Sun spots can be incredibly frustrating to experience. But the most effective treatment for sun spots is preventing them in the first place. Here is everything you need to know about how to prevent sun spots—but also tips on eliminating them, too.
There are many things to love about summer, like warm breezes, riotous bursts of colorful flowers, and sundresses – but the dazzling summer sun also has a serious downside: potential sun damage to skin. A beach day can quickly lead to sun spots, also known as hyperpigmentation and age spots, a common condition that the Cleveland Clinic classifies as areas of darkened skin. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to prevent sun spots.
What Are Sun Spots?
Sun spots can occur on anyone’s skin. Beneath our skin are melanocytes, which create melanin to protect our skin, says the Mayo Clinic. These protective cells can be damaged by sun exposure and overproduce melanin, resulting in sun spots. The Cleveland Clinic notes that sun spots can affect people of any race or ethnicity and they can occur in one concentrated area or all over the body. The Clinic adds that sun spots can look like spots or patches, are usually not raised from the skin, and can appear brown, black, gray, red, or pink. They’re also not painful or itchy and are not dangerous. But if the hyperpigmentation is uncomfortable or changes in appearance, it’s best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist.
How to Prevent Sun Spots
The easiest way to treat sun spots or dark spots on your face is to prevent them in the first place. Here are the best methods and tips to prevent sun spots.
Avoid Sun Exposure
The best way to avoid sun spots is also the least popular: stay out of the sun to avoid sunburn. While that’s highly unrealistic, at least try to limit sun exposure when it is at its hottest, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., says the CDC. It’s a good idea to seek shade and be extra cautious during these peak sun hours, adds John Hopkins Hospital. You can also consult the UV Index, which explains how strong the UV light is in your area on any given day, on a scale from 1 to 11+. A higher number means a greater risk of exposure to UV rays and a higher chance of sun spots and skin damage.
Sunscreen
The second best preventative measure after limiting sun exposure is sunscreen. Daily and consistent sunscreen is one of the most important defenses against sun spots, and there are sunscreens available for every skin type, even for those with sensitive skin. Incorporating a broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ sunscreen into your daily skincare ritual is the perfect morning routine, just apply right after your daily moisturizer. If spending any additional time in the sun, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Sun-Protective Clothing
Sunscreen is a daily must, but it works even better when combined with other protective options, like a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective clothing, UV-protected sunglasses, and sun protection parasols or umbrellas. When it comes to sun-protective clothing, the American Academy of Dermatology says not all sun-protective clothing is created equal. Look for clothing that lists an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label. Or if you’re using non-UPF clothing, aim for dark colors with tightly-woven fabrics. For example, a long-sleeved denim shirt provides an SPF of about 1,700, while a white t-shirt has only an SPF of 7, says the AAD.
In-Office Procedures
No matter your preferred method of prevention, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor first. There are a handful of in-office procedures they might recommend, too. According to the AAD, that can include laser treatments, cryosurgery, microdermabrasion, or chemical peels. However, no one should feel that in-office procedures are the only or best option for eliminating sun spots.
Products that Help Prevent (and Eliminate) Sun Spots
Sun spots are not harmful or embarrassing and they don't need to be treated. But if you do decide you want to address the appearance of them, here are the best products to help you prevent and eliminate sun spots in your own home.
Brighten and Resurface
A brightening or resurfacing product can help calm overactive melanocytes, which can prevent future sun spots. Be careful though, as many brightening products, like serums, can contain ingredients that will increase your sensitivity to the sun.
The Silk Serum
The AAD suggests utilizing retinol to resurface skin and reduce the appearance of sun spots. Retinol is not for everyone, though, and retinol alternatives are gaining in popularity. At Tatcha, we’ve formulated the Silk Serum to include cranberry extract and sea fennel, which work as effectively as retinol, but without any of the complications famous with retinol usage (including perplexing schedules and frustrating redness and irritation).
Brightening Serum
How to best eliminate sun spots? Nary an ingredient is more effective at potentially preventing hyperpigmentation than vitamin C. The antioxidant-boosted product has decades of clinical research praising its effectiveness. Try the bestselling Violet-C Brightening Serum, which contains two forms of vitamin C, helping to reveal brighter skin and a more translucent, youthful glow.
Violet-C Radiance Mask
For an extra boost of brightness, consider the Violet-C Radiance Mask. The creamy, hydrating treatment brightens, resurfaces, and plumps in just 15 to 20 minutes. Apply two to three times a week for radiant and healthy-looking skin.
Exfoliate
Visible sun spots reside in the outer layers of the skin, which is why gentle, daily exfoliation is so effective. This consistent exfoliation will help increase cell turnover, gradually shedding the layers of skin with excess melanin.
The Texture Tonic
This ingenious exfoliating treatment works effectively to gently resurface skin for smoother and more balanced skin. Yet it also visibly evens skin tone, calms, reduces redness, and boosts skin’s moisturization. The formula includes a clever mix of fruit AHAs, niacinamide, Japanese Mugwort, and wild rose for an exfoliating experience that is ideal for even sensitive skin.
The Rice Polish
If you prefer a foaming polish exfoliation experience, grab The Rice Polish (available in Classic, Deep, Calming, and Gentle). The water-activated exfoliant includes Japanese rice bran, papaya enzymes, and silk protein for an experience that both polishes and nourishes.
Prevent
Discover a sunscreen you actually enjoy using. At Tatcha, we’ve perfected two broad-spectrum sunscreen products that are boosted with skincare ingredients that feel great on your skin.
The Silk Sunscreen
is hydrating and soothing 50+ coverage protects with 10 percent zinc oxide for a mineral, reef-safe filter. The lightweight and invisible coverage is packed with skin-benefitting ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and silk extract. The inclusion of niacinamide is particularly helpful for addressing the appearance of uneven skin tone, pore size, and redness.
Silken Pore Perfecting SPF 35 Sunscreen
If seeking a blend of mineral and chemical protection, grab our bestselling Silken Pore Perfecting sunscreen. The formula features skin-loving ingredients that not only protect the skin, but also help tighten the appearance of pores, smooth skin texture, and calm irritation.
