How to Get Rid of Sun Spots

What Are
SUN SPOTS?

Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines, are darkened areas on your 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 your face, hands, shoulders and arms.
Sun spots are a result of your skin's natural defence mechanism against UV damage, leading to an overproduction of melanin – the pigment responsible for skin colour. While generally harmless, these spots can be annoying, which is why it’s so important to focus on sun protection and skincare to help prevent them from forming.

6 places you can find sun spots

Where do sunspots develop
ON THE BODY?

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

1
Face:
The facial region is particularly susceptible to sun spots because it’s so often exposed to sunlight. Sunspots on the face often emerge on the forehead, cheeks, nose and around the eyes.

2
Hands:
The backs of your hands receive substantial sun exposure, making them a common place for brown sun spots to develop.

3
Arms:
Your forearms, in particular, are prone to sun spots as they’re often uncovered and exposed to UV rays during everyday outdoor activities.

4
Décolletage:
The upper chest area, known as the décolletage, is another region where sun spots may appear, especially if you often wear low-neckline clothing.

5
Legs:
Sun spots can also develop on your legs, especially on the shin and calf areas, which are exposed to sunlight during outdoor activities.

6
Back:
Your upper back, especially if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors without adequate sun protection, can also be susceptible to sun spot formation.

4 causes of sun spots

What causes
SUN SPOTS?

Understanding what causes sun spots to develop is crucial for an effective skincare routine. Here are 4 causes of sun spots:

1
Ageing:
Sun spots are often associated with the ageing process. Over time, your skin's ability to repair itself and resist UV damage diminishes, making you more susceptible to the development of sun spots as you get older.

2
Sunburns:
Severe sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, increase the likelihood of sun spot formation. Intense sun exposure that results in sunburn damages your skin and contributes to the uneven distribution of melanin.

3
Environmental factors:
Other environmental elements, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions, can contribute to skin damage and increase the likelihood of sun spot formation, especially when combined with UV exposure.

4
Genetic factors:
Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing sun spots. Genetic variations in skin pigmentation and in how well your skin can handle UV radiation can influence your susceptibility to sun damage and the formation of pigmented lesions.

4 ways to prevent sun spots

How to
PREVENT SUN SPOTS

Preventing sun spots involves adopting sun-safe habits to minimise your exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are some effective ways to prevent sun spots:

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. If you're unsure how often to apply sunscreen, a good rule of thumb is to reapply it every two hours at a minimum. Apply sunscreen more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating throughout the day.

2
WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Choose clothing that covers your skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats. Specialised clothing with UV protection is also available for added defence.

3
SEEKING SHADE
Limit the time you spend in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 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 sun damage and increase your risk of developing sun spots. Avoid using tanning beds to help maintain your skin’s health. By building these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing sun spots and support overall skin health.

6 ways to help
GET RID OF SUN SPOTS

While it's challenging to completely eliminate sunspots, there are several methods that may help reduce their appearance. Here are six approaches you can consider:

1
Natural remedies:
Some natural ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, are believed to have skin-brightening properties. While these remedies may help lighten sunspots, it's essential to use them cautiously to avoid skin irritation.

2
Topical treatments:
Over-the-counter or prescription skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide or alpha hydroxy acids can help promote skin renewal and exfoliation and reduce the appearance of sunspots over time.

3
Laser therapy:
Laser treatments, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy or laser resurfacing, can target pigmented areas and stimulate collagen production, leading to a reduction in sunspots. Chat to a dermatologist to determine the most suitable laser treatment for your skin.

4
Chemical peels:
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to your skin, causing it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. This process can help improve the appearance of sunspots by promoting the growth of new, more evenly pigmented skin.

5
Cryotherapy:
Cryotherapy involves freezing the sunspot with liquid nitrogen, causing the darkened skin to peel off over time. This method is often used for individual spots or small clusters of sunspots.

6
Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion involves using a device to exfoliate the outer layer of your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of sunspots. While it may not completely remove sunspots, it can improve overall skin texture and tone.

