What are Sunspots on Skin (and How to Help Prevent Them)?
Sunspots are pigmented spots that can appear on the skin after prolonged sun exposure. They typically show up in areas that see the most sun, like the forehead, arms, and hands.
Sunspots aren’t harmful, but they can be a visible sign of cumulative ultraviolet (UV) damage. Think of them as small warning signs, signalling that your skin might need more UV protection.
This guide explains how sunspots happen, what you can do to help prevent them, and which skincare methods can target the look of sunspots and uneven skin tone.
What Are Sunspots?
Sunspots on skin, sometimes referred to as age spots or solar lentigines, are small, flat, brown, or tan spots that develop after prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Despite their name, sunspots are not caused by the sun exclusively. Indoor tanning and any form of unprotected UV exposure can trigger their appearance.
Sunspots are also:
- Typically painless
- Common on the forehead, face, hands, shoulders, and arms
- More likely to occur in individuals over 40, but can appear earlier with frequent sun exposure
