Have you started noticing small brown spots on your skin? If you have, you’re not alone. These common sunspots tend to appear on the parts of your skin that get the most sun exposure, your face being one of the most exposed parts of your body. If you’ve spent a lot of time outdoors, you may notice these sunspots appearing more frequently as you get older. While sunspots are typically harmless, many people look for ways to minimize their appearance for a more even complexion.

What Are Sunspots?

Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots are small brown patches that appear on the skin. Sunspots are a type of hyperpigmentation caused specifically by prolonged sun exposure over time. While sunspots are usually harmless, they can be a sign of sun damage, so it’s important to monitor them for changes in size, shape, or texture that could indicate a more serious skin condition, or possibly cancerous spot. The best way to prevent more sunspots is to consistently protect your skin by wearing sunscreen every day.

Best Skincare for Sunspots

When it comes to sunspots, the focus should be on prevention to avoid new spots, and treatment to reduce existing ones. 

Sun Protection

Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day is one of the most important skincare steps. This is true even on cloudy days because UV rays can penetrate through both clouds and windows. Shop our recommended SPFs.

Ingredients for Dark Spots

Here are key ingredients to look for in skincare products for sunspots.

• Vitamin C—Works as an antioxidant to fade existing spots and protect against new ones.
• Retinol—Promotes skin cell turnover which helps fade pigmented cells and improves skin tone over time.
• Tranexamic Acid—Reduces discoloration by addressing the underlying cause of pigmentation.
• Hexylresorcinol - Helps prevent and fade pigmentation by interrupting pathways that lead to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
• AHAs—They remove dead skin cells for a more even tone, but also heighten sun sensitivity which is why wearing a daily SPF is non-negotiable.

Be cautious not to overuse strong actives or mix too many exfoliants at once because these can irritate your skin and worsen pigmentation. Consistency and daily sun protection are key for lasting results.

Best Treatment for Sunspots on Face

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels use acids to remove the outer layer of skin, which often contains sun-damaged, pigmented cells. By promoting faster regeneration of new skin cells, chemical peels help fade existing sunspots and even out skin tone.

Glacial Skin Treatment

Glacial Skin Treatments help to reduce the appearance of sunspots, evening skin tone, and calming the underlying triggers like inflammation. 

HydraFacial

HydraFacials help improve the appearance of sunspots by gently exfoliating the skin and removing dead skin cells. During the treatment, targeted serums and antioxidants are delivered deep into the skin to help even out tone, fade discoloration, and protect against sun damage.

SkinPen Microneedling

SkinPen Microneedling can help with sunspots by stimulating your skin’s natural repair processes. The SkinPen creates tiny, precise punctures in the skin that triggers the body’s healing response which encourages renewal of skin cells, helping to fade existing sunspots and even out skin tone over time.

Treatment for Sunspots in the DMV

Sunspots are a common sign of sun exposure, but with the right treatment, they can be reduced while helping prevent new spots from forming. Request an appointment so we can evaluate your sunspots and create a personalized skincare treatment for you at NM Aesthetics, serving the DMV area.

Sunspot FAQs

How long does it take to see results?

Results vary depending on the treatment and your skin type. Topical treatments may take several weeks to months. Getting treatments versus using products often shows you faster, more noticeable results.

Can sunspots come back after treatment?

Yes, sunspots can return if your skin is exposed to UV rays without protection. Continuous sun protection and a consistent skincare routine are essential to maintain results.

Can I get treatment for sunspots if I have sensitive skin or a skin condition?

Yes, you can get treatment for sunspots even if you have sensitive skin or a pre-existing skin condition, however, the treatment needs to be more gentle and customized.

Can sunspots go away on their own?

Sunspots generally do not go away on their own. Once they appear, they usually persist and may even darken over time with continued sun exposure.