How to get rid of dark age spots on the face

Facial age spots are commonly flat brown areas associated with accumulated sun exposure. They can sit beside freckles, melasma or marks left after inflammation, and these conditions need different approaches. A new, irregular or changing mark should not be assumed to be cosmetic. Information about [Sun Spots](/conditions/sun-spots/) and [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) can help you describe what you see, but a clinician makes the diagnosis.

After assessment, treatment may involve a [Chemical Peel](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/chemical-peel/), [IPL Photofacial](/treatments/laser-and-energy/ipl-photofacial/), [Picosecond Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/picosecond-laser-treatment/) or targeted [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/). Facial skin can darken after irritation, so the plan should account for your natural skin tone, tanning history, active acne or eczema, and any products that make skin sensitive. Follow aftercare carefully, avoid picking or scrubbing, and protect the face from sunlight.

Get the spot examined before cosmetic removal if it is rapidly changing, has an uneven outline, contains several shades, becomes raised, bleeds, crusts or fails to heal. Seek medical advice rather than repeatedly treating a mark at home when its identity is uncertain. New widespread facial pigment, especially after irritation or a medication change, also merits a review so the cause can guide treatment.

Is this definitely a sun spot? Could treatment worsen pigment in my skin? What should I stop before the procedure? How will you protect nearby skin and judge whether the area is healing normally?