Can Sunspots Be Removed by Laser Therapy?

What Are Sunspots?

Sunspots, called liver spots or age spots, are natural occurrences. They can affect anybody, but they are more frequent in fair-skinned people and those over the age of 40. They are most commonly caused by sun damage or exposure. The presence of sunspots, solar lentigines, or freckles on the skin is benign but unsightly to many, making them self-conscious and uncomfortable.

Sunspots come in a range of shapes and sizes. Usually, they appear where you’ve been most exposed to the sun, like your face, arms, and the back of your hands. Actual sunspots are noncancerous and harmless, although they may be treated for cosmetic reasons.

To manage sunspots, treatments like chemical peels, photo facials (IPL), and laser treatments can be used.

How Laser Treatment Works to Remove Sunspots

Cosmetic laser dermatology has come a long way since it was first invented. It is now one of the preferred treatment options for sunspot removal. It can also do wonders for acne scars, other pigment conditions, and wrinkles.

The Alexandrite Laser at Zap Laser Center

The Alexandrite Laser uses an alexandrite crystal to emit focused light energy. It’s a highly efficient, pulsed laser system that emits light in bursts of low energy but has peak powers for more complex applications. It can emit short-pulsed lasers (50-100 NS) or long-pulsed (2-40 MS).

At Zap Laser Center, we use this laser to treat hyperpigmentation, brown spots, and birthmarks by targeting pigmented areas and causing them to break up and fade away. Its high-output energy allows us to remove large spot sizes up to 20 mm in diameter.

For pigmented lesions like sunspots and aging spots, the Alexandrite Laser decomposes the melanin in the area through heating, which is later eliminated through regular metabolism. The melanin is broken down and expelled, causing the pigmented lesion to disappear.

Other Laser Therapies

Other non-invasive sun damage treatments and brown spot laser removal therapies include:

Intense Pulse Light (IPL):The IPL laser’s light is absorbed by the skin, causing a heating reaction that stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin. Collagen development can enhance the elasticity and health of your skin. It will also heal the skin’s blemishes that you would otherwise have to deal with, such as age spots and acne.

Chemical Peels:These methods are used to treat a variety of skin conditions, but in this case, an acid solution is applied to sunspots. The skin peels away, allowing for new cells to grow. Chemical peels can trigger a painful burning sensation that lasts a few minutes. As you recover, pain relief and cold compresses will help with discomfort.

READ: HOW TO GET RID OF SUNSPOTS WITH FACIAL PEELS

FAQs

We answer your most common questions about laser treatments for sunspots below:

How to Prevent Future Sunspots (and Protect Your Laser Results)

Now you know laser therapy ranks among the best treatments for sun spots, but the job isn’t finished once you leave the clinic. It’s essential to have a prevention plan to avoid new damage and to keep old spots from reappearing. Below are some simple, expert-approved tips that can help block UV damage and maintain the results of your laser treatment.

Daily SPF

Sun protection is non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every morning, even on cloudy days. UV rays penetrate glass and clouds, so consistent use is the single most effective way to stop new spots from forming.

Re-apply Protection

Using sunscreen only once a day is insufficient. You should reapply it every two to three hours when outdoors, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.

Wear Physical Barriers

To provide your skin with extra protection, consider wearing hats, sunglasses, and clothing that has a UPF rating. It’s a good habit to use these physical barriers regularly, especially after your laser sessions when your skin may be more sensitive to light.

Incorporating skin care products for sunspots

Ingredients like retinoids, niacinamide, vitamin C, and AHAs can effectively treat sun-damaged skin. Incorporating these into your skincare routine is beneficial, but it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist first. Some of these ingredients can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and certain combinations between ingredients should be avoided.

Schedule Maintenance Treatments

Lastly, periodic laser touch-ups or red-light therapy sessions can help maintain results by supporting collagen renewal and pigment balance.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective method to achieve clearer, more youthful skin, laser sunspot removal, combined with our prevention tips, is one of the best options available. Contact Zap Laser Center today to learn more about our laser therapies for removing those stubborn dark spots on your skin!