What are sunspots?

Notice brown markings on your skin? They could be sunspots.

Being out in the sun can feel great. But too much sun can stress your skin out. What else can too much sun lead to? Sunspots. Here’s what to know.

What do sunspots look like?

“Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are flat spots on the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds,” says Mikael Horissian, MD, dermatologist at Geisinger.

These harmless growths come in different shades but most commonly appear as brown circles on your skin.

Not sure what causes sunspots? They can be brought on by things like:

Age
Genetics
Repeated sun exposure
Certain medications

Sunspots, freckles or moles?

Looking to tell the difference between moles, freckles or sunspots? Pay special attention to the color and the size. All three marks may be flat. However, freckles are typically two millimeters or smaller. (Think the diameter of a crayon tip.) Sunspots are larger than that. And moles tend to be smaller than six millimeters.

Another important characteristic? Dr. Horissian notes that freckles are more common in children and young adults, while sunspots are most common in people over the age of 40.

Most spots don’t change. That’s why paying attention to details matters. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice your spot:

Has irregular or asymmetrical borders
Changes color or size
Is larger than six millimeters

“These could all be signs of melanoma and should be evaluated,” says Dr. Horissian.

Preventing sunspots

Lowering your risk of developing sunspots is easy. It starts with practicing proper sun safety. Consider these tips.

Wear sunscreen

Optimal sun protection starts with sunscreen. Slathering on the SPF is an easy way to help reduce your risk of sunspots. “Choose sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher,” says Dr. Horissian. Going to the beach? Consider packing SPF 50 for maximum sun protection. Make sure to cover all exposed skin and reapply every two hours. And if you’re swimming or sweating, reapply more often.

Stay in the shade

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these hours, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your skin if you end up outside. And when you’re out, stay in the shade as much as possible to protect your skin. Don’t have a shady spot to visit? Throw on a hat to keep sun off your face and neck.

Stay away from tanning beds

Tanning beds can be dangerous due to the strong UV rays they emit. Avoiding tanning beds is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin healthy.

How to treat sunspots

Finding the right treatment for sunspots can be challenging. “Many common therapies can lighten the skin but not make the spots fully disappear,” Dr. Horissian notes.

There are several options available to lighten sunspots. Your provider may recommend any of these treatments:

Cryotherapy

During cryotherapy, sunspots are frozen using liquid nitrogen. Over time, the spots eventually peel off.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve applying acid solutions to the skin to remove the top layers, which helps lessen the appearance of sunspots. Microdermabrasion, a procedure that exfoliates the skin to remove superficial layers, promotes new skin growth and makes sunspots less visible.

Laser therapy

During laser therapy, your provider will use concentrated light to break down the melanin in the spots. This helps to lighten the spots and make them less visible. It’s especially effective for getting rid of stubborn sunspots that don't respond to other treatments.

Over-the-counter remedies

Many creams and lotions can help lighten sunspots. Ingredients such as retinoids of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can help fade the spots over time.

Your provider may also recommend other remedies like aloe vera, vitamin C serum or green tea extract.

Depending on the type of insurance you have, certain therapies may not be covered. Before starting any treatment, contact your insurance carrier to find out what’s covered.

Maintaining healthy skin

The key to preventing sunspots? Protecting your skin. Start by moisturizing daily. And see a dermatologist for yearly skin checks.

By monitoring changes in your skin, dermatologists can prevent the development of more serious conditions, like skin cancer. Regular check-ups can help your skin look its best.