Sun spot (solar lentigo)

Spots that become visible as sun damage builds up over the years. They are one of the main areas where pigment lasers are used. Laser is not done on spots that change in shape, colour or size; an examination by a dermatologist is needed first.

Articles that mention this term

Treatment GuidesPigment Lasers: Which Dark Spots Do Q-Switched and Picosecond Lasers Work On, and Why Is Caution Needed with Melasma?How pigment lasers (Q-switched and picosecond) work on sun spots, freckles and birthmarks, the risks in melasma, sessions and the difference from IPL.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesSkin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 40s: Volume, Elasticity and Realistic ExpectationsChanges in volume and elasticity in your 40s, the role of skin care, combined approaches and realistic expectations of medical aesthetic procedures.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesSkin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 30s: First Lines, Dark Spots and the Right TimingSkin in your 30s: the first fine lines, pregnancy-related pigment spots and melasma, retinoid basics, and when a physician consultation makes sense.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernMoles, Skin Tags and Spots: When Should You Show Them to a Physician before an Aesthetic Treatment?Which changes in moles, skin tags and spots should be shown to a physician? The ABCDE rule, why moles are not lasered, why home mole removers are risky.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreGlutathione Injections and IV Drips: Side Effects and EvidenceWhy glutathione injections and IV drips are not recommended for skin whitening: approval, weak evidence, side effects, infection risk, emergency signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreHarms of Hydroquinone and Mercury Creams: Symptoms, What to DoRisks of hydroquinone, mercury and cortisone in non-prescription lightening creams, signs of mercury poisoning, spotting risky products, what to do.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board