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How do you get rid of sun spots on your face?

J Laasritha Naidu

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Are you bothered by sunspots on the face, also known as age spots? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A lot of my patients complain about it too.

Sunspots on the face (solar lentigines) are a common skin concern for many of my patients. But what causes them, and is there anything you can do to prevent or get rid of them? In this article, we will explore the underlying causes behind their formation.

Sunspots on the face are primarily caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, these rays can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to the development of dark spots on the skin.

While sunspots on the face are often associated with age, they can actually appear at any stage of life, especially if you have had significant sun exposure. Understanding the causes of sunspots on the face is the first step in finding effective remedies.

From medical treatments like laser therapy and chemical peels to topical creams, there are various options available to treat and prevent sunspots.

What are sunspots?

Sunspots on the face are a common skin condition that appears as patches of flat brown or black spots on the face. They are caused by overexposure to UV rays. However, since they develop closer to the surface of the skin, they are easy to treat.

Although sunspots usually develop on the face, they can also develop in the arms, shoulders, legs, and back.

Causes of sunspots on the face

Sunspots on the face are mainly caused by

Overexposure to UV rays or
From the natural process of ageing

Research indicates that UV rays or the natural process of aging can cause the overactivity of the enzyme Tyrosinase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in the production of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for the color of your skin, eyes, and hair.

You can read more about melanin in this article titled “Can a Dark-Skinned Person Become Fair?“

Other factors, such as yeast, natural pigmentation, hypomelanosis, and certain types of fungus, can also contribute to the development of sunspots on the face.

Treatment of sunspots on the face

Doctors treat sunspots on the face by slowing down the activity of the Tyrosinase enzyme.

We do so by prescribing topical creams or by suggesting procedures to remove or destroy excess melanin present in the skin.

Read: Keratolysis exfoliativa causes and symptoms.

Topical creams

These creams contain ingredients that target the Tyrosinase enzyme to reduce the appearance of sunspots in the face.

Hydroquinone
Tretinoin
Tri-Luma

Read: Is Glycolic acid good for your skin?

Dermatologic procedures

These techniques involve removing the upper layers of skin to eliminate or reduce excessive melanin.

Chemical peels
Dermabrasion
Laser resurfacing
Cryotherapy
Intense pulse light (IPL) etc

Treatment durations of sunspots on the face

The length of time required for treating sunspots on the face depends on the type of treatment. It may range from a few weeks to several months. For best results, you will need to have some patience for at least three months to notice visible changes.

In addition, certain treatments may require multiple procedures. For instance, you can get chemical peels done every 6 to 12 months.

Remember, not every skin is the same, and what works for others may not necessarily work for you. Consult your Dermatologist to find the best course of treatment and an estimated timeframe for your treatment.

Consult with top dermatologists in Bangalore!

How to prevent sunspots on the face?

When you step out in the sun, make sure to apply sunscreen having SPF 50/PA+++. It also requires keeping a few things in mind:

Eat a balanced diet
Stay hydrated
Exercise

Doing so helps your body efficiently repair itself.

Here are some products you can try:

For sensitive, dry, and normal skin:

MFine Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50/PA+++

For oily and combination skin types:

MFine Sunscreen Gel SPF 50/PA+++

Also, in case you are struggling with acne, pigmentation, dark circles, or skin aging, you could reach out to one of our Dermatologists absolutely for FREE. We will recommend the most suitable skincare product for your skin type.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to consult a dermatologist, you can still take a free skin assessment to discover the best skincare kit for you.

Click here for more detailed information.

To summarize

Sunspots on the face are a common skin condition caused by overexposure to UV rays or the natural process of aging. Fortunately, they are easy to treat using topical creams or dermatologic procedures. Preventing sunspots requires taking care of your skin by applying sunscreen, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most effective course of treatment and the most suitable skincare products for your skin type.