What Are Sun Spots?

Sun spots are discolored areas of the skin that appear as flat brown, gray or black spots and could be a result from sun exposure or time spent in tanning beds. Discolorations typically fall into one of three categories: sun spots, hyperpigmentation or dark spots. Sun spots are a result of sun exposure, while hyperpigmentation and dark spots can be brought on post-acne or after trauma and inflammation in an hyper-concentrated area of the skin, age or something that triggers an increase of pigment production in a defined area.

What Causes Sun Spots On The Skin?

As with most skincare concerns, if you’d prefer to avoid sun spots, it’s a must to understand why they form in the first place. You can probably guess from the name and what we’ve told you far, but it all comes down to the sun. The sun emits powerful radiation known as ultraviolet radiation, more commonly referred to as "UV rays". Frequent exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to premature aging and cause fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. Studies show UV rays also cause hyperpigmentation. UV radiation impacts melanin synthesis, which can lead to both temporary pigmentation and permanent dark spots. Because this process occurs over time and with repeated sun exposure, sun spots are common among adults over 50, hence the nickname "age spots." Still, if your skin is frequently exposed to the sun without sun protection, don’t be surprised if sunspots make an appearance earlier.

Why do Sun Spots Look Like Dark Spots on the Skin?

Sun spots appear darker in color than the rest of your skin tone and look like dark spots on the skin due to the sun triggering the skin to produce more pigment in an attempt to protect the skin.^I. This overproduction of pigment causes spots to show up on the skin in varying shades of brown or black.

What is the Difference Between Sun Spots and Freckles?

Freckles are also known as ephelides and are caused by an increased amount of dark pigments in the skin. Freckles often appear on the areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, but they differ from sun spots in several ways including they are not caused by overexposure to the sun, but rather, are often genetic. Freckles also often fade during the winter months and they are often red to light brown in color. Sun spots, on the other hand, are caused by exposure to UV rays, usually do not fade due to season changes and are can be light yellow to dark brown or black in color.

Are Sun Spots Dangerous or harmful?

Though they may look concerning, true sun spots are benign and pose no risk to your health. However, because they can appear similar to cancerous growths, it’s best to have any new sun spots examined by a dermatologist (particularly if they change in appearance, as this can be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer).^I. It’s also essential to remember that sun exposure, whether it results in sunspots or not, can cause damage and be linked to skin cancer.

Experts recommend seeing a dermatologist once a year for a full-body skin exam. The dermatologist will inspect your skin, looking at any moles or spots to assess their size, color, shape, and whether they’ve changed since your last exam. Those who are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer may benefit from more frequent exams—talk to your doctor to determine what screening frequency is right for you.

Do Sun Spots Go Away?

It is possible for sun spots to fade, lessen or go away completely over time if you’re using powerful, efficacious ingredients and/or seeking treatment from a skincare professional. Products with ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera, Activated C and Vitamin C could all help reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by the sun and other discolorations over time. Our dark spot corrector uses the power of Activated C, a potent form of Vitamin C, to help even skin tone and enhance overall skin clarity. If you’re looking for more intensive forms of treatment, you should consult a dermatologist.

How Can You Treat Sun Spots?

Adding products that help even skin tone and target dark spots to your skincare routine can help decrease signs of existing sun spots or discolorations, help minimize the triggers of hyperpigmentation and enhance overall skin clarity. For a brightening skincare routine, we recommend our Clearly Corrective collection as a gentle, yet efficacious way to increase brightness and enhance clarity for clear, healthy-looking skin. Exfoliating the skin is a great way to encourage cell turnover for renewed skin that’s visibly more healthy-looking. However, be careful not to over-exfoliate at the risk of possible irritation. Also, it’s important to use SPF protection daily to help protect skin and help prevent sun spots from forming.

How Can You Maintain an Even Skin Tone?

A brightening skincare routine to target areas of discoloration coupled with skin-soothing formulas including ingredients such as Calendula and Lavender Essential Oil can help maintain an even skin tone. Try our efficacious formulas such as our Calendula water cream and our nighttime facial oil to soothe skin and help maintain even, radiant skin. If you’re experiencing dark areas under the eyes due to digital fatigue or trauma from rubbing under the eyes, you can try our Avocado eye cream to help minimize the appearance of digital fatigue and even skin tone under they eye area. You can also add our anti-aging cream with 7-in-1 benefits as a moisturizer step in your routine to help even and refine skin. As always, we recommend completing your skincare routine with a sunscreen for daily defense against overexposure to the sun.

Can You Help Prevent Sun Spots?

Prevention starts with a sunscreen as a first step of defending against sun damage or damaging UV rays from tanning beds. Find the best sunscreen for your skin to help protect from potentially harmful sun damage that can lead to sun spots and other signs of skin-aging for a healthy-looking complexion.

How To Get Rid of Sunspots

No matter how many times you search "how to get rid of sunspots," you won’t find an instant DIY solution. The only surefire way to get rid of sun spots is to get them removed by a dermatologist (and because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, professional treatments to remove sun spots are rarely covered by insurance).^I. There are, however, numerous over-the-counter skincare treatments that can fade and significantly reduce the appearance of dark marks. To lighten dark spots over time, we recommend reaching for a brightening serum, like Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. It’s a daily treatment that helps even the skin tone and enhance clarity for a healthier-looking complexion. Another option is to use a targeted treatment like Clearly Corrective Accelerated Clarity Renewing Ampoules. These brightening ampoules may be small, but they pack a punch. The 14-day treatment helps to visibly improve skin texture and fade hyperpigmentation thanks to a powerful formula that features vitamin C and a blend of lactic, glycolic, and phytic acids.

Of course, a temporary treatment won’t be all you need. For sun spots on the face, we recommend following a daily brightening skincare routine to lighten hyperpigmentation gradually. Below, we’ve put together a routine designed to fade, smooth, and prevent dark spots and other visible signs of sun damage for a brighter, more even-toned complexion.