Age Spots
Age spots are one of the most common and most treatable skin concerns. Whether they appear on the face, hands, chest, or shoulders, the right treatment can significantly reduce their visibility and restore a more even, consistent complexion.
About Age Spots
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, are flat, darkened areas of pigmentation that develop on skin that has been repeatedly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time. They are most common in adults over forty and appear most frequently on the face, hands, forearms, shoulders, and chest, the areas with the highest cumulative sun exposure.
Despite the name, age spots are not caused by ageing itself. They are the visible result of the skin's melanin-producing cells, called melanocytes, becoming overactive in response to years of UV exposure. The spots are benign and harmless, but they can significantly affect the evenness and clarity of the complexion.
Age spots are among the most responsive types of pigmentation to clinical treatment. Unlike melasma, which has a hormonal component that makes it prone to recurrence, age spots treated effectively tend to stay away as long as consistent sun protection is maintained going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, though they can look similar. Freckles are small, flat spots that are largely genetic and tend to fade in winter and darken in summer with sun exposure. Age spots are larger, more defined, and do not fade seasonally. Both are treatable, but age spots are generally more persistent without clinical intervention.
Age spots themselves are benign and do not become cancerous. However, it is important to distinguish them from other pigmented lesions that may look similar but warrant medical attention.
Treated age spots do not return, but new ones can develop with continued sun exposure. This is why consistent and diligent broad-spectrum sunscreen use after treatment is essential.
Yes, though the treatment approach needs to be matched carefully to your skin tone. Some treatments carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on medium to darker skin tones, so the selection of the right device and settings is important. We assess each patient individually and will recommend the safest and most effective approach for your skin at your consultation.
