Sun exposure, certain medication, hormones and pregnancy, fair skin, and genetics can cause sunspots to develop, as well as accelerating the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Damage to the skin from sun exposure is cumulative, so time spent in the sun as children and from daily activities all leads to sunspots. Sunspots can occur in anyone but are most common in people over fourty years-old with fair skin in sun-exposed areas.

There are a number of treatment methods for removing sun spots that your provider at Skin and Laser Dermatology Center may recommend based on your unique concern. We offer many safe and effective treatments for sunspots including various laser treatment options, chemical peels, curettage, cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), and electrodessication. During the cosmetic consultation your provider will recommend the most appropriate treatment and how many sessions it may take to achieve optimal results.

We offer a number of chemical peels that are appropriate for skin rejuvenation and sunspot removal. The chemical peel creates a controlled peel that gives way to new skin, refreshing the skin and minimizing the appearance of sunspots. Any redness in response to the chemical peel can usually be covered with make-up and generally resolves in a few days after the procedure.

Depending on the sunspot and treatment there will be some variability in how long results last. In most situations, when patients use sun protection after treatment, patients can expect their sunspots will not return. Call today to schedule a cosmetic consultation and be one step closer to restoring your natural, sunspot-free skin.

Daily sun protection that contains physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium, seeking shade, and wearing sun-protective clothing all reduce the risk of developing sunspots.

Sunspots are benign (harmless) but they can be indicative of repeated sun-exposure or sunburns, so they are a sign that your skin should be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist or a trained dermatology provider on a regular basis. If sunspots appear to change in shape, size, or color, or become symptomatic (bleeding/painful/itching), it is also strongly recommended that those lesions be medically evaluated.