How to Get Rid of Sun Spots From Tanning

Too much sunbathing can lead to sun spots later on in life.

Too much exposure to the sun over the years can cause sun spots to appear on your skin. Sun spots are signs of skin damage and are commonly found on the face, shoulders, legs and hands, as these parts of the body usually get the most sun. If you notice that sun spots are beginning to appear on your body, consult a dermatologist to make sure the spots are nothing to be concerned about; then look at getting rid of or lightening the spots since they can interfere with your complexion.

Things You'll Need

• Concealer
• Makeup sponge
• Fade cream
• Prescription medication

Instructions

1. Cover up sun spots with concealer. If your spots are not too dark, you might be able to mask them under makeup the way you can with freckles or blemishes. Even if the spots occur on your shoulders, grab a makeup sponge, dip it into concealer that matches your skin color and apply it directly over the sun spots.

2. Use an over-the-counter fade cream on your sun spots. Fade creams are topical lotions that you apply to your spots to cause them to fade over time. Effective fade creams, according to the MayoClinic, contain the active ingredients hydroquinone, deoxyarbutin, glycolic acid or kojic acid. However, beware that certain individuals may have skin allergies, reactions or irritations to some of these ingredients. The fade cream treatment may also take months of consistent use before you see your sun spots lighten.

3. Take medication for bleaching your skin that is prescribed by a dermatologist. Bleaching medications contain retinoids and mild steroids that can lighten your skin, and its spots, from the inside out over time. Talk to your dermatologist about side effects that such medications may cause.

4. Get a chemical peel. Chemical peels are skin procedures performed by dermatologists or professional aestheticians. The procedure involves applying an acid formula to the skin and removing it to peel off the top layer of skin. New skin forms over where the outer layer was peeled off and may come in lighter. Over several treatments, chemical peels can help to lighten sun spots.

5. Try a dermabrasion procedure. Dermabrasion works similarly to the concept of the chemical peel, in that it involves sanding down the top layer of skin with a gritty substance and a brush that rotates to shed the skin. New skin forms over the skin that is removed so that it comes in lighter.

6. Talk to your dermatologist about laser treatment. Laster treatment is non-abrasive and does not damage the surface of your skin. The laser is placed over the sun spots that need to be lightened and helps to fade the spots and the skin around it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can prevent new sun spots from forming by reducing your sun exposure and stopping tanning.

• Some individuals have adverse reactions to chemical peels and dermabrasion, including irritation, burns, itchiness and discomfort.

References

• Go Sun Smart; The Sun and Your Skin; 2009
• MayoClinic.com; Age Spots (Liver Spots); 2011