Summer is here, and besides flowy clothes and tasty refreshers, the warm season also calls for extra guarding when it comes to our skincare routines. Even though we can't say we don't love the feeling of the toasty rays against our skin, the harmful properties of UV rays are very real and should always be taken into consideration before having fun in the sun. In this blogpost, we're zooming in on sunspots to investigate their cause and measures to treat them as efficiently as possible – while guiding you on how to distinguish them from other potentially dangerous conditions.
What are sunspots?
Sunspots, also known as solar lentigines or age/liver spots (though they have nothing to do with age or the liver), are flat, brown, or black spots that appear on the skin due to prolonged exposure to the sun. They are caused by an overproduction of melanin triggered by UV radiation. They vary in size and shape, ranging from small freckle-like spots to larger, irregular patches, and typically develop on areas of the skin most sun exposed: the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. While sunspots are completely harmless and don't pose any health risk, some wish to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
How to prevent sunspots
Preventing sunspots begins and ends with sun protection. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, we recommend our Facial Sunscreen SPF50, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours or more when spending time outdoors – especially if you're swimming or sweating. Cover yourself in protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves. Seek shade during peak sun hours (typically between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.). Avoid tanning beds and limit sunbathing as much as possible. Remember, the damage doesn't always show up immediately.
How to treat sunspots
Several types of treatments can help reduce the appearance of sunspots. Options range from professional remedies such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and micro needling, to at-home remedies with beneficial topical ingredients:
Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant with brightening properties that reduces the appearance of sunspots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. With its antioxidant powers, vitamin C also offers the skin protection against UVA and UVB rays (note: not a substitute for SPF, but a supplement). Find vitamin C in our Skin Perfector 2% BHA and Skin Perfector SeboClear.
Vitamin A: aids in reducing sunspots by promoting skin cell turnover, helping to shed pigmented, damaged skin cells and reveal fresher, more evenly toned skin. Additionally, vitamin A derivatives stimulate collagen production, improving overall skin texture. Find vitamin A in our Vitamin A Treatment Cream.
Aloe vera: contains aloin and aloesin which act as skin-lightening agents. Its moisturizing properties hydrate the skin to promote healing and reduce the appearance of sun-induced pigmentation, while its anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated skin. You can find aloe vera in our Niacinamide Repair Body Lotion and Niacinamide Lifting Mist, both enriched with multipurpose niacinamide which helps minimize discolorations.
Glycolic acid: an AHA that exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, helping to fade sunspots and reveal a new, brighter layer. It also stimulates natural collagen production. Find glycolic acid in our Intense Peel Mask.
Sunspots, skin cancer, melasma: How to know the difference
Sunspots (solar lentigines) are flat, brown spots on sun-exposed areas. Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or gray patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. Skin cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of skin cells caused by DNA damage from UV radiation. Birthmarks are unique skin markings that are generally harmless, though some may require medical attention if they grow or change.
How to spot the difference: Sunspots and melasma typically have a uniform brown color and well-defined borders. They are usually flat and do not change much over time. Skin cancer, on the other hand, may exhibit irregular borders, variations in color (red, white, or blue), and changes in size or shape.
Skin cancer lesions may also be raised or have a rough texture. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, it is essential to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation.
Read more about the different types of hyperpigmentation and how to treat them in our blogpost Hyperpigmentation: From cause to treatment.