Sunspots: How to Prevent or Fade Their Appearance

The appearance of sunspots (age spots) can lead to uneven skin tone and dull complexion. Characterized by small, flat, and discolored marks, these spots usually develop on body parts that receive lots of sun exposure. They are common among people over 40 years old (particularly with lighter skin), but can also appear sooner.

Over-exposure to the sun is one major trigger and contributor to these dark spots and patches. This is also the reason why age spots or sunspots are commonly found on areas that are regularly exposed to UV rays: face, neck, shoulders, chest, hands, arms, and tops of feet.

Can you prevent age spots?

As prolonged and unprotected sun exposure can cause age spots to develop, you need adequate sun protection. You should take note that sun damage can happen on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate through the clouds. Below are some of the tips that can prevent age spots from forming:

Limit sun exposure – Try to stay out of the sun when the UV rays are strongest (between 10am and 3pm). Limiting the amount of time you spend out in the sun can prevent and reduce the appearance of age spots.

Wear sunscreen – Choose a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30. It is recommended to reapply every two hours or more if you go swimming or sweat heavily. Also, take note that cosmetic products with SPF are not enough for longer periods of time in the sun.

Dress right and accessorize– If you’ll be spending time in the sun, you might want to wear clothes that cover your skin (long sleeve shirt and pants). Get extra sun protection by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses that cover the delicate skin around the eyes. 

Use a Vitamin C Serum – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can brighten the skin, reduce spots, and promote healthier skin. Topical vitamin C in the form of serum is ideal for targeting age-related concerns, as applying it on the skin is more effective than taking the vitamin orally. 

How can I fade existing age spots?

To prevent these spots from darkening, it is still important to protect your skin from the sun. You might also want to consider aesthetic treatments that can brighten your skin and fade the appearance of pigmentation. 

1. Limelight IPL – This laser device uses US FDA-cleared “intense pulsed light” technology to address several skin concerns. It can treat brown spots, freckles, uneven complexion, sun damage and redness. It can be used on any part of the face, neck, and décolleté with brown spots, redness, or tiny veins.

This works by delivering intelligent pulses of light customized to your skin tone. This targets the pigmentation by drawing the darkened spots on the skin’s top layer. The spots may turn darker after the procedure, but they scab and fall off after three to five days. This then reveals brighter complexion.

2. Pearl Laser Resurfacing – This US FDA-cleared laser procedure helps reduce the appearance of acne marks, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. It can restore the skin’s youthful glow with fewer treatments and less overall recovery than other laser procedures.

This works by treating the top layer using pulses of light in a pre-selected pattern. This then removes a portion of the sun-damaged surface, causing the skin to produce a natural protective dressing. This will peels off after three to five days and reveal an even-toned skin with a “pearly” glow.

3. VI Peel – This chemical peel treatment is used to treat sun damage, fine lines, and acne marks. It can also fade the appearance of freckles, brown spots, and other types of pigmentation. It helps trigger the body’s natural elastin and collagen production, improving the look of skin over several months period.

The procedure involves an application of a solution directly on the face. This needs to remain in your skin for at least 4 hours. Your skin may look a bit suntanned but you can go home and wash off the solution. You may notice skin peeling on the second or third day and may last up to seven days.

Schedule a consultation today

Don’t let the sun damage your skin and worsen your age spots. Contact Cutis Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors to find out more about these procedures.