Sun Spots: An Overview

In sunny climates, such as Southern California or Florida, with an average of 300 sunny days a year, it's difficult to avoid the damaging effects of sun exposure. If unsightly sun spots (also called age spots or liver spots) have recently become more visible on your face, neck or hands Southern Oregon Laser Center has the answer.

Traditional treatments for sun spots, which include topical drugs and freezing, often have mixed results, including harmful side effects or scars. In contrast, Southern Oregon Laser Center uses state-of-the-art laser technology to safely and effectively treat these unwanted skin discolorations. Our lasers are specifically designed to treat pigmented lesions. When laser energy is absorbed in the pigmented lesion, it breaks up the melanin that causes the discoloration and allows it to be carried away by the blood.

What are Sunspots?
Sun spots (lentigines) are small flat pigmented spots, similar to freckles that are most often seen on sun exposed skin. They are different from freckles in that they do not usually change color when exposed to the sun. Sun spots may occur anywhere but usually appear on areas of the body that are subject to high skin exposure - the face, shoulders, neck, ears, and back of the hands.

Causes of Sunspots
Commonly referred to as age spots or liver spots, sun spots are caused by prolonged unprotected exposure of the skin to the sun. This prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays causes color changes in the pigment of the skin resulting in benign pigmented (melanocytic) lesions that are usually dark brown to black.