Sunspots are a common skin condition that can be treated using laser therapy or another method, such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion (though with varying results). Sunspot treatment is not painful, but may cause some minor discomfort. This guide explains.
What Are Sunspots?
Sunspots are dark patches of skin that are caused by exposure to the sun. They can occur on any area of the body that has been exposed to the sun, but are most common on the face, chest, and hands. Sunspots can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
These spots are sometimes called age spots or liver spots. Though they can have something to do with age (more accurately, with the length of your exposure to the sun) they certainly don’t have anything to do with your liver.
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What Causes Sunspots?
Exposure to ultraviolet lights, either from the sun or from tanning beds, can cause sunspots. It all comes down to melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. When skin is exposed to UV light, melanin absorbs the energy and protects the deeper layers of skin from damage. However, sometimes the melanin becomes clumped together and forms sunspots on the surface of the skin.
These spots aren’t harmful. However, some people may feel self-conscious about their appearance and seek treatment to lighten or remove them.
Do Sunspots Go Away on Their Own?
Sunspots will eventually fade on their own, but this can take months or even years. In some cases, sunspots may darken and become permanent.
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Who’s Most Likely to Get Sunspots?
Anyone can develop sunspots, but they’re more common in people with lighter skin. People who have a history of sun exposure or sunburn are also more likely to develop sunspots.
These spots often appear in people who are over the age of 50, but they can also occur in younger people who spend a significant amount of time in the sun.
Where Do Sunspots Appear?
Sunspots can occur anywhere on the body that has been exposed to the sun. They’re most common on the face, chest, and hands.
How Are Sunspots Diagnosed?
A dermatologist can usually diagnose sunspots by looking at them. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions, such as melanoma.
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Can Laser Treatment Help With Sunspots?
Laser treatment can be effective in treating sun spots. The laser targets the pigment in the skin that causes the discoloration. This type of treatment for sunspots works by targeting the pigment in the skin that causes the discoloration. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment and destroys it. This can help to lighten or remove the sun spot.
How Many Treatments Do You Need to Treat Sunspots With a Laser?
The number of treatments needed will depend on the size and depth of the sunspot. Most people will need between two and five treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Each treatment lasts about 30 minutes, but it depends on your skin type. Your doctor will talk to you about the entire treatment plan before getting started; that way, you know exactly what to expect.
Do Chemical Peels Treat Sunspots?
Chemical peels can, in some cases, help to treat sunspots. A chemical peel is a solution that’s applied to the skin that causes the top layer of skin to peel off. As the skin heals, new skin cells grow in its place.
Chemical peels can help to improve the appearance of sunspots by making them lighter. They can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin.
Can Dermaplaning Treat Sunspots?
Dermaplaning is a treatment that uses a fine blade to remove the top layer of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of sunspots by making them lighter. It can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin.
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Does Microdermabrasion Help Sunspots?
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses tiny crystals to remove the top layer of skin. This can help to improve the appearance of sunspots by making them lighter. Like chemical peels and dermaplaning, microdermabrasion can also help to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin.
Ready to Talk About Sunspot Treatment in Ann Arbor?
Our Ann Arbor med spa can help you get the look you want, from clear and youthful skin to fat reduction. Call or text us at 734-249-8722 or fill out the form below to get in touch.
