What are Age Spots?
Age spots, also called sun spots or liver spots, are flat, pigmented areas that develop on the skin over time due to sun exposure. They vary in color from light brown to reddish or even black and typically appear in the areas that receive the most UV exposure.
Where Do Age Spots Usually Appear?
You’ll most often find age spots on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, face, shoulders, arms, hands, and upper back. These areas are more vulnerable to long-term UV damage, which accelerates pigmentation changes in the skin.
What Causes Age Spots to Form?
When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, your body produces melanin, a dark pigment that protects your skin from further damage. But with repeated or excessive exposure, melanin production becomes uneven. This can lead to hyperpigmented spots and, in some cases, the appearance of dilated blood vessels, giving a pinkish hue in addition to the darkening.
Over time, this process leads to the development of age spots that don’t fade on their own, even if your sun exposure is reduced.
What Treatments Work Best for Sun Spot Removal?
Several non-surgical options can be used for sun spot removal, depending on your skin type, the depth of pigmentation, and your goals:
- IPL Photofacial: This light-based treatment targets melanin in the skin. The heat breaks up excess pigment so the spot can flake off or fade over time. IPL is one of the most effective forms of laser for age spots.
- Cryotherapy: In this treatment, a provider uses liquid nitrogen to freeze sun-damaged skin. The spot forms a scab and falls away as new skin regenerates.
- Chemical peels: These topical treatments use exfoliating acids to encourage cell turnover, fade discoloration, and brighten the overall skin tone. Peels are an excellent option for patients who prefer a more gradual approach to pigmentation removal.
For all treatments, a consultation is essential to determine which method is most appropriate for your skin.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Some patients see visible improvement after just one session, especially with laser for age spots or cryotherapy. However, 2–3 sessions may be recommended to fully fade the pigmentation, especially for more stubborn or widespread areas.
Where Can I Find More Information on Age-Spot Treatments?
Use our online form to schedule a free consultation, or visit our Treatments page for more details on sun spot removal and other options for pigmentation removal in NYC.
This information was medically reviewed by board-certified physician Stephen P. Bracci, M.D. on August 20, 2025.