Skin care routine to
REDUCE SUN SPOTS

NIVEA takes a proactive approach to skincare, offering a comprehensive routine crafted to address and prevent various skin concerns, including both dark spots and sun spots. Dark spots and sun spots both involve changes in skin colouration due to an accumulation of melanin, but they can be triggered by different factors.
Here's a suggested sun spots routine using NIVEA products that you can easily follow at home:

1. CLEANSING:

Start your routine with a gentle cleanse. Cleansing is crucial to remove impurities, ensuring a clean canvas for the next steps. It also prepares your skin to better absorb the benefits of the products that follow.

2. TARGETED SPOT TREATMENT:

After cleansing, apply a treatment serum. A spot treatment serum targets specific skin concerns, such as sun spots, helping to even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of imperfections. The NIVEA Cellular Luminous 630 Face Treatment Serum contains Thiamidol and acts on existing pigmentation to lighten spots and reduce their size, while balancing new melanin production to help prevent their reappearance, for even and luminous skin.

3. MOISTURISING:

After cleansing and applying your serum, follow with a moisturiser. Moisturising is a vital step in skincare, offering hydration that helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness. Cellular LUMINOUS630 ANTI-SPOT Day Fluid SPF50 is a moisturising, lightweight day cream that helps to visibly reduce sun spots. It’s enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid as well as protecting vitamin E and UVA/UVB filters.

4. COLOUR CORRECTION:

For extra coverage and colour correction, the NIVEA Cellular LUMINOUS 630 Anti Dark-Spot Tinted Fluid Double Corrector SPF 20 provides natural coverage to help conceal existing sun spots. It is formulated with Thiamidol to help visibly reduce sun spots in 4 weeks* and even out your complexion. The innovative tinted fluid is also enriched with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smooth your skin.

^{*Clinical evaluation, 48 women, 12 weeks}

5. THE IMPORTANCE OF DAILY SUN PROTECTION:

Whilst the above NIVEA Luminous630 routine contains products that provide high SPF to shield your skin from the sun's rays, keeping this protection topped up throughout the day is key to maintaining skin health and radiance.

The NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid SPF 50+ provides immediate protection against UV rays. This light and non-greasy sunscreen is enriched with hyaluronic acid & vitamin E, providing a refreshing effect and a smooth skin feeling. Formulated with NIVEA's patented Thiamidol ingredient, it helps to visibly reduce existing and prevent new sun spots from appearing. The handy size can be kept in your bag so you can keep your sun protection topped up while you’re on the go.

Warning: make sure you use products containing Thiamidol no more than 4 times a day. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Facts Overview

SUN SPOTS FACTS

Appearance: Sun spots show up as flat, brown or black pigmented patches on your skin.

Causes: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Prevention: Involves the consistent use of sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade.

Treatment: Various skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants and exfoliants.

Sun spots
ELSEWHERE ON YOUR BODY?

To address sun spots in your body care routine, incorporate the NIVEA Luminous 630 Anti Stretch Marks & Dark Spots Body Cream into your regimen. This product contains Thiamidol to help visibly reduce sun blemishes and pigment spots in 4 weeks.

Consistency is key for optimal results. Adopting this NIVEA skincare routine can help reduce the visibility of sun blemishes and pigment spots in 4 weeks**, promoting an even skin tone and a luminous complexion.

^{**Consumer test, 87 participants}

What is Thiamidol and
WHY IS IT GOOD FOR SUN SPOT?

NIVEA's patented Thiamidol ingredient is the result of 10 years of meticulous research and 50,000 tested molecules. Thiamidol works at a cellular level to rebalance melanin production and treat dark spots at the root cause.

By acting on existing pigmentation and promoting a more even skin tone, Thiamidol contributes to a brighter, clearer complexion and supports the overall goal of reducing the impact of sunspots on your skin.

Explore the Luminous630 Range

Summary

Sun spots at a glance

Sun spots, or solar lentigines, are pigmented patches on your skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays. While generally harmless, they can affect the overall appearance and radiance of your skin. By adopting protective measures, such as regular sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing and following a dedicated skincare routine, you can effectively minimise the risk of sun spot development and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin.

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ADVICE

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FAQs

Sun spots are flat, brown or black spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin due to prolonged UV exposure. Freckles are small, light-brown spots that are the result of an uneven distribution of melanin and are usually genetically determined; they darken with sun exposure. Moles, on the other hand, are growths on the skin that can be raised or flat, ranging in colour from pink to dark brown.