dramatic results but should only be performed by qualified professionals, especially for darker skin types, which can be more prone to side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. Microdermabrasion and Dermabrasion

These mechanical exfoliation techniques help remove the uppermost layers of the skin, reducing the appearance of sun spots and improving skin texture.

Results can be subtle but effective over time when combined with other treatments.

5. Cryotherapy

A lesser-used but sometimes effective option, cryotherapy involves applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy pigmented skin cells.

It’s most suitable for small, isolated spots and may not be ideal for larger areas or sensitive skin.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Most topical treatments require consistent use for 8–12 weeks before significant fading is noticed.

Professional treatments like laser or peels may show results after a few sessions, but maintenance is key to preventing recurrence.

How to Prevent Sun Spots

Prevention is always more effective—and less expensive—than treatment. Here’s how to protect your skin and minimize your risk of developing new sun spots:

1. Daily Sunscreen

The most critical step is applying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every single day, regardless of the weather.

UVA rays, which contribute to aging and pigmentation, can penetrate through clouds and windows.

Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors or after swimming/sweating.

Choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if you have sensitive skin.

Don’t forget the ears, hands, chest, and neck.

2. Protective Clothing

Wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, and sunglasses adds an extra layer of defense against harmful rays.

3. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV radiation is strongest. If you must be outside, seek shade whenever possible.

4. Avoid Tanning Beds

Artificial UV radiation poses the same risk—if not more—than natural sunlight. Tanning beds significantly increase your risk for both sun spots and skin cancer.

5. Monitor Your Skin

Check your skin regularly for any new or changing spots. While most sun spots are harmless, any change in shape, border, or color could indicate a more serious concern.

Sun Spots vs. Melasma vs. Freckles

It’s important to know that not all dark spots are sun spots.

Sun Spots: Caused by cumulative UV damage; generally larger, persistent.

Melasma: Often hormone-driven; symmetrical and appears on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Freckles: Genetic, small, often fade with less sun exposure.

Each has a unique treatment approach, so proper identification is essential for choosing the right products or treatments.

Conclusion: Manage and Prevent Sun Spots with Smart Skincare

Sun spots are a visible sign of years of unprotected UV exposure, but they don’t have to be permanent.

With a strategic approach that includes sun protection, targeted treatment products, and possibly in-office procedures, you can significantly fade existing sun spots and prevent new ones from forming.

As with all skin conditions, personalized care based on your skin type is crucial. Consider taking a skin typing quiz or consulting a dermatologist to find the most effective and safe options for you.

Special Offer

As a thank-you for reading, use code STSBlog20 for 20% off any product in our store designed to support skin health and target pigmentation.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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