How to reduce sun spots

Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are flat brown, tan, or darker patches that develop after repeated ultraviolet exposure. They commonly occur on the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and forearms. They are usually harmless, but a dark patch can resemble other pigmented lesions. A spot that changes in size, shape, colour, or surface should be checked rather than treated at home. Dark patches and uneven skin tone may also have causes other than sun damage.

Use shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially after sweating or swimming. Once the spot has been examined, a clinician may discuss a chemical peel, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment, or cryotherapy. Each option targets pigment differently and may cause temporary redness, crusting, or colour change. Treatment choice should account for the spot's diagnosis, location, skin tone, and history of dark marks after irritation. Avoid picking treated skin and follow aftercare instructions.

Book a dermatology assessment for a spot that is new, rapidly changing, uneven at the edge, very dark in one area, bleeding, crusting, itching persistently, or failing to heal. Seek care sooner if several new pigmented areas appear unexpectedly or if a treated area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or infected-looking.

Ask whether the patch is a sun spot, whether it needs closer examination, which treatment is appropriate for your skin tone, and how to reduce the chance of post-treatment darkening.