What are the treatment options for sun spots?

Sun spots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are flat areas of increased pigment linked with cumulative ultraviolet exposure. They commonly appear on exposed skin such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest. A new or changing pigmented mark can resemble a sun spot but may need a different diagnosis and treatment.

A clinician may examine the border, colour pattern, surface, and history of the mark before treating it. Procedures can reduce visible pigment, but they do not prevent new spots from forming and can cause temporary irritation or pigment changes, especially in darker or recently tanned skin.

A chemical peel applies a solution that removes selected surface layers. IPL photofacial uses broad-spectrum light to target pigment and may be chosen for several sun-exposed areas. Picosecond laser treatment delivers very short laser pulses to break up pigment. Cryotherapy uses controlled freezing for a selected lesion and may cause crusting during healing.

Use broad-spectrum sun protection, clothing, and shade after treatment as advised. Do not pick crusts or apply irritating products to healing skin. Read about [Sun Spots](/conditions/sun-spots/), [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/), and [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/).

Seek prompt assessment for a spot that changes in size, shape, colour, or thickness, bleeds, crusts repeatedly, becomes painful, or differs noticeably from nearby marks. Do this before a cosmetic procedure so a clinician can decide whether testing or another treatment is needed.

Ask how the mark was identified, which option suits your skin tone and location, whether a test is needed first, what healing will look like, and how to reduce the chance of pigment returning or changing.