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7 Dermatologist-Recommended Ways to Get Rid of Age Spots

Uncover the most effective professional and at-home solutions for fading age spots, plus expert prevention tips to keep skin radiant.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Uncover the most effective professional and at-home solutions for fading age spots, plus expert prevention tips to keep skin radiant.

Noticing new brown spots on your face or hands can be frustrating—and unsurprisingly, you are not alone. Many people experience age spots, also known as sun spots or solar lentigines, as they get older. Fortunately, modern dermatology offers a broad array of options for minimizing, fading, or preventing these marks entirely. Below, we outline expert-backed advice on what causes age spots, the best treatment and prevention methods, and how to keep your skin looking bright and healthy at any age.

What Are Age Spots?

Also called sun spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines, these marks are flat, brown, tan, or black spots appearing on skin frequently exposed to the sun. Unlike freckles, they remain visible year-round and are especially common on the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and back.

Caused primarily by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds, which stimulate pigment-producing skin cells to make excess melanin.
Appear more commonly as we age, due to cumulative sun exposure.
Benign, but some may wish to fade or remove them for cosmetic reasons.
Sometimes mistaken for more serious skin conditions; always consult a dermatologist for any mark that changes quickly or behaves unusually.

Who Gets Age Spots—and Why?

Anyone who spends a significant amount of time in the sun is at risk of developing age spots, regardless of age or skin type. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood:

Fair-skinned individuals tend to develop spots more easily.
People with family history of age spots are more susceptible.
Age spots may show up as early as your 30s or 40s, but are most common after age 50.
Areas like the face, back of the hands, shoulders, and upper back—those most often exposed to the sun—are the usual locations.
Dark-skinned individuals are less prone to classic age spots, but more likely to develop other types of hyperpigmentation after inflammation or injury to the skin.

Prevention: Why It Is Everything

While age spots are usually harmless, dermatologists emphasize that prevention is critical—not just to maintain even skin tone, but also to guard against the serious risks of sun damage, including skin cancer. Here’s how to keep age spots at bay and protect your overall skin health:

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher) to all exposed areas—face, neck, hands, arms, and chest.
Choose sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours (or after swimming or sweating).
Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Seek the shade when possible, especially outdoors midday.
Wear protective clothing: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and lightweight fabrics.
Skip tanning beds entirely; they emit UV rays that dramatically increase the risk of age spots (and skin cancer).

Key takeaway: Sun safety is non-negotiable if you want to prevent or minimize age spots.

Top 7 Dermatologist-Recommended Ways to Get Rid of Age Spots

Not all treatments work for everyone. The best option may depend on your skin tone, the severity of your age spots, and personal preferences. Here are the most effective at-home and in-office methods, as recommended by leading dermatologists:

