Causes and Risk Factors

Sun spots are the result of chronic sun exposure and accumulated UV damage. They are most commonly found on areas that receive the most sunlight, including:

• Face
• Neck
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Arms
• Hands

Risk factors include:

• Fair or light skin tone
• History of frequent sun exposure or tanning
• Older age
• Past sunburns
• Use of tanning beds

How Sun Spots are Diagnosed

Sun spots are typically diagnosed through clinical examination. They appear as flat, oval, brown or tan lesions with well-defined borders.

While most sun spots are benign, a dermatologist will assess any new, changing, or irregularly shaped pigmented lesions to rule out precancerous or cancerous conditions, such as actinic keratoses or melanoma.

Treatment Options

At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, sun spot treatment plans are customized based on skin type, the number and depth of lesions, and the patient’s overall skin condition.

We offer two primary treatment modalities — chemical peels and laser treatments — both designed to safely and effectively target pigmentation.

1. Chemical Peels for Sun Spots

Chemical peels use medical-grade exfoliating solutions to remove the outermost layers of the skin, encouraging cell turnover and regeneration of new, evenly pigmented tissue.

How It Works:

• A controlled chemical solution (such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid) is applied to the skin.
• The solution gently dissolves damaged surface cells, allowing new, healthier skin to form.
• This process lightens the appearance of dark spots and promotes a smoother, more uniform tone.

Benefits:

• Reduces mild to moderate sun spots and discoloration
• Improves skin texture and radiance
• Minimal downtime, depending on peel depth
• Can be repeated in a series for enhanced results

Considerations:

• Mild redness, peeling, or sensitivity may occur for several days after treatment.
• Daily sunscreen use is required following a chemical peel to prevent new pigmentation.
• Not recommended for patients with active infections, open wounds, or certain skin sensitivities.

2. Laser Treatments for Sun Spots

Laser therapy provides a precise, targeted method for removing unwanted pigmentation with minimal disruption to surrounding skin.

How It Works:

• The laser emits specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by melanin in sunspots.
• The pigment particles are broken down into smaller fragments.
• The body’s natural healing process gradually eliminates the treated pigment.

Types of Laser Treatments Offered:

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Uses broad-spectrum light to target multiple sun spots and diffuse redness simultaneously.
• Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Penetrates deeper skin layers to treat more advanced pigmentation and improve overall texture.

Benefits:

• Effective for moderate to severe pigmentation
• Can treat multiple lesions in a single session
• Stimulates collagen production for additional rejuvenation benefits
• Minimal downtime with long-lasting results

Considerations:

• Temporary redness, swelling, or mild flaking may occur after treatment.
• Sun protection is mandatory before and after treatment to maintain results and prevent recurrence.
• A series of treatments may be recommended for optimal clearance.

Maintenance and Prevention

To maintain results and prevent future sun spots:

• Use daily sun protection, even on cloudy days.
• Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors.
• Avoid tanning beds or intentional sunbathing.
• Incorporate antioxidants and retinoids into your skincare regimen as advised by your provider.

Regular follow-up visits allow for monitoring of skin health and early detection of any new pigmentation changes.