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Sun Spots on Skin

The ultimate guide on sun spots, discover everything you need to know about sun spots, their causes & how can they be prevented.

What’s in this article?

Help for Sun Spots on Skin

Sun-induced Dark Spots, also known as  “sun spots” on the skin are common, particularly as people age. While generally harmless, they can affect the overall appearance and radiance of the skin. Learn more about what causes sun spots, how to help reduce their appearance, and how to help prevent them. 

What are sun spots?

Sun spots, also known as sun-induced dark spots,  are darkened areas on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. These flat, brown, or black spots typically develop on areas of the skin that receive the most sunlight, such as the face, hands, shoulders, and arms1.  

Sun spots are a result of the skin's natural defense mechanism against UV damage, leading to an overproduction of melanin - the pigment responsible for skin color1. While generally harmless, these spots can be annoying, emphasizing the importance of sun protection to help prevent their formation. 
Where do sunspots develop on the body?

6 places you can find sun spots

Sun spots predominantly develop on areas of the body that receive regular exposure to sunlight. Here's a list of places you might find sun spots on your body: 
woman with sunscreen

1. Face:

The facial region is particularly susceptible to sun spots due to its frequent exposure to sunlight. Sunspots of face often appear on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. 

2. Hands:

The backs of the hands receive substantial sun exposure, making them a common location for the development of brown sun spots.

3. Arms:

The forearms, in particular, are prone to sun spots as they are often uncovered and exposed to UV rays during various outdoor activities.

4. Décolletage:

The upper chest area, known as the décolletage, is another region where sun spots may appear, especially in people who wear low-neckline clothing.

5. Legs:

Sun spots can also develop on the legs, especially on the shin and calf areas, which are exposed to sunlight during outdoor activities when wearing shorts.  

6. Back:

The upper back, especially in people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors without adequate sun protection, can also be susceptible to sun spot formation. 
What causes sun spots?

4 causes of sun spots

Understanding the causes behind the development of sun spots is crucial for effective skincare. Here are 4 causes of sun spots: 
woman smiling

1. Aging:

Sun spots are most common in adults over 50 years old. Over time, the skin's ability to repair itself and resist UV damage diminishes, making older people more susceptible to the development of sun spots2.

2. Sunburns:

Getting sunburns increases the likelihood of sun spot formation. Intense sun exposure that results in sunburn damages the skin and contributes to the uneven distribution of melanin1. 

3. Environmental Factors:

Other environmental elements, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions, can work synergistically with UV exposure and contribute to sun spot formation3. 

4. Genetic Factors:

Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing sun spots due to variations in sensitivity to the effects of ultraviolet radiation as well as differences in skin pigmentation4.  

How to help prevent sun damage that can lead to sun spots

Preventing sun spots involves adopting sun-safe practices to minimize exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are effective ways to help prevent sun spots by limiting your sun exposure: 

1. Use Sunscreen:

Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to all exposed skin, including your face, hands, and any other areas prone to sun exposure. Be sure to reapply it every two hours at a minimum, more frequently if swimming and sweating, and follow all directions and information on the drug facts box on your sunscreen’s packaging. 

2. Wear Protective Clothing:

Choose clothing that covers your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. Specialized clothing with UV protection is also available for added defense. 

3. Avoid direct sun exposure, particularly during peak times:

Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If possible, stay in the shade to reduce your overall sun exposure. 

4. Avoid Tanning Beds:

Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds can contribute to skin damage and increase the risk of sun spots and other skin aging symptoms like wrinkles and loss of elasticity5.  

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can help reduce the risk of developing sun spots on the skin. 

Can you get rid of sun spots on the skin?

While there are some dermatological procedures that can help fade sun spots, generally there is no surefire way to completely eliminate them. That said, there are some ways that you can help reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin caused by the sun, including topical skincare products specially formulated to help reduce the appearance of dark spots.  

For other treatment methods, be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to find out what would be most appropriate for you. 

Can Coppertone help with the appearance of sun spots?

woman with coppertone spf

The best way to deal with sun spots on the skin is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is the key to helping prevent premature signs of aging due to the sun. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF in conjunction with other sun protection measures will help keep skin protected. 

Coppertone Every Tone Brightening UV Defense Face Sunscreen with SPF 60+ is a lightweight, daily face sunscreen enriched with niacinamide that goes on clear and helps even skin tone and diminish the appearance of sun-induced dark spots*. With Broad spectrum SPF 60+, this sunscreen stops up to 98% of damaging UV rays. With regular use, and other sun protection measures, this formula helps combat the signs of early skin aging from sun exposure. 

*with continued use and other sun protection measures. Use and reapply as directed. 

Coppertone Brightening Face Sunscreen
Coppertone’s full line of facial sunscreens provide broad spectrum, high SPF sun protection in lightweight formulas that blend easily into the skin and are appropriate for daily use under makeup.  
Coppertone Face Sunscreens
FACTS OVERVIEW

Sun spots facts

  1. Appearance: Sun spots manifest as flat, brown or black pigmented patches on the skin. 
  2. Causes: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. 
  3. Prevention: Involves consistent use of sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. 
  4. How to reduce appearance: Certain skincare products and dermatological procedures may help reduce the appearance of sun spots. Be sure to consult with a dermatologist to determine what is most appropriate for your skin. 
SUMMARY

Sun spots at a glance

Sun spots, aka sun-induced dark spots, are pigmented patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays. While generally harmless, they can affect the overall appearance and radiance of the skin. By adopting protective measures, such as regular sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak times of the day, people can effectively minimize the risk of sun spot development. 

Coppertone sunscreens

Coppertone offers sun protection for every moment. Voted the most trusted sunscreen brand in the US*, Coppertone has provided continuous sun protection innovation for over 75 years.  

Whether you require durable SPF for sport, mineral SPF for sensitive skin, sunscreen for babies and kids, moisturizing sun protection for the whole family, or something for an extra shimmer and glow – Coppertone's range has you covered.  

Browse the range of Coppertone sunscreens to find those suited for your needs. 

*Voted Most Trusted Adult Sunscreen Brand by American Shoppers Based on the 2024 BrandSpark American Trust Study. 
Coppertone Sunscreens
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice, nor is it intended to treat an underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided for educational purposes only on the benefits of sunscreen usage.  

References

Sources

  1. Mayo Clinic. Sun damage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/in-depth/sun-damage/art-20546834. 
  2. The Sun Keeps Rising: Why Seniors Can’t Skip UV Protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/blog/the-sun-keeps-rising-why-seniors-cant-skip-uv-protection/. 
  3. Martic, I.; Jansen-Dürr, P.; Cavinato, M. Effects of Air Pollution on Cellular Senescence and Skin Aging. Cells 2022, 11 (14), 2220. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11142220. 
  4. Rees, J. L. The Genetics of Sun Sensitivity in Humans. The American Journal of Human Genetics 2004, 75 (5), 739–751. https://doi.org/10.1086/425285. 
  5. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 10 surprising facts about indoor tanning. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/surprising-facts-about-indoor-tanning.