Should You Be Worried About Sunspots on Your Face?
It is normal for your skin to change in tone and texture as you age, but most of us would like to maintain a youthful appearance as long as possible. One of the most significant causes or premature aging is excess sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun without protection puts you at risk for sunspots, wrinkles, and volume loss. There are a few instances when sunspots are a cause for concern medically, so it’s important to know what to look for. Any existing sun damage may indicate you are at greater risk for developing skin cancer. Whether medical or cosmetic, your concerns can be addressed by a provider at Fargo Center for Dermatology.
Sunspots or Skin Cancer? Learn the Difference
Sunspots, sometimes referred to as “age spots”, are dark, pigmented areas on the skin’s surface caused by damage from the sun. Many people seek treatment of sunspots, as sunspots are an indicator of excess sun exposure and aging.
There are a variety of skin cancers, each of which presents with a different appearance. In general, we suggest you monitor your skin for new or changing lesions as well as lesions with irregular borders, shapes, and colors. Unlike sunspots, precancerous or cancerous lesions will typically change in size, shape, and texture, and some may itch or bleed
We encourage you to have skin checks performed routinely by a qualified dermatology provider to evaluate lesions and determine if any lesions need to be biopsied or monitored for changes. Your dermatology provider will also teach you how to perform thorough skin exams at home to evaluate your skin for changes.
Treating Sunspots
It isn’t medically necessary to treat sunspots, but simple cosmetic treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, or at-home use of medical-grade skincare products can help rejuvenate the skin to create a more youthful, glowing complexion.
Microdermabrasion can be performed to soften the appearance of age spots and sunspots. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating treatment which removes dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth, creating a brighter appearance.
A variety of laser treatments can also be helpful in reducing the appearance of sunspots. Some laser treatments that might be recommended for you in treating sunspots include Cynosure Icon Max Y, Iridex Varilite, and Coolglide Vantage 1064.
Finally, SkinPen Microneedling is a great option for rejuvenating the skin. SkinPen creates microinjuries in the skin, which kickstarts collagen production and triggers the healing response to promote improvements in texture and brightening as well as reducing the appearance of scarring and fine lines.
Protect Against Sunspots and Sun Damage
Regardless of whether you currently see the affects of the sun on you skin, it’s important to properly protect against harmful rays using SPF. Year-round, you should be applying an SPF of at least 30 to 50 to any exposed areas, including the face, neck, and hands daily. Dr. Rachel Ness has created a line of professional-quality skincare products that includes a variety of sunscreens to suit any patient and any situation. These range from chemical-free sunscreen spray to a matte powder sunscreen that applies like your regular makeup would. If you would like recommendations for the best sunscreen options for you, you can call our office or schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about treating and preventing sunspots, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ness at the Fargo Center for Dermatology. Call our office at (701) 380-8493 or request your appointment online.