Dark age spots: what to know

Sun spots, or solar lentigines, develop as pigment-producing cells respond to cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They are often tan to brown, flat and clearly outlined, appearing on the face, hands, forearms, chest or shoulders. Their colour can deepen after further sun exposure. Not every dark mark is a sun spot; melasma, post-inflammatory pigment and some skin cancers can look similar. See [Sun Spots](/conditions/sun-spots/) and [Uneven Skin Tone](/symptoms/uneven-skin-tone/) for related concerns.

Photograph the area in good light so you can notice changes, and use shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. If you want treatment, a dermatologist may discuss 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 [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/). The choice depends on diagnosis, skin tone, location and whether one mark or a wider area is involved.

Arrange an assessment if a spot changes in size, border, colour or texture, or if it becomes itchy, painful, crusted or bleeds. A mark that stands out from your other spots deserves attention even when it does not hurt. Do not apply a pigment-removing treatment to an undiagnosed lesion. For broader concerns about new [Dark Patches On Skin](/symptoms/dark-patches-on-skin/), a clinician can review the pattern and possible triggers.

Does this mark have the typical features of a sun spot? Should it be monitored or sampled? Which treatment is least likely to worsen pigment in my skin? What sun protection should I use on the treated area?