We love beach days and laying out by the pool as much as the next person, but it isn’t all fun and games—you have sun damage to contend with, and that can go beyond getting a sunburn. Without the proper protection, skin dotted with small, flat dark spots known as sun spots can become your reality. Sun spots are a type of discoloration that can occur with repeated exposure to the sun’s rays. Unlike freckles, face sunspots don’t fade naturally—and while the spots themselves are harmless, they can be frustrating to deal with.I.
Thankfully, it is possible to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations on the skin. Ahead, we’ll give you the 4-1-1 on what sun spots are, why they form, and how to fade them. Read on for our guide to sun spots and our routine for achieving glowing, radiant-looking skin.
Sun spots—also referred to as age spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines—are small, flat, dark marks on the skin. They typically develop on parts of the body most frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and shoulders. Sunspots can vary in size and shape and appear light brown to black, depending on your skin tone and ethnicity. Though they’re most common in adults over 50, anyone who spends a lot of time outside without adequate sun protection can develop sun spots on the skin.I.
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.II. Studies show UV rays also cause hyperpigmentation. UV radiation impacts melanin synthesis, which can lead to both temporary pigmentation and permanent dark spots.III. 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.IV.
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.V.
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.
Every effective skincare routine begins with a clean face. We recommend washing your face daily with a gentle exfoliating cleanser, like Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser. This gentle face wash features pearlstone, a natural exfoliant derived from volcanic ash that helps remove dead skin cells, oil, and pollutants for a cleaner, clearer-looking complexion.
After cleansing, prep your skin with a brightening toner, such as Clearly Corrective Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water. This hydrating formula features licorice root and vitamin C to refresh dull, tired-looking skin. It also contains illuminating minerals that reflect light to give the skin a dewy, healthy-looking glow. Simply pat onto clean, dry skin with your fingertips or a cotton pad, taking care to avoid the eye area.
Next, reach for a serum designed to target hyperpigmentation, such as Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. This fast, exceptionally effective formulation was developed to promote youthful clarity while addressing the appearance of sun spots. It’s clinically proven to manage multiple clarity concerns such as dark spots and uneven skin tone.
KCR Tip: When looking for products to add to your brightening skincare routine, pay attention to the ingredients. We recommend reaching for formulas that feature potent antioxidants, like Activated C, peony extract, and white birch extract. You’ll find all three of these powerful ingredients in Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution.
No matter what skin type you have, using a daily moisturizer is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. For dull or uneven skin, we recommend Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment, a top-rated daily moisturizer starring vitamin C and clarifying glycolic acid. These powerful ingredients work together to visibly improve the skin’s tone and texture for a more uniform, radiant complexion.
The only way to prevent new face sunspots from forming is to avoid sun damage. Experts recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, such as Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ or Super Fluid Daily UV Mineral Defense. Apply your SPF as the final step in your daily skincare routine to keep your complexion protected from the sun’s harmful rays and follow all official sun-protection recommendations, which include minimizing time in the sun during peak hours (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses.VI.
A straightforward daily routine can help prevent sun spots and reduce their appearance over time, but there’s more you can do. Some people opt for professional treatments for fading sun spots, which typically involve intentionally damaging the skin’s surface with chemicals or harsh abrasives to promote the production of collagen and new skin cells. Fortunately, if you don’t want to shell out the cash for an expensive cosmetic treatment, Kiehl’s has at-home options to take your routine to the next level.
Professional microdermabrasion involves using a specialized abrasive tool to remove the skin’s outermost layer for a more refined, even complexion.VII. Microdermabrasion is used to address age spots and dark spots left behind by acne, among other skin concerns. While the results of dermatologist-administered and at-home microdermabrasion will undoubtedly differ, both are valid options.VIII. At home, you can use an exfoliating treatment such as Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. This facial scrub stars ultra-fine powdered micronized shells to gently yet effectively buff away dead skin, pollutants, and surface buildup. We recommend using it three times per week after cleansing your face to help smooth the skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of sun spots and other visible signs of aging.
A chemical peel is a professional treatment in which chemical exfoliants, such as acids, are applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The idea is that the skin that grows back will be smoother and not possess the concerns you received the peel for in the first place (like discolored skin). The gentlest version of this treatment is known as a light or superficial chemical peel, in which mild acids are used to exfoliate only the topmost layer of the skin. Superficial chemical peels can help improve the appearance of minor complexion concerns, such as mild discoloration or uneven skin texture.IX. Medium and deep chemical peels penetrate further and provide more dramatic results, but they also tend to have more side effects.X.
For an at-home version of a professional peel, use a gentle resurfacing treatment such as Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate as part of your nightly skincare routine. This top-rated formula is safe for use on all skin types and works over time to exfoliate the skin for a brighter, more even complexion.
Now that you’ve learned how to treat and prevent sun spots, read our article Healthy Skin Habits to Start Now to learn how to keep your complexion nourished and healthy-looking.
Sources:
I. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Age Spots (Liver Spots).” 21 Jan 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859.
II. “Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging.” The Skin Cancer Foundation, 10 Jan. 2019, www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know/.
III. Schalka, S. “New Data on Hyperpigmentation Disorders.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, vol. 31, 2017, pp. 18–21., doi:10.1111/jdv.14411.
IV.Family Health Team. “How to Get Rid of Age Spots (or Liver Spots) and Avoid More.” Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 19 June 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/think-beauty-spots-arent-cute-heres/.
V.“Annual Exams.” Skin Cancer Foundation. 2020. https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams.
VI. “Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin From the Sun.” United States Food and Drug Administration. 2019. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun/#spf.
VII. “Microdermabrasion: FAQs.” American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-faqs.
VIII.“Microdermabrasion: Overview.” American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/age-spots-marks/microdermabrasion-overview.
IX. “Chemical Peels.” American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 2020. https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/chemical-peels.
X. “Chemical Peel.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 27 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20393473.
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