The terms sunspots and age spots are used interchangeably, and they both refer to skin damage caused by sun exposure. However, when comparing sunspots vs. age spots, you might come across several key differences — understanding these can help you decide how to treat them.
What Are Sunspots?
Sunspots, also called solar keratosis or actinic keratosis, are scaly patches that develop on the skin as a result of sun damage.
What Causes Sunspots?
Because sunspots are caused by sun damage, they most commonly appear on areas that receive a lot of UV exposure over many years, including the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.
The specific characteristics of sunspots include:
- Rough, dry, or scaly patches that are flat or slightly raised
- Pink, red, or brown color
- Diameter of less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters)
Some sunspots have hard, wart-like surfaces and may also cause itching, burning, bleeding, or crusting.
Anyone can develop sunspots, but they are most common among people over 40. Aside from age, factors that may increase your risk of sunspots include:
- Fair skin
- A history of excess sun exposure or sunburn
- A tendency to freckle or burn in the sun
- A weakened immune system
In 5% to 10% of cases, untreated sunspots can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots, also called solar lentigines, also result from sun damage to the skin. They appear as flat, dark patches, usually in areas frequently exposed to direct sunlight.
What Causes Age Spots?
Your skin increases pigment production as a natural reaction to prolonged sun exposure. When this pigment production occurs uniformly, you can expect to get a tan. However, in some areas, repeated sun exposure can lead to clusters of permanent pigmentation, which appear as age spots.
You may notice age spots on your face, shoulders, arms, or hands. Though they may look similar to freckles, they don’t fade naturally.
The salient features of age spots include:
- An oval shape with a flat appearance
- Tan to dark brown color
- A diameter ranging from that of a freckle to about half an inch
- The presence of several spots in a cluster
People of any age or skin tone can get age spots, but they tend to be more common in people older than 50. Nonetheless, they are not dangerous.
Sunspots vs. Age Spots: How They Differ
While age spots tend to only be a cosmetic concern, sunspots can become cancerous.
So, if you suspect you have sunspots, see a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis right away. They will recommend the best approach to manage your sunspots — topical medication, surgery, or laser treatment.
Though age spots don’t pose any health risks, they may affect how you perceive your appearance, especially if they are on your face or chest. Topical medication or laser treatment can help fade your age spots, making your skin look younger.
Treatment for Sunspots and Age Spots
The right treatment can help you reduce the appearance of sunspots or age spots on your face or other areas of your body. For example, your dermatologist may recommend prescription medication or a minor surgical procedure to remove the spots.
Another option is laser treatment for sunspots, in which a laser is used to remove the sunspots. The skin under the spots is eventually replaced by clear, undamaged skin.
Targeted laser treatment is also an effective method for treating not only small discolored age spots but also pigmented lesions over a larger area, such as your face, chest, or hands.
Laser treatment for age spots destroys the pigment under the skin’s surface without damaging the skin. The pigment eventually rises to the surface and flakes away. Depending on your desired results, you may need to go in for several treatment sessions.
At Laser By Monica, we use AdvaLight, a safe, effective, state-of-the-art laser treatment for sun damage, including age spots. This laser treatment for aging can fade dark spots and improve the overall color, texture, and tone of your skin.
To learn more about laser treatment in NYC, speak to our experienced, certified specialists. Our team offers concierge-level laser treatment in Murray Hill and Manhattan. Call Laser by Monica at (646) 493-0835 or complete our web form to learn more about NYC’s best skin care services.