What Are Your Options for Sunspot Removal?

Have you been noticing dark spots or brown patches appearing on your skin, especially your face, hands, or shoulders?

These are likely sun spots on skin, caused by sun damage and by hormonal changes over time. At Cayce Medical Spa in Columbia, MO, we provide proven, professional solutions for sun spot removal to help you restore clarity and confidence in your skin.

Why Do Sun Spots Appear?

Sun spots on face and body form when prolonged UV exposure stimulates excessive melanin production in your skin. This is a condition known as hyperpigmentation and typically appear on high-exposure areas like:

• Face
• Hands
• Arms
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Legs

Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control use, may also contribute to pigmentation issues like melasma.

How to Prevent Sun Spots

Before diving into treatments, prevention is key:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day, even on cloudy days
• Wear protective clothing

These protective measures can also keep existing sunspots from getting darker or larger. Prevention plays a critical role in maintaining the results of your sun spot treatment.

Sun Spot Removal Treatments in Columbia, MO

Sunspots can be faded or removed using a range of effective treatments, from advanced in-office technology to simple at-home remedies. The best approach depends on your skin tone, severity of discoloration, and your goals.

At Cayce Medical Spa, we offer both medical-grade procedures and personalized skincare plans to treat sun spots on skin and improve overall complexion.

At-Home Sun Spot Treatments

Your dermatologist may recommend topical treatments that can be applied directly to your skin. For sunspots, two common treatments are hydroquinone and chemical peels. 

Hydroquinone Creams

Hydroquinone is a common topical skin-lightening bleach that can diminish the appearance of sunspots and melasma for a more even complexion.

You can purchase a 2% hydroquinone product over the counter, while a more potent formulation requires a prescription by a dermatologist. Some patients may experience minor irritation and dryness. Don’t use hydroquinone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other Over-the-Counter Ingredients

For mild cases of skin discoloration, vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract, all found in high-quality over-the-counter products, can help fade sunspots and brighten the skin.

These options are ideal for those seeking gradual improvement without downtime.

Chemical Peels

A chemical peel exfoliates the skin and stimulate fresh, healthy, and even-toned skin to emerge. These peels involve application of an acid solution to the surface of your skin. Our clinical-grade solutions at Cayce Med Spa help improve:

• Sun spots on face
• Hyperpigmentation from aging or hormones
• Mild textural irregularities

Some patients may experience a temporary burning sensation during the peel and skin flaking for 7-10 days after the peel, but it is a very tolerable and effective treatment option for those with early-stage age spots or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Laser Treatments

State-of-the-art lasers are very useful in treating moderate to severe sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and many other skin conditions. Two options for treating sunspots include Intense Pulsed Light (or IPL) and Q-Switch pigment removal. 

Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a laser treatment that uses photo thermolysis to treat many skin conditions including:

• hyperpigmentation
• vascular lesions
• rosacea

It improves the complexion and clarity of your skin,. Most patients see positive results within 1 to 3 sessions. It is safe and effective to use on many areas including the face, neck, décolletage, arms, hands and legs.

During IPL treatments:

• a laser produces a bright flash of light that feels like a light elastic band sensation
• patients experience redness and slight warming of the treated area, which usually subsides within an hour
• a darkening of pigmented spots is common within 24-48 hours
• lesions flake off to reveal a more even skin tone within a few weeks

Q-Switch Laser

The Q-Switch laser uses a laser energy pulse to treat sunspots, as well as freckles and tattoo removal. The quick pulsing laser breaks down the undesired pigment in the skin, where it is reabsorbed and naturally flushed out by the body, making it a great option for stubborn sunspots or freckles. 

Ready to say goodbye to sun spots on face, hands, and beyond? If you’d like more information about age spots facial services that combine deep exfoliation, brightening serums, and hydration to reduce sun spots on skin, we encourage you to contact Cayce Medical Spa in Columbia, MO, for an appointment. 

Our caring team will answer your questions and help you choose the treatment that works best for you. We look forward to developing a personalized skin care plan to help you look and feel your best!