What happens if sun spots is not treated?

Sun spots, also called solar lentigines or age spots, are flat areas of increased pigment linked with accumulated sun exposure. They are usually harmless and do not need treatment for health reasons. Without cosmetic treatment, they may persist, become more noticeable or sit alongside other signs of sun-damaged skin. New, changing or very uneven marks should not automatically be labelled a sun spot because some skin cancers can resemble pigmented patches.

Use broad sun protection, seek shade and avoid intentional tanning to reduce further darkening and additional photoaging. Arrange a skin assessment before choosing a cosmetic procedure if a mark is new, changing or uncertain. Once the diagnosis is clear, options may include a chemical peel, IPL photofacial, picosecond laser treatment or cryotherapy. The suitable choice depends on skin tone, lesion features and the risk of pigment changes after treatment.

Book a dermatology review if a patch changes in size, shape or colour, develops several shades, bleeds, crusts, itches persistently or becomes raised. Seek assessment for a mark that looks different from your other spots. Prompt diagnosis matters more than cosmetic removal when a lesion is uncertain.

Ask whether the mark is a sun spot, whether it needs dermoscopic examination or biopsy, which treatment suits your skin tone, and how to protect the area afterward.