Treatment options for sun spots on the face

Sun spots are areas of increased pigment from cumulative ultraviolet exposure. A clinician first checks that the mark is consistent with a benign sun spot, because a different diagnosis needs different care. Skin tone, recent tanning, sensitivity, medicines, and a tendency to develop darker marks after irritation can influence the plan. Treatment aims to reduce visible pigment while limiting inflammation.

A chemical peel uses a selected solution to remove or renew superficial skin layers. IPL photofacial uses pulses of light that can target visible pigment. Picosecond laser treatment delivers very short laser pulses to break up pigment in selected areas. Cryotherapy lesion removal uses controlled cold for an individual lesion. Your clinician will explain preparation, expected redness or crusting, aftercare, and whether more than one visit is appropriate.

Have a mark checked before treatment if it is new or changing, asymmetrical, multicoloured, raised, bleeding, crusted, persistently itchy, painful, or slow to heal. Contact the treating clinic if treated skin develops spreading redness, increasing pain, pus, or another reaction that concerns you.

Ask which diagnosis is being treated, why one option suits you, what downtime is expected, how pigment changes will be managed, and what aftercare protects the result.