Sun Spots on Skin: What Causes Them & How to Reduce Their Appearance

After months of sunshine, you may start noticing small brown patches or darker areas appearing on your face, hands or other areas regularly exposed to the sun. These are often referred to as sun spots on skin.

Sun spots are common, particularly after repeated sun exposure over time. But what causes them, can they fade and which skincare ingredients can help reduce their appearance?

What Are Sun Spots?

Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines or age spots, are flat areas of increased pigmentation that commonly develop on skin regularly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

They can vary from light tan to darker brown and often appear on areas such as the face, hands, shoulders and arms.

Unlike freckles, sun spots tend to remain visible throughout the year rather than fading significantly when summer ends.

What Causes Sun Spots on Skin?

The main cause is repeated UV exposure.

When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces melanin — the pigment responsible for skin colour. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to areas where pigment becomes more concentrated, creating visible sun spots.

This is why sun spots on the face and hands are particularly common: these areas are regularly exposed to sunlight.

Living in a sunny climate like Malta also makes consistent sun protection especially important throughout the year, not just during summer.

Sun Spot Removal: Can They Fade?

If you're searching for sun spot removal, it's important to know that skincare won't usually make pigmentation disappear overnight.

However, certain ingredients can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and create a more even-looking skin tone with consistent use.

Vitamin C

 

 

Vitamin C is a popular brightening antioxidant commonly used in skincare targeting uneven tone and visible dark spots.

The Neostrata Enlighten range includes formulas containing Vitamin C alongside other brightening and exfoliating ingredients designed to target visible skin discolouration.

AHAs and PHAs

 

 

Exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic acid and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) help remove surface skin cells and can gradually improve the appearance of uneven texture and pigmentation.

Products such as Neostrata Enlighten Dual Acid Brightening Peel are specifically designed to target uneven tone and dark spots.

Brightening Serums

 

 

A targeted brightening serum can also be introduced into your routine. Neostrata Enlighten Illuminating Serum, for example, is formulated to promote a brighter and more even-looking complexion.

When introducing exfoliating or brightening products, follow the instructions carefully and avoid adding several strong active ingredients at once.

Don't Forget SPF

This may be the most important step.

Sun protection helps reduce further UV damage and can help prevent existing dark spots from becoming more noticeable.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF daily, even outside the summer months, and reapply when spending extended periods outdoors.

This is especially important when using exfoliating acids, as some acids can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

When Should You Get a Dark Spot Checked?

Most sun spots are harmless, but not every new brown mark is necessarily a sun spot.

If a spot is new, changing in shape or colour, growing, bleeding or otherwise looks unusual, speak to a doctor or dermatologist rather than trying to treat it yourself.

A Consistent Routine Makes the Difference

Sun spots develop over time, so improving their appearance also requires patience.

A routine combining sun protection, brightening ingredients and gentle exfoliation can help support a brighter and more even-looking complexion.

And most importantly, protecting your skin from further UV exposure helps prevent new sun spots from forming.

Explore the Neostrata Enlighten range on Botika.mt to discover skincare designed to target dark spots, uneven tone and visible sun damage.