Sun Spots
ON SKIN
Help for
Sun Spots on Skin
Sun spots on the skin are common, particularly as people age. While generally harmless, they can affect the overall appearance and radiance of the skin. Learn more about what causes sun spots, how to help reduce their appearance, and how to help prevent them.
What are sun spots?
Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines, are darkened areas on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. These flat, brown, or black spots typically develop on areas of the skin that receive the most sunlight, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms.
Sun spots are a result of the skin's natural defense mechanism against UV damage, leading to an overproduction of melanin - the pigment responsible for skin color. While generally harmless, these spots can be annoying, emphasizing the importance of sun protection to help prevent their formation.
Where do sunspots develop
ON THE BODY?
- Face:
The facial region is particularly susceptible to sun spots due to its frequent exposure to sunlight. Sunspots of face often appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and around the eyes.
- Hands:
The backs of the hands receive substantial sun exposure, making them a common location for the development of brown sun spots.
- Arms:
The forearms, in particular, are prone to sun spots as they are often uncovered and exposed to UV rays during various outdoor activities.
- Décolletage:
The upper chest area, known as the décolletage, is another region where sun spots may appear, especially in people who wear low-neckline clothing.
- Legs:
Sun spots can also develop on the legs, especially on the shin and calf areas, which are exposed to sunlight during outdoor activities when wearing shorts.
- Back:
The upper back, especially in people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors without adequate sun protection, can also be susceptible to sun spot formation.
What causes
SUN SPOTS?
- Ageing:
Sun spots are most common in adults over 50 years old. Over time, the skin's ability to repair itself and resist UV damage diminishes, making older people more susceptible to the development of sun spots.
- Sunburns:
Getting sunburns increases the likelihood of sun spot formation. Intense sun exposure that results in sunburn damages the skin and contributes to the uneven distribution of melanin.
- Environmental factors:
Other environmental elements, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions, can work synergistically with UV exposure and contribute to sun spot formation.
- Genetic factors:
Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing sun spots due to variations in sensitivity to the effects of ultraviolet radiation as well as differences in skin pigmentation.
How to help prevent sun damage
that can lead to sun spots
Preventing sun spots involves adopting sun-safe practices to minimize exposure to harmful UV rays. Here are effective ways to help prevent sun spots by limiting your sun exposure:
- Use sunscreen
Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to all exposed skin, including your face, hands, and any other areas prone to sun exposure. Be sure to reapply it every two hours at a minimum, more frequently if swimming and sweating, and follow all directions and information on the drug facts box on your sunscreen’s packaging.
- Wear protective clothing
Choose clothing that covers your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. Specialized clothing with UV protection is also available for added defense.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly during peak times:Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, stay in the shade to reduce your overall sun exposure.
- Avoid tanning beds
Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of sun spots and other skin aging symptoms like wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can help reduce the risk of developing sun spots on the skin.
Can you get rid of
sun spots on the skin?
While there are some dermatological procedures that can help fade sun spots, generally there is no surefire way to completely eliminate them. That said, there are some ways that you can help reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin caused by the sun.
For all of the following treatment methods, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to find out what would be most appropriate for you:
- Topical Treatments:
Over-the-counter and prescription skin creams and other topical products may help reduce the appearance of sun spots over time, but it’s important to talk with a dermatologist first to determine if your sun spots are actually sun spots, and to find out what may work best for you.
- Laser Therapy:
Laser treatments are a more targeted approach to helping reduce the appearance of sun spots on the skin and can have longer-lasting results when compared to a cream or topical treatment.
- Cryosurgery:
In this procedure, a dermatologist freezes the sun spots, allowing the damaged skin to slough off and promote new skin growth with a more even skin tone. This procedure carries a risk of side effects, so it’s particularly important to work with a board-certified dermatologist.
- Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion involves exfoliating the skin to help smooth away sun spots. As with cryosurgery, there are some side effects associated with this procedure. Microdermabrasion for sun spots is most effective when performed in conjunction with a chemical peel (details below).
- Chemical Peel:
A chemical peel is another form of exfoliation where instead of manually smoothing the skin, a chemical is applied to help remove the top layers of the skin and stimulate growth of more even skin underneath.
Skincare routine to help reduce
the appearance of sun spots
NIVEA takes a proactive approach to skincare, offering a comprehensive routine crafted to address and help prevent various skin concerns, including dark spots caused by sun exposure.
Here's a suggested sun spots routine using NIVEA products:
1. Cleansing:
Start your routine with a gentle cleanse. Cleansing is crucial to remove impurities, ensuring a clean canvas for the subsequent steps. It also prepares the skin for other skincare products.
2. Target skin concerns with a serum:
After cleansing, apply a serum formulated to address dark spots caused by the sun. NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Dark Spot Solution Advanced Serum visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots in as little as 7 days* for a brighter, luminous-looking skin. Patented LUMINOUS630® works with the skin’s own process to reduce the look of dark spots by acting on existing spots. This serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin E in a formula that smooths skin and intensely hydrates to enhance the appearance of luminous-looking skin.
*Dark spots are visibly reduced after each application with regular use.
3. Moisturizing
Moisturizing is a vital step in skincare, offering hydration that maintains skin elasticity and prevents dryness. Using a moisturizer specially formulated to help reduce the appearance of dark spots can help not only provide hydrating benefits, but help promote a more even skin tone. NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Dark Spot Solution Even Tone Cream visibly reduces the appearance of dark spots after only 2 weeks*, giving your face, neck & décolleté a proper reset with LUMINOUS630® for a fresh and revitalized-looking skin. This face and neck cream, infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Dexpanthenol, effectively fills wrinkles with moisture, smooths skin, and reduces the look of dark spots. In just 2 weeks*, revealing a more even, luminous complexion.
*Dark spots are visibly reduced after each application with regular use
Note: limit products containing LUMINOUS630® to a total of 4 times a day.
4. The importance of daily sun protection:
After moisturizing and before applying makeup, be sure to apply a daily sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of the day, and seeking shade while outdoors. Be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours and follow directions on the packaging for proper application and reapplication instructions.
Can NIVEA help
with the appearance of sun spots?
The best way to deal with sun spots on the skin is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is the key to helping prevent premature signs of aging due to the sun like wrinkles and sunspots. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF in conjunction with other sun protection measures will help keep skin protected.
SUN SPOTS FACTS
Appearance: Sun spots manifest as flat, brown or black pigmented patches on the skin.
Causes: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Prevention: Involves consistent use of sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.
How to reduce appearance: Certain skincare products and dermatological procedures may help reduce the appearance of sun spots. Be sure to consult with a dermatologist to determine what is most appropriate for your skin.
What is LUMINOUS630®
and why is it good for sun spots?
NIVEA's patented LUMINOUS630® ingredient is the result of 10 years meticulous research and 50,000 tested ingredients.
By acting on existing sun spots and promoting a more even skin tone, LUMINOUS630® contributes to a more radiant-looking complexion and supports the overall goal of reducing the appearance of sun spots on the skin.
Sun spots at a glance
Sun spots, or solar lentigines, are pigmented patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays. While generally harmless, they can affect the overall appearance and radiance of the skin. By adopting protective measures, such as regular sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak times of the day, people can effectively minimize the risk of sun spot development.