Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesWhen to See a ProviderHow to Lighten SunspotsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
When to See a Provider
How to Lighten Sunspots
Prevention
Sunspots are dark spots on the skin that result from years of sun exposure. Also known as age spots, hyperpigmentation, liver spots, or solarlentigines, these discolored patches usually appear in middle age, although they can occur at any time.
This article explains what causes sunspots on skin, signs of a sunspot versus other skin conditions, and how to prevent or reduce the appearance of sunspots.
Jeffrey Coolidge / Getty Images
What Are Sunspots?
When several sunspots group together, they can appear as a larger spot.
Sunspots typically turn up on areas of high sun exposure, such as:
What Causes Sunspots?
The most common cause for sunspots on the skin is lifetime sun exposure or artificial UV exposure from tanning beds or salon nail polish lamps that use UV light.Although the exact reason why some people are more likely to develop sunspots is unknown, genetics may play a role.
Lifetime UV light exposure can result in sunspots in middle age and beyond. However, some younger people who spend time tanning may get them before middle age.
The enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a key role in the production of melanin, may also affect whether you develop sunspots. Overactivity of tyrosinase, according to some research, can cause hyperpigmentation or sunspots.
People with light hair and eyes, individuals who spend long periods of time in the sun, and those who do not wear sunscreen or protective clothing are more susceptible to sunspots.
Having a history of sunburns, especially severe ones, also increases your likelihood of developing sunspots.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Your healthcare provider or dermatologist can likely diagnose sunspots through a routine exam.
If one or more of the spots looks suspicious, you may need a biopsy.
Sunspots typically do not require medical care, but if you notice any of the following changes in a spot’s appearance, be sure to see your healthcare provider:
Sunspots and CancerSome research shows a connection between sunspots and a higher risk of skin cancer.However, sunspots do not develop into cancer. Instead, some researchers believe that people who develop sunspots are more likely to have spent extensive time in the sun, which puts them at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
Sunspots and Cancer
Some research shows a connection between sunspots and a higher risk of skin cancer.However, sunspots do not develop into cancer. Instead, some researchers believe that people who develop sunspots are more likely to have spent extensive time in the sun, which puts them at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
Some research shows a connection between sunspots and a higher risk of skin cancer.
However, sunspots do not develop into cancer. Instead, some researchers believe that people who develop sunspots are more likely to have spent extensive time in the sun, which puts them at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
How Melanoma vs. Sunspots Look on Skin
How to Lighten Sunspots on Skin
Sunspots that don’t look suspicious don’t cause any symptoms and can be left alone. If you don’t like the way they look, you can diminish the spots' appearance on your own or with the help of a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.
At-Home Products to Lighten Sunspots
Certain topical skincare products may help lighten dark patches. Look for topical products with the following ingredients:
These products typically need several months of use to be effective, and results may be temporary.
Medical Procedures to Reduce Sunspots
A dermatologist can lighten sunspots with these procedures:
Each of these options comes with some risks and may not be appropriate for those with sensitive skin. Discuss the procedures with your healthcare provider.
You cannot prevent sunspots due to past UV exposure from forming, but you can prevent future sunspots and old sunspots from getting darker after you’ve lightened them. Steps you can take include:
What to Know About Solar Purpura
Summary
Although dark sunspots that develop on your skin may be concerning, they are often harmless. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider, though, if you notice any changes in the spots. If you do not like the appearance of sunspots, try at-home products or talk to a dermatologist about which options are best for you.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots. Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE.Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(9):1868-1870. doi:10.1002/ccr3.1749Roggenkamp D, Dlova N, Mann T, et al.Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol).Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(3):292-301. doi:10.1111/ics.12694Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to Fade Dark Spots in Darker Skin Tones.Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L.Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(2):93-103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots. Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE.Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(9):1868-1870. doi:10.1002/ccr3.1749Roggenkamp D, Dlova N, Mann T, et al.Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol).Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(3):292-301. doi:10.1111/ics.12694Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to Fade Dark Spots in Darker Skin Tones.Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L.Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(2):93-103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots. Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE.Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(9):1868-1870. doi:10.1002/ccr3.1749Roggenkamp D, Dlova N, Mann T, et al.Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol).Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(3):292-301. doi:10.1111/ics.12694Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to Fade Dark Spots in Darker Skin Tones.Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L.Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(2):93-103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.
Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots. Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203
Scarcella G, Dethlefsen MW, Nielsen MCE.Treatment of solar lentigines using a combination of picosecond laser and biophotonic treatment. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(9):1868-1870. doi:10.1002/ccr3.1749
Roggenkamp D, Dlova N, Mann T, et al.Effective reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with the tyrosinase inhibitor isobutylamido-thiazolyl-resorcinol (Thiamidol).Int J Cosmet Sci. 2021;43(3):292-301. doi:10.1111/ics.12694
Choi W, Yin L, Smuda C, Batzer J, Hearing VJ, Kolbe L.Molecular and histological characterization of age spots.Exp Dermatol. 2017;26(3):242-248. doi:10.1111/exd.13203
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to Fade Dark Spots in Darker Skin Tones.
Arora P, Sarkar R, Garg VK, Arya L.Lasers for treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2012;5(2):93-103. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.99436
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.
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