What are brown spots and pigmentation?

Brown spots, also called age spots, sun spots or solar lentigines, are flat tan to dark brown patches. They appear on skin that gets a lot of sun, such as the face and the backs of the hands.

Common causes

• Sun and tanning beds: UV light speeds up the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.
• Age and sun history: spots are common after age 50 and in people who burn easily or have had many sunburns.
• Hormones: pregnancy and birth control pills can trigger melasma, and sun exposure can bring it back.
• Skin inflammation: acne, eczema, burns or injuries can leave dark marks behind.

How we can help at DermaZone

Good to know

• Several sessions are usually needed. For age spots, light-based treatments often take 3 to 6 sessions, and results appear over weeks to months.
• Protect your skin every day with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen, shade and sun-protective clothing.
• See a doctor about any spot that is black, growing or bleeding, or that has an irregular border or mixed colours. These can be signs of skin cancer.