Overview

Dark spots on the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun freckles, or liver spots, can appear at any time, depending on their cause, but most often appear in middle age. Although age spots can appear almost anywhere on the skin, they usually appear in areas more exposed to the sun, such as the face, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Hyperpigmentation or dark spots can be caused by acne scars, excessive sun exposure, or hormonal changes. Although sun spots are not cancerous, other precancerous spots that look similar can develop on sun-exposed skin, according to the American Society for Dermatological Surgery. 

Age spots usually look like flat brown patches of skin, but they can also appear as brown or black patches. Although usually small, a few patches can cluster together to form larger areas of darkened skin. Dark spots appear on part of the face due to excess production of melanin (skin pigment). Diabetes can also cause certain areas of the skin to produce more melanin, resulting in dark spots.

There are plenty of ways to get rid of these dark spots, from applying sunscreen like there's no tomorrow to using topical retinoids that can help lighten them. 

Hydroquinone creams and serums

The most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is controversial, but when used under the guidance of a dermatologist, it can be a safe and very effective treatment for dark spots. 

Applying prescribed whitening creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid can gradually lighten age spots over several months.

Hydroquinone is the active ingredient in prescription lightening creams. It works by reducing the production of melanin. However, there are some risks associated with long-term use, so you should only use it in the short term.

It’s recommended that people only use products containing hydroquinone on a short-term basis, if at all. If you experience irritation, unusual darkening of the skin, or any other side effects, stop using it immediately.

Other solutions you can find over-the-counter products that claim to be able to brighten and "fix" skin with natural ingredients.

Retinoid solutions

Applying prescribed whitening creams with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid can gradually lighten age spots over several months.

Retinoids also increase your skin's sensitivity to UV rays, so it's important to wear a safe SPF sunscreen every day when using retinoids.

It may take 3 months to see a big difference in your skin, but over time, retinoids can help fade dark spots. 

Laser treatments and peels

Fractional laser treatment helps reduce wrinkles, uneven skin, age spots, acne scars, enlarged pores and other blemishes. Laser resurfacing uses a directed beam of light to treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

Laser Treatment and Peeling A more aggressive dark spot lightening option is laser treatment, which uses concentrated light energy. The long-wave laser penetrates the skin, heats the targeted brown spot and breaks it down, causing peeling and sagging of the darkened skin after treatment.

Takeaway

"Sunny" dark spots are caused when there is frequent or excessive sun exposure. If you limit sun exposure carefully, "you'll never get brown spots," Dangeneh says. 

Dark spots and related age spots don't require medical attention, and spot removal can be done safely at home or with the help of a dermatologist if you really want to be extra vigilant. 

Over-the-counter hyperpigmentation medications or home treatments can lighten age spots, but these treatments don't work as well as scientifically advanced hyperpigmentation treatments performed by a qualified skin care professional. 

DISCLAIMER             

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.