Sun Spots: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Sun spots, also known as dark spots or age spots, are a common skin concern for many people, especially as they age. While often harmless, sun spots create an uneven skin tone and are often a cosmetic concern. That said, any changes to the skin caused by sun exposure are a sign of DNA damage, so it is essential to take steps to prevent sun spots from showing up on your skin.
If you have existing sun spots from previous unprotected sun exposure, however, don’t worry – there are ways to get rid of these dark spots on the skin and restore a clearer, more even skin tone and texture.
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Sun spots are caused by accumulated UV exposure.
They can be treated with topical skin-brightening ingredients and/or in-office treatments.
Prevent dark spots with diligent sun-protection habits like wearing daily sunscreen and seeking shade when outdoors.
What Are Sun Spots?
Sun spots are flat, brown, gray, or black spots that typically appear on the skin that has had the most sun exposure over the years. These include areas like the face, shoulders, and backs of hands. They are caused by the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.
Sun spots do not always show up right away. In fact, they can show up months or years after prolonged sun exposure. This is why they are sometimes referred to as “age spots,” because they tend to show up with the natural aging process.
What Causes Sun Spots?
The primary cause of age spots is exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. When your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces more melanin to protect itself from the damaging effects of UV rays. Over time, this can lead to the formation of sun spots. Factors that can increase your risk of developing sun spots include:
Sun exposure . Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without proper protection, can lead to sun spots.
Age. As you age, your skin’s ability to repair itself decreases, making it more prone to sun spots.
Skin type. People with fair skin are more likely to develop sun spots than those with darker skin.
Genetics. A family history of sun spots might increase your risk of developing them too.
What Do Sun Spots Look Like on the Skin?
Sun spots are typically flat and oval-shaped, with well-defined edges. They can range in color from light brown to black and vary in size from a few millimeters to over a centimeter in diameter. These spots often appear on areas of the skin that receive the most sun exposure, such as the:
Face – Forehead, cheeks, and nose.
Shoulders – Especially the tops and front areas.
Backs of hands – One of the most common areas for sun spots. Do not forget to apply sunscreen here!
Other Common Signs of Sun Damage
In addition to dark spots, you might also notice other signs of sun-damaged skin, including:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Rough or dry skin texture
Uneven skin tone
Loss of skin elasticity
Redness and blotchiness
Spider veins
How to Get Rid of Sun Spots
There are a number of treatment options that can help reduce the appearance of sun spots, including:
Skin-brightening ingredients. Products containing ingredients like hydroquinone , retinoids , or vitamin C can help to lighten sun spots over time.
Chemical peels . These treatments use hydroxy acids to exfoliate the top layer of skin, promoting the growth of new, undamaged skin and therefore improving hyperpigmentation.
Laser treatments. Lasers can target and break down the melanin in sun spots, making them less visible.
Microdermabrasion . This procedure exfoliates the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and encouraging new cell growth, reducing the appearance of sun spots.
It is important to note that the best treatment or combination of treatments for sun spots for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the location and severity of hyperpigmentation and your Baumann Skin Type. For personalized skin care recommendations, take the skin typing quiz to identify your skin type.
How to Prevent Dark Spots
Preventing sun spots is easier and quicker than treating them once sun damage occurs. Here are some effective ways to protect your skin from UV damage:
Wear sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
Seek shade. Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wear UV-protective clothing. Use wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses to shield your skin from the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Artificial UV radiation can be just as harmful as natural sunlight.
Get regular skin checks. Monitor your skin for any new or changing spots and consult your dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious.
Bottom Line
Sun spots, while generally harmless, are a visible sign of sun damage that can affect your skin’s appearance. By understanding their causes, using effective treatments for your skin type, and taking steps to prevent sun damage, you can manage sun spots and maintain healthier skin. Remember, protecting your skin from UV exposure is crucial for preventing sun spots and other signs of sun damage. For tailored skin-brightening recommendations for your unique skin type, take the skin typing quiz.
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.
