Also known as age spots or liver spots, sunspots are flat, brown marks on your skin that develop after repeated UV exposure from the sun and/or tanning beds. Long story short: This UV exposure triggers your body to boost melanin production as a natural defense against the damage. Over time, the melanin builds up and clumps together, causing spots ranging from freckle size to about ½-inch, Mayo Clinic explains.
While harmless, these discolored areas are understandably frustrating to deal with. In other words, you’re not alone in your plight to prevent and treat sunspots! Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for our best tips on how to get rid of sunspots quickly and effectively.
Related: 5 Skin Brightening Tips for a Glowing Summer Complexion
Why Am I Suddenly Getting Sunspots?
Your sudden sunspots aren’t quite-so-sudden, but are rather created via a slow process over the years following repeated UV exposure from the sun and/or tanning beds. Unlike a sunburn or tan, you’re not going to see the result of this particular UV damage the second it happens. Instead, melanin gradually accumulates in your skin over time, and your body’s ability to repair itself slows down. This combo leads to these pesky little dark spots cropping up.
All that’s to say is that your sunspots may seem to suddenly appear, but the reality is that they’ve been developing for a while. It’s possible they were just hiding under the surface and/or have slowly grown darker and darker over time. This is why sunspots are associated with aging. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that they’re most common in people over 50, but if you’ve had a lot of sun exposure then you may see them earlier than that.
Related: Does Blue Light Damage Your Skin?
5 Tips to Prevent and Remove Sunspots
So what’s the secret to treating sunspots? There are a handful of tricks and tips you can use, many of which can significantly fade sunspots.
- Antioxidant Defense: Antioxidants like vitamin C, ferulic acid, and resveratrol can dramatically protect skin against UV exposure and free radical damage, preventing age spots from occurring or worsening. KNESKO’s Antioxidant Serum contains all three; apply it every morning. You can further lock in treatment with Rose Quartz Antioxidant Eye Mask, which targets the area just under your eyes where sunspots often show up.
Calm • Protect • SootheRegular price $65.00 - $175.00Regular priceUnit price per - Apply SPF Daily: Not only does daily application of sunscreen help prevent sunspots from showing up in the first place, but it can help prevent existing spots from getting darker. And the thing about sunspots is that, unlike freckles, they do not fade unless treated with products or treatments.
Rose Quartz Antioxidant Collagen Eye Mask
Calm • Protect • SootheRegular price $15.50 - $50.00Regular priceUnit price per - Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliation helps buff away dead skin cells and promotes skin cell turnover so that new, healthier skin can emerge. This becomes more important as we age and our skin’s natural cell turnover slows down. Apply KNESKO’s multi-acid Resurfacing Serum in the evenings for a gentle exfoliation that’s suitable for even sensitive skin.
Resurface • Renew • RetexturizeRegular price $65.00 - $175.00Regular priceUnit price per - Brightening Ingredients: Brightening and restorative ingredients, such as niacinamide and CoQ10, address discoloration and even out your skin tone. Apply KNESKO’s Diamond Face Mask (which contains both ingredients) to help brighten and perfect your complexion.
Diamond Radiance Collagen Face Mask
Brighten • Hydrate • EnergizeRegular price $47.00 - $155.00Regular priceUnit price per - In-Office Treatments: Along with at-home skincare, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician to help get rid of sunspots. The American Academy of Dermatologists says that professional chemical peels, laser treatments, and cryosurgery are all effective in removing age spots.
Sunspots are very common, but there are things you can do to prevent and minimize their appearance. Maintaining a high-quality skincare routine using scientifically-advanced formulas can go miles in this fight against discoloration, so stay the course.
