Does chemical peel treat sun spots?

Sun spots, also called age spots, are flat areas of increased pigment that commonly appear on skin exposed to daylight. A peel works at the surface and may make the colour less noticeable. It does not erase the effect of ongoing ultraviolet exposure, and the pigment can return or new spots can appear.

Not every brown spot is a sun spot. A clinician may examine the border, colour and surface before recommending a peel. A suspicious, inflamed or changing lesion should not be treated as a cosmetic mark until it has been assessed.

Book an assessment if you are unsure what a spot is, or if you have used retinoids, exfoliants or tanning products recently. Share your history of cold sores, sensitive skin, pigment changes and previous procedures. The clinician can choose an approach suited to the spot and your skin's response to irritation.

Use gentle skincare around the appointment and follow the clinic's instructions afterwards. Do not pick flakes or scrub treated skin. Use shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen because daylight can prolong irritation and encourage further pigmentation.

Have a spot reviewed promptly if it changes in size, shape or colour, develops an irregular edge, bleeds, crusts or becomes persistently sore. After a peel, seek medical advice for severe pain, blistering, marked swelling, spreading redness or discharge.

Ask whether the mark has been identified confidently as a sun spot, which peel is appropriate, how many appointments may be considered, and how to protect the area afterwards. Ask what changes should prompt a review.