SUN SPOTS ON THE SKIN

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.

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 reduce their appearance. Read on for our guide to sun spots and our routine for achieving glowing, radiant-looking skin. 

WHAT ARE SUN SPOTS?

Sun spots are discoloured areas of the skin that appear as flat brown, grey 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 skin 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. Discover our guide to help dark spots and protect yourself from the sun.

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 ageing 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. We also recommend wearing SPF all year round.

WHY DO SUN SPOTS LOOK LIKE DARK SPOTS ON THE SKIN?

Sun spots appear darker in colour 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 number 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 colour. 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 colour.

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)^. It’s also essential to remember that sun exposure, whether it results in sunspots or not, can cause deeper, more serious damage.

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 products 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 is formulated with Activated C, a form of Vitamin C, and helps 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’s appearance 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 clearer, 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 created with ingredients such as Calendula and Lavender Essential Oil can help maintain an even-looking skin tone. Try our efficacious formulas such as our Calendula Water Cream and our night-time facial oil to soothe skin and help maintain even, radiant skin. You can also add our anti-ageing cream with 7-in-1 benefits as a moisturiser step in your routine to help even and refine skin. As always, we recommend completing your skincare routine with a sunscreen in the morning for daily defence 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-ageing for a healthy-looking complexion.

HOW TO GET RID OF SUN SPOTS

No matter how many times you search "how to get rid of sunspots," you won’t find an instant DIY solution. The only sure-fire 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)^. There are, however, numerous over-the-counter skincare treatments that can help fade and significantly reduce the appearance of dark marks. To lighten the appearance of 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 pack helps to visibly improve skin texture and fade the appearance of 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 the look of 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-looking complexion. 

KIEHL'S DAILY ROUTINE FOR SKIN WITH SUN SPOTS

BONUS STEPS FOR MINIMISING FACE SUN SPOTS

A straightforward daily routine can help prevent sun spots forming and reduce their appearance, 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. If you are looking for a solution at home, Kiehl's has the perfect option to take your routine to the next level.

USE A MICRODERMABRASION EXFOLIATOR

Professional microdermabrasion involves using a specialized abrasive tool to remove the skin’s outermost layer for a more refined, even complexion. 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. 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 build-up. 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 ageing.

USE AN AT-HOME PEEL

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 discoloured 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. Medium and deep chemical peels penetrate further and provide more dramatic results, but they also tend to have more side effects.

For an at-home version of a peel, use a gentle resurfacing treatment such as Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate as part of your nightly skincare routine. This formula is suitable for use on all skin types and works over time to exfoliate the skin for a brighter, more even complexion.

Still have some skincare questions? Why not speak to one of our Kiehl’s skincare experts to learn more. Our online and in-store consultations are complimentary. Book your consultation today!