Preventing Sun Spots and Protecting Your Skin From Future Damage
You may know them as dark spots, liver spots, or age spots, but no matter what you call them, sun spots are a clear sign of UV damage. Most commonly appearing on the face, chest, shoulders, and hands, these flat brown or tan patches develop slowly over time with repeated sun exposure. And once they appear, they’re hard to ignore.
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we regularly treat patients concerned about the appearance of sun spots on the face, but we also emphasize something equally important: preventing new ones from forming.
What Are Sun Spots, Really?
Sun spots, often referred to as age spots or liver spots, are flat, pigmented areas that develop on the skin due to cumulative sun exposure over time. The most common type of sun spot is called a solar lentigo, which typically appears as a tan, brown, or black patch on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, chest, and shoulders.
These spots are:
- Most common in people over 40, but can appear earlier
- A result of long-term sun damage, not a single sunburn
- Often mistaken for freckles or other types of hyperpigmentation
- Sometimes confused with other sun-related growths, such as seborrheic keratoses, which are raised, wart-like lesions that can also be tan, brown, or black
While lentigines and seborrheic keratoses are typically benign, any new or changing brown spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist, as UV damage can also increase the risk of precancerous lesions like actinic keratosis and certain types of skin cancer.
Sun Spot Prevention: Everyday Strategies That Work
The good news? With the right habits and tools, you can dramatically reduce your chances of developing new sun spots and protect the skin you’re in.
1. Wear Broad-spectrum Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days. Daily SPF use is your best defense against sun-induced pigmentation.
What to look for:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad-spectrum protection (blocks both UVA and UVB rays)
- Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (gentler on sensitive skin)
We recommend Colorescience mineral sunscreens, which also contain iron oxides for additional protection against visible light (a common trigger for sun spots on the face, especially in patients with melasma or deeper skin tones).
2. Reapply SPF Even If You’re Indoors
Sunscreen doesn’t last all day, especially if you’re sweating or wearing makeup. And don’t assume you’re safe inside. UVA rays penetrate windows and contribute to sun damage over time.
Reapplication tips:
- Use a brush-on SPF powder or spray for convenient touch-ups
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors or exposed to natural light
- Don’t forget your neck, ears, and hands (common areas for sun spots)
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing can go a long way in reducing cumulative exposure.
- Choose wide-brimmed hats that cover your face and neck
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes
- Consider UPF-rated clothing if you spend extended time outdoors
4. Avoid Peak Sun Hours
UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. If possible, plan your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon, and seek shade whenever you can.
5. Use Antioxidants in Your Skincare Routine
Topical antioxidants like vitamin C, niacinamide, and ferulic acid help protect your skin from free radical damage and may reduce the intensity of sun-induced pigmentation.
- Apply a vitamin C serum in the morning before sunscreen
- Look for products that support brightening and barrier repair
- Pair antioxidants with consistent sun protection for best results.
Already Have Sun Spots? Here’s What to Do
If you’re already noticing sun spots on your face or body, don’t panic. There are safe and effective ways to address existing pigmentation while preventing new spots from forming.
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we offer both medical-grade skincare and in-office treatments to help fade sun spots and even out skin tone.
Professional Treatment Options Include:
- Chemical Peels: Help lift pigment from the skin by exfoliating the top layers
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets pigmentation and redness for a more even complexion
- DiamondGlow or Hydrafacial: Clinical facials that exfoliate and infuse brightening serums for a healthy, radiant glow
- Clear + Brilliant: A gentle laser treatment that improves tone and pigmentation with minimal downtime
- Fraxel Restore: A fractional laser that targets deeper pigment and sun damage for more noticeable rejuvenation
- VI Derm Pigmentation System: Our most-recommended prescription regimen for hyperpigmentation, featuring a powerful combination of tretinoin, retinol and vitamin C to help fade stubborn dark spots
We also carry dermatologist-recommended products like SkinMedica’s Even & Correct and Colorescience’s Even Up, both of which target hyperpigmentation. Plus, Colorescience’s Even Up with SPF 50 also protects against future spots.
Sun Spot Prevention is Long-term Skin Care
Preventing sun spots is about more than avoiding sunburn; it’s about preserving your skin’s health, tone, and texture over time. The earlier you start protecting your skin, the more control you’ll have over how it ages.
Whether you’re hoping to avoid sun spots altogether or already see a few forming, our dermatology providers are here to help. We offer expert consultations and customized care plans to meet your skin goals, whatever your starting point may be.
Schedule Your Consultation at Cascade Eye & Skin Centers
Concerned about a sun spot or interested in long-term prevention? Click here to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dermatology team. We’ll help you understand your skin, select the right treatments and products, and create a prevention plan that actually works for your lifestyle.
Protect your skin now. Your future self will thank you.
