You’ve noticed some dark patches or freckles on your face, hands, or shoulders — but are they age spots, sun spots, or something more?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the difference between age spots and sun spots is key to choosing the right treatment and protecting your skin’s long-term health.
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery (SLD) in Troy, MO, we help patients from across Lincoln and St. Charles Counties identify and treat skin discoloration safely and effectively. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, brown or gray patches that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin as we age, especially after the age of 40.
Key Characteristics:
- Flat, round, or oval patches
- Light to dark brown
- Common on hands, face, shoulders, and chest
- Result from years of UV exposure
- More common in fair-skinned individuals
Age spots are not dangerous but can be a cosmetic concern for many patients. While harmless, it’s still important to get new or changing spots checked by a dermatologist.
What Are Sun Spots?
Sun spots are a type of hyperpigmentation caused by UV radiation. While similar in appearance to age spots, sun spots can occur in younger individuals, especially those with prolonged sun exposure without protection.
Differences from Age Spots:
- Appear sooner, sometimes in your 20s or 30s
- Often lighter or more diffuse in appearance
- Typically fades slightly over time with sun avoidance
- Can develop after sunburns or tanning
Think of sun spots as the early warning signs of UV damage — and a cue to ramp up your SPF game.
How to Tell the Difference: Age Spots vs. Sun Spots
| Feature | Age Spots | Sun Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | 40+ | All ages (especially 20s–40s) |
| Cause | Cumulative sun exposure + aging | Recent or repeated sun exposure |
| Color | Dark brown, well-defined | Light brown, less defined |
| Texture | Flat and smooth | Flat and smooth |
| Location | Hands, face, chest, shoulders | Same areas, sometimes more diffuse |
| Risk | Cosmetic | Cosmetic, potential for long-term damage |
Important Note: If a dark spot changes shape, bleeds, or becomes raised, it could be more than just an age or sun spot — get it checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
Should I Be Concerned About These Spots?
While age spots and sun spots are typically benign, they can sometimes be confused with:
- Melasma
- Actinic keratoses
- Moles or lentigo maligna
- Skin cancer
That’s why we recommend an annual skin exam at SLD — especially if you’ve had significant sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer.
How We Treat Age Spots and Sun Spots at SLD
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, we offer medical-grade treatments tailored to your skin tone, pigmentation depth, and aesthetic goals.
1. Laser Treatments
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets pigment without damaging surrounding skin
- Fractional laser resurfacing: Improves texture and tone
- Best for: Multiple or darker spots, fair to medium skin tones
2. Chemical Peels
- Helps slough off pigmented skin cells
- Options: Glycolic acid, TCA, cosmelan peels
- Best for: Light to moderate sun damage and uneven tone
3. Microneedling with PRP
- Stimulates skin renewal and evens out tone
- Can improve pigmentation and skin quality over time
How to Prevent Future Spots
Prevention is powerful — and in Missouri’s unpredictable weather, it’s more important than ever. Here’s how to protect your skin:
- 🌤 Daily SPF 30+, even on cloudy days
- 🧢 Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing outdoors
- 🚫 Avoid tanning beds and sunburns
- 🧴 Use antioxidant-rich serums (like Vitamin C) to combat sun damage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can sunspots go away on their own?
What’s the best treatment for age spots on the hands?
Are these spots a sign of skin cancer?
Why Choose SLD for Pigmentation Treatment?
Our team specializes in both medical dermatology and cosmetic skin enhancement, meaning we don’t just treat the spot — we treat the underlying cause and your overall skin health.
We serve patients from Troy, Moscow Mills, Wentzville, St. Charles, and surrounding areas with personalized care, advanced technology, and an experienced team of providers.
Don’t Let Dark Spots Dull Your Confidence
Whether you’ve had spots for years or just started noticing them, our team can help you fade discoloration, restore your skin’s glow, and protect it for the future. Contact St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery to schedule an appointment today.
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