What Are Skin Sunspots? Causes, Risks & Treatment Options in NSW

You notice brown patches on your face and wonder what they are. Many Australians see these spots and worry about their skin health. These marks are called sunspots, and they are very common in NSW due to our strong sun.

Sunspots are flat, brown areas of skin that appear after years of sun damage. They show up most on your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. The good news is that they are usually harmless and can be treated.

What Are Sunspots on Skin?

Sunspots are areas of skin that turn darker after too much sun exposure. Doctors call them solar lentigines or age spots. They look like large freckles but appear later in life.

These spots happen when your skin makes too much melanin in one place. Melanin gives your skin its colour and protects you from sun damage. After years of sun exposure, some skin cells make extra melanin, creating these dark patches.

Common Features of Sunspots

• Flat and smooth to the touch
• Brown, tan, or black colour
• Round or oval shape
• Size ranges from a few millimetres to several centimetres
• Usually painless
• Appear on sun-exposed areas of skin

Are those spots sunspots? Book a Skin Consultation at Skinduced Aesthetic Clinic Newcastle and get clarity.

Causes of Sunspots

The main cause of sunspots is UV radiation from the sun. However, several factors make some people more likely to develop them.

Primary Causes

UV Radiation: Years of sun exposure cause sunspots. The damage builds up slowly over time. Even if you got sunburned years ago, those spots might appear now.

Sunspots: usually show up after age 40. Your skin has had more time to collect sun damage. That’s why people also call them age spots.

Skin Type: People with fair skin get sunspots more easily. If you have light hair, light eyes, or burn easily in the sun, you have a higher risk.

Contributing Factors

Genetics: If your parents have sunspots, you might get them too. Some families are more prone to pigmentation changes.

Hormone, Pregnancy and hormone changes can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. This can lead to more visible sunspots.

Past Sun Exposure: People who spent lots of time in the sun when young often see sunspots later. This includes outdoor workers, athletes, and beach lovers.

Sunspots vs Other Skin Marks

Many people confuse sunspots with other skin conditions. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Sunspots vs Freckles

Freckles:

• Small and scattered
• Often appears in childhood
• May fade in winter
• Usually lighter brown

Sunspots:

• Larger and fewer in number
• Appear in adulthood
• Stay the same colour year-round
• Usually darker brown

Sunspots vs Moles

Moles:

• Can be raised or flat
• May have hair growing from them
• Can change shape or colour
• Present from birth or childhood

Sunspots:

• Always flat
• No hair growth
• Keep the same shape and colour
• Appear later in life

When to Worry About Sunspots

Most sunspots are harmless. However, you should see a doctor if you notice changes. Sometimes, what looks like a sunspot could be something more serious.

See a Doctor If:

• The spot changes size, shape, or colour
• It becomes raised or bumpy
• It bleeds or becomes sore
• It has irregular borders
• It has multiple colours in one spot
• You develop many new spots quickly

These changes could mean skin cancer. Early detection saves lives, so don’t wait if you’re worried.

Want a professional opinion before trying treatments? Speak with our clinicians in Newcastle today.

Areas Where Sunspots Appear

Sunspots show up on parts of your body that get the most sun exposure over the years.

Most Common Areas

Face

• Cheeks and forehead
• Around the eyes
• On the nose
• Upper lip area

Hands and Arms

• Back of hands
• Forearms
• Shoulders

Other Areas

• Chest and upper back
• Scalp (especially in men with hair loss)
• Lower legs in women who wear skirts

Risk Factors for Developing Sunspots

Some people have higher chances of getting sunspots. Knowing your risk helps you take better care of your skin.

High-Risk Groups

Fair-Skinned People: If you have blonde or red hair, light eyes, and pale skin, you burn easily. This means you’re more likely to get sunspots.

Outdoor Workers: People who work outside get more UV exposure. This includes construction workers, farmers, and gardeners.

People Over 40: The longer you live, the more sun damage builds up. Most sunspots appear after age 40.

Frequent Sun Exposure: If you spend lots of time outdoors for work or hobbies, your risk increases. This includes golfers, tennis players, and beach lovers.

NSW-Specific Risks

Living in NSW means a strong Australian sun. Our UV levels are high most of the year. This makes sunspots more common here than in many other places.

People in coastal areas like Newcastle get extra UV reflection from water and sand. This increases the chance of developing sunspots.

Treatment Options for Sunspots

You have several ways to reduce the appearance of sunspots. Some treatments you can do at home, while others need professional help.

At-Home Care

Sunscreen: Using SPF 30+ sunscreen daily stops new sunspots from forming. It also prevents existing spots from getting darker.

Moisturiser with Retinol: Products with retinol can slowly fade light sunspots. However, results take many months and work best on newer spots.

Vitamin C Serum: This antioxidant can help brighten your skin and reduce some pigmentation over time.

Professional Treatment Options

Laser Treatment Laser therapy targets the dark pigment in sunspots. It breaks down the extra melanin, allowing your body to remove it naturally. This treatment works well for most people and gives clear results.

Chemical Peels Medical-grade peels remove the top layer of damaged skin. New, clearer skin grows in its place. Different peel strengths work for different types of sunspots.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) IPL uses light energy to target dark spots. It’s gentler than a laser but may need more sessions for full results.

Medical-Grade Skincare Professional skincare products contain stronger ingredients than shop-bought items. They can help fade sunspots when used regularly.

Our advanced pigmentation treatments help reduce the appearance of sunspots safely. Book your consultation at Skinduced Newcastle now.

Who Benefits Most from Professional Treatment?

Professional pigmentation removal works best for certain people and types of sunspots.

Ideal Candidates

People with Multiple Spots. If you have many sunspots, professional treatment clears them faster than home remedies.

Those with Dark Spots. Very dark or large sunspots need stronger treatment to see good results.

People want fast results. Professional treatments show results in weeks or months, not years like home care.

Those with Fair to Medium Skin. Most professional treatments work best on lighter skin tones. Darker skin needs special care to avoid discolouration.

Treatment Planning

Before starting treatment, a skin professional looks at your spots and skin type. They create a plan that works best for you. This might include:

• One type of treatment or a combination
• Number of sessions needed
• Home care routine to support treatment
• Sun protection advice

What to Expect from Treatment

Understanding the treatment process helps you make good decisions about your skin care.

During Treatment

Most pigmentation removal treatments take 15-30 minutes. You might feel some discomfort, like a rubber band snapping on your skin. Most people find this very manageable.

After Treatment

Immediate Results: Some treatments make spots look darker first. This is normal and means the treatment is working. The dark spots will flake off in 7-14 days.

Healing Time: Your skin needs time to heal and show final results. This usually takes 2-4 weeks per session.

Multiple Sessions Most people need 2-4 treatments for best results. Sessions are spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Long-Term Results

With proper care, sunspot removal results last for years. However, new spots can form if you don’t protect your skin from the sun.

Ready to explore tailored options for sunspots? Schedule your treatment plan today.

Prevention Tips for NSW Residents

Stopping new sunspots is easier than treating existing ones. Here’s how to protect your skin in our strong Australian sun.

Daily Sun Protection

Use Sunscreen Every Day. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

Seek Shade Stay in shade between 10 am and 4 pm when UV levels are highest. This is especially important in summer.

Wear Protective Clothing. Cover up with long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Look for clothes with UPF ratings for better protection.

Use Sunglasses: Protect the delicate skin around your eyes with wraparound sunglasses.

Special Considerations for Newcastle

Living near the coast means extra UV reflection from water and sand. Use extra sun protection when at the beach or harbour.

The Hunter Valley’s clear skies mean high UV levels year-round. Don’t forget sun protection in winter – UV rays still cause damage.

When Sunspots Need Medical Attention

While most sunspots are cosmetic concerns, some situations need a doctor’s care.

See a GP If:

• You’re not sure if a spot is a sunspot or something else
• Spots change quickly in size, colour, or shape
• You have spots that bleed, itch, or become sore
• You want a full skin cancer check

See a Skin Professional If:

• You want to remove sunspots for cosmetic reasons
• Home treatments aren’t working
• You have many spots to treat
• You want expert advice on prevention

Skinduced has helped countless patients in Newcastle and the Hunter Region manage pigmentation safely. Book your consultation with our expert team today.

Cost Considerations

Understanding treatment costs helps you plan your skin care budget.

Factors Affecting Cost

Type of Treatment: Different treatments have different prices. Laser therapy might cost more per session than chemical peels, but you might need fewer sessions.

Number of Spots: More spots usually mean higher costs, but many clinics offer package deals for multiple areas.

Number of Sessions: Most people need several treatments fothe r best results. Ask about payment plans if needed.

Getting Value from Treatment

Professional treatment often costs less than years of trying different home products. Plus, you get expert care and better results.

Many clinics offer consultation appointments where you can discuss options and costs before deciding on treatment.

Aftercare for Best Results

Taking care of your skin after pigmentation removal treatment helps you get the best possible results.

Immediate Aftercare (First 48 Hours)

• Keep treated areas clean and dry
• Avoid makeup on treated spots
• Don’t pick at any flaking skin
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser
• Avoid hot showers or baths

Ongoing Care (First 4 Weeks)

• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
• Wear hats and protective clothing
• Avoid direct sun when possible
• Use recommended skincare products only
• Attend follow-up appointments

Long-Term Maintenance

• Continue daily sun protection
• Use quality skincare as recommended
• Have regular skin checks
• Consider maintenance treatments if needed

Living with Clearer Skin

Successful sunspot treatment can boost your confidence and make you look younger. Many people feel happier about their appearance after treatment.

Realistic Expectations

Most sunspots fade significantly with proper treatment. However, complete removal isn’t always possible. Your skin professional will discuss realistic outcomes during your consultation.

Maintaining Results

Good sun protection is the key to keeping your results. New sunspots can form if you don’t protect your skin properly.

Regular skincare and occasional maintenance treatments help keep your skin looking its best.

Choose Expert Care in Newcastle

Sunspots are a common result of living in sunny NSW. While they’re usually harmless, many people choose to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons.

Professional pigmentation removal offers safe, effective results when performed by experienced clinicians. The key is choosing a clinic that understands Australian skin and sun damage.

With proper treatment and ongoing sun protection, you can enjoy clearer, more even skin tone for years to come.

Take control of your skin health today. Book your pigmentation removal consultation at Skinduced Newcastle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sunspots go away on their own?

Sunspots rarely fade completely without treatment. They may lighten slightly over time, but professional treatment gives much better results.

Are sunspots dangerous?

Most sunspots are harmless. However, any changing spot should be checked by a doctor to rule out skin cancer.

How long do treatment results last?

With proper sun protection, sunspot removal results can last for years. However, new spots may form without ongoing sun protection.

Can I prevent more sunspots from forming?

Yes, daily sunscreen use and sun protection prevent new sunspots from developing.

What’s the difference between sunspots and liver spots?

These are the same thing. “Liver spots” is an old term for sunspots. They have nothing to do with your liver.

Is treatment painful?

Most people find pigmentation removal treatments comfortable. You might feel some mild discomfort, but it’s very manageable.