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POSTED: 24 Feb 2024

All You Need to Know About Causes, Prevention & Treatments for Sunspots

Of all the skin concerns, are as common and misunderstood as you can get. Pretty much everyone can and seems to get them. Yet most people don’t know what to do about them (if anything)! However, these small dark patches on the skin are more than just a . They’re a physical record of our skin’s with the sun’s powerful rays. We’ll what they are, their causes, how to prevent them and the best for sunspots on the skin.

What are Sunspots on the Skin?

are basically little tell-tale marks of the time we’ve spent under the sun. Contrary to belief, sunspots are not exclusive to light-skinned individuals. You can actually get sunspots across the full of skin tones, including in brown and black skin. Known as in circles, sunspots are flat and brown. However, the shade can vary depending on your skin colour. You can often find them on the areas of the body most commonly exposed to the sun. These are areas like the face, chest, hands, shoulders and arms. In and of themselves, they are completely harmless and benign. However, they are signs of the skin’s past encounters with UV radiation. People who have them may also be at higher risk of skin cancer, as they are also a result of sun damage.

How Do They Look?

Sunspots are easy to spot due to their uniform colour and defined edges. They’re usually oval in shape and may differ in size. However, it can be easy to them with other skin lesions, which you can also get at the same time as sunspots. Freckles, moles, keratosis and skin cancer can all get mistaken for sunspots. It’s crucial to be able to tell the difference them and get help if you have any doubts.

differ from freckles, as they are larger and do not fade during the winter months. Unlike freckles, they are also not . They’re also different to moles. Moles are raised and can come in various colours and sizes, whilst sunspots remain flat and brown. In the case of actinic keratosis, it as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas. It can also lead to skin cancer. Finally, it’s also to mistake skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell for sunspots, especially at their early stages. However, they tend to have different and may change in shape, colour or size over time. For this reason, see a dermatologist if you have any new skin lesions or changes in spots. This rules out the more serious .

What Causes Sunspots on the Skin?

At the centre of the skin’s to is melanin by our pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). This pigment is what gives our skin its colour and is its frontline against UV radiation. Melanin absorbs and dissipates UV rays to protect our DNA from damage. However, over time and with repeated sun exposure, the skin overproduces melanin in areas. This leads to the formation of sunspots, which are a common form of .

Preventing Sunspots

The old saying "prevention is better than cure" couldn’t be truer for . The best way to prevent is to your skin from the sun. In fact, even if you already have sunspots, there’s no point in trying to treat them without first making sure you have adequate sun protection. The first thing you need to do is use a with at least SPF 30 every single day. You should use sunscreen even if it’s not sunny or you’re indoors. This is UV rays get clouds and glass and can still damage your skin over time. So if you use sunscreen and apply it correctly, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting sunspots.

Beyond sunscreen, you should also use clothing, hats and sunglasses when out and about in the sun. These offer an extra layer of defence sun damage. So will seeking shade during peak sun hours to reduce direct . Lastly, adding like into your routine will also bolster your skin’s against UV damage and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT/BHRT) help prevent .

Treatments to Get Rid of Sunspots on the Skin

If you already have sunspots, don’t worry. There are a number of good that can fade or even get rid of them. The first thing you should do is get a skin check and make sure that these are in fact and nothing more serious. At the same time, before trying any treatment, make sure that you your skin from the sun to prevent more from . You can generally split treatments for sunspots into over-the-counter products, and advanced treatments. You may just one type or based on the severity of the sunspots and your skin type.

Over-the-Counter Skincare

These products are widely available and can gently fade sunspots over time. They are best suited for mild to moderate concerns but can also have benefits alongside or for more severe .

To get the best out of skincare, you will need to use your products consistently over several weeks or months. It takes time to see visible and these vary from person to person. These are generally safe to use and have minimal side if used correctly. That being said, always perform a patch test and follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Prescription Skincare

For more sunspots, dermatologists may recommend prescription-strength treatments, which offer higher concentrations of active for more effective results. These include:

Whilst are more than over-the-counter products, they still take . They also carry a risk of more noticeable side . This is why it’s vital to find a medical who can create a personalised protocol for your individual skin type and needs.

Professional Treatments

If you have limited with treatments, or for severe and widespread hyperpigmentation, might be worth considering. These treatments can quicker and more results but carry higher risks if they are not done by .

Although treatments can significant improvements, they also come with higher costs, greater risks of side effects and a need for downtime to . You will also normally need several over a period of time to see results. It’s essential to seek a and experienced if you are considering these . They will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you to help select the best and safest treatment for you.

Long-Term Skin Health

It’s useful to see as an opportunity to take care of your skin and overall health. In addition to a that targets sunspots, your skin and sun damage, there are some lifestyle that can also help. You can boost your skin’s appearance and future sunspots and skin problems. This means a diet rich in antioxidants, ample and regular skin checks.

on the skin are more than just a flaw. They are our skin’s record of sun damage and serve as a warning to look after and protect our skin. By understanding the causes of sunspots, you can arm yourself with the best ways to them and find treatments. Whatever you do, don’t waste this to adopt a skincare and lifestyle habits. These will help the of your skin and skin ageing.

At City Skin Clinic, we are to skincare. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective individualised with ingredients like and where appropriate. Our doctors treat a range of skin including and scars, , and . To start your skincare plan, book a or use . The towards great skin .

This article is for general informational only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a professional with any concerns about your skin or options.

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