Age Spots & Brown Spots
Brown spots, age spots, sun spots. They go by different names, but they share the same cause: years of sun exposure that have left their mark on the skin's surface.
These spots are among the most common skin concerns we treat at Element Dermatology, and they’re also among the most treatable. With the right combination of light-based treatments, laser resurfacing, and chemical exfoliation, significant fading is achievable, often in a single course of treatment. The approach depends on the type, depth, and distribution of your pigmentation, and we tailor every plan accordingly.
About This Condition
What Causes Age and Brown Spots?
Age and brown spots are both types of hyperpigmentation caused by an overproduction of melanin. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanin-producing respond by producing more pigment as a protective mechanism. Over time and with repeated exposure, the pigment accumulates unevenly, and creates flat, darker patches on the skin's surface.
While "age spots" is the term commonly used for the flat brown or grayish patches that appear after age 40, the underlying process can begin much earlier. Patients in their twenties and thirties who have spent a lot of time in the sun, used tanning beds, or lived in sunny climates can develop brown spots before middle age.
Types of pigmentation that we treat:
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
Flat, well-defined brown or grayish patches that develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest. Most common after age 40. Respond well to BBL Hero, Moxi, and chemical peels.
Sun-Induced Brown Spots
Similar to age spots, but can appear at any age in patients with a significant history of sun exposure. May be more diffuse across the face and body. Addressed with the same light-based and chemical treatments used for age spots.
Freckles (Ephelides)
Small, flat spots that tend to appear in childhood and fade with age. Often genetic, but darkened significantly by sun exposure. Respond very well to BBL Hero, which can selectively target the pigment without affecting the surrounding skin.
Post-Inflammatory Erythema Hyperpigmentation
Darkening left behind after skin inflammation from acne, injury, or irritation. Treated with chemical peels and brightening protocols alongside the source of inflammation. May require a different sequencing of treatments than sun-induced spots.
A Note on Safety
Not Every Brown Spot is Just a Brown Spot
Some pigmented lesions that appear to be harmless brown spots can be early forms of melanoma or other skin cancers. Because a board-certified dermatologist leads Element Dermatology, every pigmented lesion is assessed with clinical eyes before treatment begins. Dr. LaBine will evaluate any spots of concern and, if anything warrants further investigation, will recommend a biopsy before proceeding with cosmetic treatment. This level of oversight is not available at med spas or esthetic clinics operating without physician supervision.
Targeted Treatments
How We Treat Age and Brown Spots
BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output (BBL HERO)
Our most effective treatment for age and brown spots. Intense pulsed light targets melanin in the skin, breaking up clusters of pigment while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected.
Moxi Laser Treatment
A non-ablative fractionated laser to stimulate skin renewal and address early and moderate pigmentation. A gentler option than Halo, with minimal downtime, that progressively brightens and evens skin tone over a series of treatments.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade chemical peels accelerate the shedding of pigmented surface cells, revealing brighter and more even skin beneath. Particularly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and diffuse uneven tone.
Halo Laser Treatment
A fractional laser addresses both surface pigmentation and deeper skin quality simultaneously. For patients with larger or long-standing brown spots and texture concerns, Halo can produce improvement in a single treatment with lasting results.
MicroLaser Peel
The MicroLaser Peel vaporizes damaged surface cells at a controlled depth, resurfacing the skin and removing the pigmented layer. Effective for concentrated spots and areas with cumulative sun damage on the face and hands.
Skin Cancer Exam and Biopsy
Before treating any pigmented lesion, Dr. LaBine assesses it to confirm it’s safe to treat. If you have spots that have changed in size, shape, or color, or that have never been evaluated by a dermatologist, a skin cancer exam is the right first step.
Schedule Your Age or Brown Spot Consultation Today
Frequently Asked Questions About Age Spots & Brown Spots
What’s the difference between age spots and brown spots?
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The terms are often used interchangeably. Age spots, also called solar lentigines or liver spots, are a specific type of brown spot that develops on sun-exposed skin usually after age 40. Brown spots is a broader term that encompasses all forms of flat hyperpigmentation on the skin, including freckles, post-inflammatory marks, and early sun damage that can appear at any age.
Will the spots come back after treatment?
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Treated spots won’t come back, but new spots can form with continued sun exposure. This is why SPF is non-negotiable after pigmentation treatment. It’s the single most important thing you can do to prevent recurrence. Most patients who maintain a good SPF routine and do periodic BBL Hero maintenance treatments find their results hold well over time.
Are these treatments safe for darker skin tones?
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Treatment selection matters for patients with more melanin-rich skin, as some light-based treatments carry a risk of triggering additional hyperpigmentation if not used carefully. At Element Dermatology, Dr. LaBine assesses your skin tone as part of every treatment plan. We use VISIA skin analysis to identify subsurface pigmentation that may not be visible on the surface, which helps us choose the right treatment and avoid adverse reactions.
Should I be concerned that my brown spots could be cancer?
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Any pigmented spot that has changed in size, shape, or color, or that’s irregular in border or color distribution, should be evaluated by a dermatologist before any cosmetic treatment. At Element Dermatology, Dr. LaBine reviews all pigmented lesions clinically before treatment and will recommend a biopsy if anything warrants further investigation.