Daily Sunscreen Use
Consistently applying sunscreen is the single best over-the-counter (OTC) option for minimizing existing spots and preventing new ones. Sunscreen prevents current age spots from darkening further and blocks new spots from forming.
- Look for broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Physical/mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are excellent options, especially for sensitive skin.
- Dermatologist favorites include Neutrogena Sheer Dry-Touch, EltaMD UV Clear, Cotz Flawless Complexion, and CeraVe Hydrating formulas.
- Don’t forget less obvious spots: ears, lips, neck, and backs of hands.
Brightening or Fading Creams
Certain OTC and prescription creams can help fade age spots gradually. Critical ingredients to look for:
- Hydroquinone (available by prescription or in some over-the-counter products): Inhibits melanin production.
- Retinoids (like retinol or tretinoin): Increase cell turnover and fade marks over time.
- Vitamin C serums: Brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation with antioxidant power.
- Kojic acid, azelaic acid, and licorice extract: Natural skin lighteners that may have fewer side effects for darker skin tones.
- Expect to see improvement over 2-3 months with regular use.
Professional Chemical Peels
A dermatologist applies a chemical solution (like glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, or salicylic acid) to remove the top layers of skin–encouraging fresher, more evenly pigmented skin to form.
- Effective for superficial age spots; may require multiple sessions for best results.
- Mild redness, stinging, and flaking are common side effects.
- Seeking a board-certified professional is essential to minimize risk and ensure safety.
Laser and Light Therapy
Lasers (such as Q-switched ruby, Alexandrite, and intense pulsed light—IPL) specifically target melanin deposits, breaking them down with light energy without harming surrounding skin.
- Highly effective but generally more costly than topical solutions.
- Downtime varies; redness and swelling are often temporary.
- Best results are usually seen after several sessions.
Microdermabrasion
This in-office procedure uses a rapidly rotating device to gently “sand” your skin, removing the uppermost layer and encouraging healthy new growth.
- May require several sessions to produce noticeable improvement.
- Tends to work best on lighter marks and sensitive skin types.
- Minimal downtime; some redness and sensitivity may occur.
Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Your dermatologist applies a cold liquid (usually liquid nitrogen) to the spot. After a few days, the treated spot crusts and peels away, revealing lighter skin beneath.
- Most effective for single, well-defined age spots.
- There may be minor discomfort, and slight scarring or discoloration can occur.
Natural and At-Home Remedies
For milder cases or those preferring gentle options, some natural ingredients have shown promise:
- Aloe vera gel: Contains compounds that may lighten dark spots when used daily.
- Green tea extract: Has antioxidant benefits that can soothe skin and reduce new pigment formation.
- While these methods are generally safe, they tend to work slowly and provide subtle results.
- Always patch test and speak with your dermatologist before starting any DIY regimen, as not all “natural” methods are safe for every skin type.

Quick Comparison of Age Spot Treatments

Treatment	Effectiveness	Time to Results	Potential Side Effects	Setting
Sunscreen	Prevents new spots, slows darkening	Ongoing	Minimal	Home
Hydroquinone Cream	Moderate-high	2-3 months	Redness, irritation	Home/Prescription
Retinoids	High	2-3 months	Dryness, peeling, redness	Home/Prescription
Chemical Peels	High	1-6 sessions	Redness, flaking	Office
Laser/IPL	Very high	3-5 sessions	Redness, swelling, cost	Office
Microdermabrasion	Moderate	5-10 sessions	Sensitivity, pinkness	Office
Natural Remedies	Low/moderate	3+ months	Rare irritation	Home

What About Seborrheic Keratosis?

Not all brown spots are caused by sun exposure. Seborrheic keratoses are raised, wart-like growths that are also benign but may sometimes be confused with age spots. These often require different management, so always see your dermatologist for a diagnosis if you aren’t sure what kind of skin change you have noticed.

Smart Skincare Habits to Help Prevent Age Spots

Stay vigilant about applying and reapplying sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather.
Layer sun-protective clothing for extra defense during outdoor activities.
Use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing, which can inflame skin and promote pigmentation.
Incorporate antioxidants (like vitamin C and E) into your daily routine to protect against free radical damage.
Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Age Spots

What causes age spots to appear?

Age spots are primarily caused by repeated, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. This stimulates pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to create more melanin, resulting in localized dark patches.

Are age spots dangerous?

No, age spots are benign and don’t require treatment for health reasons. However, any spot that changes rapidly, itches, bleeds, or looks oddly shaped should be promptly examined by a dermatologist to rule out skin cancer.

Do at-home remedies actually work?

Some over-the-counter creams and natural products can provide subtle fading over time, but they are generally less potent than in-office dermatologist treatments. Consistency and patience are key with home remedies.

Is it possible to get rid of age spots permanently?

While it’s possible to fade or remove existing age spots with professional treatments, new spots may develop if sun exposure continues. Lifelong sun protection is the only lasting way to prevent future discoloration.

Can people with darker skin develop age spots?

Yes. While traditional sun-induced age spots are less common, people with darker skin types can develop other types of hyperpigmentation, especially after inflammation, wounds, or acne.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

If you notice any new, rapidly expanding, or bleeding spots.
If you’re unsure of a diagnosis or spots don’t improve with careful at-home care.
If you want professional advice on the most effective or quickest treatment for your unique skin type and lifestyle.

Remember, while getting rid of age spots takes time and dedication, the combination of sun protection, professional care, and healthy daily routines can make a significant difference in your skin’s appearance and long-term health.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete