Best In-Office Treatments for Age Spots

Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is a leading cause of premature aging. Over time, unprotected sun exposure can emphasize fine lines and wrinkles, reduce skin elasticity, cause dark spots to form, and even lead to the development of skin cancer lesions. Dark spots resulting from sun damage—also called sun spots, age spots, solar lentigines, or liver spots—are signs of the natural aging process. These appear as flat, brown spots on areas most often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, shoulders, arms, and face. Age spots are very common and typically affect people over 40. Unlike precancerous lesions, they are harmless. However, they can be distressing signs of aging that make individuals feel self-conscious, especially when hyperpigmentation appears on highly visible areas, such as the face, arms, chest, and hands. Fortunately, Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology office offers a range of treatment options to lighten the skin and minimize the appearance of sun damage.

Dr. Green is an expert in a wide range of treatment options for reducing dark spots on the body. Some of the most effective methods for treating hyperpigmentation include laser treatments such as the Fraxel laser, Clear + Brilliant Laser, Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, Picosecond lasers, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). These safe options work for patients of all skin tones and types by targeting hyperpigmentation without harming surrounding tissue. In addition to laser therapies, Dr. Green offers various chemical peels, including the Cosmelan peel and mesopeels, to exfoliate the skin and encourage new skin cell growth, resulting in brighter, revitalized skin. Techniques such as microneedling, microdermabrasion, and hydrofacials also effectively resurface the skin, boosting collagen production and creating a clearer, more youthful appearance. Dr. Green also offers a wide selection of skincare products through her proprietary MGSKINLABs, which are formulated to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin.

Experienced, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side, New York City, dermatology office for over 25 years. In addition to treating age spots and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Green is highly skilled at addressing other effects of natural aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, volume loss, and uneven skin tone and texture with treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, mesopeels, Cosmelan peels, and more. Along with anti-aging procedures, Dr. Green offers many options for medical conditions related to dark spots, including skin cancer, melasma, and rosacea. Through her proprietary skincare line, MGSKINLABs, she can recommend top-quality topical lightening creams, lotions, cleansers, acne treatments, and sunscreens. Known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has repeatedly been voted one of the best dermatologists in New York City by publications such as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What are age spots?

Age spots are areas of hyperpigmentation marked by small brown or gray spots on the skin’s surface, ranging in size from a freckle to as large as half an inch in diameter. Often referred to as liver spots, solar lentigines, or sunspots, these spots typically form due to unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays and are most commonly found on the face, hands, arms, and neck. Age spots generally develop gradually, often appearing in middle age (40s-50s) as a result of sun damage sustained earlier in life. When UV rays from the sun or tanning beds penetrate unprotected skin, they stimulate the production of the pigment melanin, which helps shield the area from damaging rays. However, this increase in melanin can also lead to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, resulting in an uneven or spotty appearance of the skin.

What causes age spots to form?

Sunspots usually appear in areas that have been most exposed to the sun. When the skin is exposed to excessive sun, the body produces more melanin, the natural pigment that protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet light, also known as UV rays. Melanin is produced in the body by melanocytes, cells located in the outer layer of the skin. The amount of melanin in the skin directly affects skin color. People with darker skin naturally have more melanin than those with lighter skin. Melanin helps shield the body’s DNA from UV rays and can also lower the risk of skin cancer, like melanoma. When skin is overexposed to UV rays—whether from sun exposure or tanning beds—melanocytes produce excess melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation. This hyperpigmentation, or gathering of melanin, is what causes age spots to form.

Do age spots mean skin damage?

Dark spots form on the skin’s surface due to repeated overexposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Without proper sun protection, UV rays can damage the DNA in the skin. In response, the body increases melanin production to protect itself from the sun’s harmful effects. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color and is produced by cells called melanocytes. When exposed to the sun without sunscreen or other protection, the enzyme tyrosinase stimulates melanocytes in the area to multiply, thereby increasing melanin production. This melanin absorbs UV rays to shield the skin, but it also causes a dark spot in the affected area. The number and size of age spots and pigmentation depend on the amount of sun damage over time—the more frequent and intense the exposure, the more extensive the skin discoloration. Besides sun damage, factors such as scarring, inflammation, or skin conditions like melasma can also lead to hyperpigmentation.

Can a dermatologist treat dark spots?

When new or changing dark spots appear on the face or body, it is best to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, to determine if the dark spot indicates an underlying health condition. Sunspots are harmless and do not indicate the presence of cancer. However, some patients may feel self-conscious about the appearance of age spots on visible areas, such as the face, chest, and hands. In such cases, Dr. Green can recommend the most suitable treatment, whether that involves topical treatments or in-office procedures, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.

How to get rid of age spots

At Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side, New York City dermatology office, many options are available for removing sunspots. Dr. Green begins the treatment by examining the affected area and discussing your goals. Depending on the size, location of the sunspot, and the patient’s skin tone, she creates a personalized treatment plan with safe and effective options. Some patients may benefit most from laser treatment, often using the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, Fraxel laser resurfacing, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for sunspots. In other cases, Dr. Green uses chemical peels to enhance skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. Patients can also lighten dark spots at home with topical treatments, including Vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliants like kojic acid, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid. To prevent skin irritation, follow Dr. Green’s instructions on the best way to apply these topical treatments.

What is the dermatologist-recommended skincare routine for spot treatment?

With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Michele Green is an expert at helping patients create skincare routines that keep their skin smooth, bright, glowing, and youthful-looking. The most important skincare product for daily use is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays is the best way to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin. If you are already experiencing dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin texture, Dr. Green may recommend using a retinoid to help exfoliate the skin and boost skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother, clearer skin. She may also prescribe a skin-brightening cream, such as hydroquinone, to specifically target dark spots and inhibit melanin production in the top layer of skin. When using any exfoliating or skin-brightening product, the skin often becomes more sensitive. Therefore, Dr. Green suggests using a gentle cleanser to clean the skin and a rich moisturizer to maintain hydration and balance.

Sunscreen to prevent age spots

The best sunscreen for preventing sun damage is the one you wear every day, although Dr. Green recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Sunscreen should be applied every morning as part of your daily skincare routine and reapplied every two hours spent outside. For extra protection, Dr. Green recommends a combination approach: applying both chemical and physical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat, thereby protecting the skin from UV damage. Physical sunscreen reflects the UV rays with active ingredients such as Zinc. When applied together, chemical and physical sunscreens can significantly enhance sun protection and reduce the likelihood of sun damage. Wearing sunscreen every day and sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat or long-sleeved shirts, is essential for preventing sunburns that can lead to sun damage and photoaging later in life.

Do chemical peels effectively remove dark spots?

Chemical peels are an effective treatment for various skin conditions, including the removal of sun spots and other types of hyperpigmentation, addressing melasma, and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. Different kinds of chemical peels vary in depth and strength, depending on the exfoliating acids used, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, among others. There are three levels of chemical peel depths: light, medium, and deep. Usually, Dr. Green recommends light or medium peels for treating age spots, while deep peels are typically reserved for addressing deep wrinkles or skin cancer. A chemical peel works by reacting the acid in the peel with dead skin cells, debris, and dirt on the skin’s surface. This reaction exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, removes dead skin cells, and stimulates the production of new, lighter skin cells. The most popular chemical peels for sun spots at Dr. Green’s office are the Mesopeels and Cosmelan peels.

What are Mesopeels?

Mesopeels are advanced, medical-grade chemical treatments designed to target hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and uneven skin tone through controlled exfoliation and regulation of melanin production. One advantage of mesopeels is their safe application on sensitive areas not usually suited for traditional peels, such as the under-eye region, inner thighs, and armpits. By encouraging epidermal renewal and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, mesopeels gradually diminish dark spots, improve skin texture, and help create a more even complexion.

Treatment with mesopeel is performed as a series of sessions, typically 4 to 6, spaced several weeks apart to achieve optimal results. This gradual approach reduces irritation while promoting steady improvements in pigmentation and overall skin quality. With minimal to no downtime, mesopeels are a versatile option for patients seeking a safe and customizable treatment to diminish sun spots, melasma, or other types of discoloration. At her Upper East Side, New York City practice, Dr. Michele Green often incorporates mesopeels into personalized treatment plans for patients who want a gentle yet effective method of skin rejuvenation.

Cosmelan Chemical Peels for Melasma and Sun Spots

The Cosmelan chemical peel is one of the most effective in-office treatments for sun spots, melasma, other types of hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Unlike traditional chemical peels that only exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, the Cosmelan peel combines an intensive in-office mask with a strict at-home maintenance routine to remove existing pigmentation and regulate future melanin production. The treatment begins with the application of the Cosmelan 1 mask, which remains in place for several hours before being removed at home. In the following weeks, patients continue using Cosmelan 2 cream, a recovery balm, and a high-SPF sunscreen to maintain and improve their results. The use of both the mask and cream not only reduces existing age spots but also inhibits tyrosinase, the key enzyme involved in melanin production, helping prevent new discoloration. Patients typically notice brighter, clearer skin within 1 to 2 weeks, with optimal results developing over several months.

Cosmelan is especially effective for treating epidermal hyperpigmentation, such as sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, and melasma, a condition that can be difficult to treat with lasers. While generally safe for most skin types, including those with darker skin tones, patients may experience temporary redness, peeling, or sensitivity in the first two weeks after treatment. Strict sun protection is crucial for maintaining results and preventing recurrence. Although not all pigment types respond equally, Cosmelan remains a popular and dependable choice for achieving an even, radiant complexion without the risks or downtime associated with more invasive procedures.

Laser Therapy for Sun Spot Removal?

Laser therapy is a highly effective method for reducing the appearance of age spots on the skin. At Dr. Green’s Upper East Side office in New York City, several laser treatments are available, including the Candela Alex-Trivantage Laser, the Fraxel laser, and the Clear + Brilliant laser.

Candela Alex-Trivantage Laser

The Candela Alex-Trivantage laser is one of the most popular treatments in Dr. Green’s office for sun spots. The treatment works by emitting light wavelengths that target pigmentation directly. The light is absorbed by the brown, melanin-rich spots, where it is then converted into heat, causing the destruction of the melanin. The micro-injury to the skin also stimulates collagen production, leading to the formation of lighter skin cells. Because the laser specifically targets melanin, this treatment is safest for patients with lighter skin tones. Dr. Green typically recommends one or two sessions of the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser to achieve optimal results. The recovery process is minimal—usually, a small scab forms over the sunspot, while the surrounding skin remains unaffected. About a week after treatment, the scab will begin to heal, and hyperpigmentation will start to fade.

Fraxel Laser Resurfacing

The Fraxel laser is a treatment option specifically approved for addressing sun damage, age spots, fine lines, acne scars, and restoring a smooth skin texture. The laser uses two wavelengths, at 1927 and 1550 nm, to target and resurface specific areas, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The two wavelengths treat different skin conditions: 1927 is best for hyperpigmentation, while 1550 targets fine lines, acne scars, and improves skin texture. When used together, these wavelengths can provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation, reducing brown spots and smoothing fine lines and creases for a lighter, brighter, and more youthful appearance.

Thanks to its fractionated delivery, recovery time is minimal, and healing is quicker. Patients often can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. Dr. Green recommends three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Fraxel lasers are generally considered the safest option for patients with lighter skin tones. Those with darker skin tones might achieve similar results using the Clear + Brilliant laser, which requires no recovery time.

Clear + Brilliant Laser Treatment

The Clear + Brilliant laser, often referred to as the “Mini-Fraxel laser,” is an FDA-approved skin resurfacing treatment that is gentle and safe for all skin types. It utilizes fractionated technology to create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface, triggering the body’s natural healing process and stimulating collagen and new skin cell production. As a result, the skin looks lighter, brighter, and more youthful. The treatment effectively targets sun damage, age spots, and improves skin tone and texture, while reducing the appearance of fine lines. Dr. Green recommends five treatments, spaced approximately one month apart, for optimal results. With a gentle approach, there is no downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for age spots?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, also known as a “Photofacial,” is an excellent way to address various types of hyperpigmentation, including sun spots and redness, as well as fine lines, and to enhance skin texture. The treatment works by emitting multiple wavelengths of light that penetrate the dermis, where they are absorbed by melanin-rich cells responsible for the formation of sunspots. These cells convert the light energy into heat, destroying the pigment cells. IPL differs from other laser treatments, such as the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, because it uses several wavelengths of light instead of just one to treat skin issues. The procedure is safe and effective, with minimal discomfort. Patients often describe feeling as if a light snap of a rubber band has been applied to the face. After the treatment, there is no downtime or recovery needed, allowing patients to resume their normal activities immediately.

Does cryotherapy effectively treat age spots?

One treatment often recommended for removing sunspots, although it is less effective, is cryotherapy. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove sunspots. While this method is frequently considered effective for reducing brown spots, the results are inconsistent, and it can cause pain and downtime. Many newer and more advanced options are more successful, which is why Dr. Green usually does not use cryotherapy for sunspots.

How to remove age spots on the hands

Patients often ask, “How can I remove sun spots on the hands?” Age spots are most common on areas of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The hands are one such area, as people often forget to apply sunscreen to the back of their hands, which can lead to the development of age spots there. To remove age spots on the hands, Dr. Green may consider treatments such as laser options, including the Fraxel laser or the Clear + Brilliant laser, or chemical peels, like the Cosmelan Peel. To enhance the results, Dr. Green may also recommend incorporating brightening creams into the skincare routine.

How to best treat age spots on the face

Patients often ask, “How do I remove sun spots on my face?’ The best first step for reducing the appearance of age spots on the face is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green is an expert in creating safe and effective treatment plans to reduce age spots, taking into account each patient’s aesthetic goals. She is also highly experienced in treating patients of all skin types and will always recommend treatment options that are tailored to your specific skin type.

How to remove dark spots on the arms and legs

It’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen on your arms and legs. However, sun damage can still happen in these areas, leading to the appearance of age spots. Age spots on the arms and legs can be treated using methods similar to those used on other parts of the body, such as laser treatments (e.g., the Fraxel Laser and AlexTrivantage), chemical peels, IPL therapy, and skin-lightening lotions.

What is the best treatment for age spots?

At board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office, many treatment options are available to address all types of sun damage. No single treatment is inherently “best.” Instead, Dr. Green will determine which of the many options is best suited to meet your needs. Skin type and tone also influence which treatment will be safest and most effective, and Dr. Green has extensive experience treating patients of all skin tones. Certain lasers and the depth of chemical peels can harm Skin of Color. Therefore, Dr. Green always selects lasers and chemical peels that will restore sun damage without irritating or further harming the skin. To find out which treatment option is best for you, schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Green.

What is the best treatment for age spots on the face?

Patients often ask, “How do I treat age spots on my face?” The first step in removing sunspots is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green will start by examining the treatment area to identify the cause of the facial hyperpigmentation. Sunspots are harmless, but some hyperpigmentation can be a sign of skin cancer. If the dark spots on the face are indeed sunspots, Dr. Green will evaluate the size, extent of the area, skin tone, and aesthetic goals before recommending a treatment plan to achieve healthy skin.

What is the best treatment for age spots on the hands?

Patients often ask, “What is the best dark spot remover for the hands?” Many treatment options for dark spots on the hands are available at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side dermatology office. No one treatment is inherently “best;” rather, it depends on the size and scope of the affected area, as well as the patient’s skin type. To treat age spots on the hands, Dr. Green typically turns to laser therapies, chemical peels, or skin-lightening creams.

How to get rid of dark spots on the hands fast

The quickest way to remove dark spots on the hands is to schedule an in-office treatment with Dr. Green. Skincare products are very effective for home use and should be applied regularly to prevent new dark spots and maintain the results of skin lightening treatments. However, for the most noticeable results, patients should schedule an appointment for an in-office treatment, such as a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, microneedling, or microdermabrasion.

How to treat age spots at home

Various topical creams and ingredients can be added to your skincare routine to help treat sunspots at home. Retinol creams and lotions, combined with alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, help exfoliate the skin and fade sunspots. Vitamin C serum, such as Dr. Green’s popular Vita-C-serum, has strong antioxidant properties to lighten sunspots and repair damage from UV rays. Skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinones, kojic acid, arbutin, phytic acid, and azelaic acid all brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots and discoloration. Aloe vera has also been shown to lighten the skin and diminish sunspots. Sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from further UV damage, which can exacerbate existing sunspots and lead to new ones developing. While topical products are effective for gradually reducing sunspots, in-office treatments, such as laser therapy and chemical peels, are typically required to eliminate sunspots from the skin completely.

What Are the Best Professional Treatments for Age Spots?

Both Intense Pulsed Light and Fraxel skin resurfacing treatments can effectively address sun damage. Both are available at Dr. Green’s New York City dermatologist’s office, and neither is inherently “better.” Instead, the choice depends on selecting the treatment option that best aligns with your specific aesthetic goals and needs. The first step in finding the right treatment for you is to schedule an appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. During your initial consultation, you will discuss your treatment goals and medical history, and Dr. Green will examine the treatment area to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. IPL treatment is a gentler option, ideal for patients with light skin and dark hyperpigmentation spots, while Fraxel offers more noticeable results.

Dr. Green also uses various proprietary chemical peels containing glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, and trichloroacetic acid to achieve optimal results in reducing sun spots. These peels come in different strengths, and Dr. Green will determine if a light, medium, or deep chemical peel is necessary based on the severity of your sun damage. Besides treating sun damage, chemical peels can also address melasma, a skin condition characterized by discoloration on the upper lip, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and forehead. Patients with melasma should be treated differently from those with sunspots, as melasma does not respond well to most laser treatments.

One type of chemical peel that Dr. Green often uses to treat hyperpigmentation is the Cosmelan Peel, a medical-grade peel with proprietary ingredients for skin lightening and resurfacing. The application of the Cosmelan Peel mask works through multiple mechanisms to reduce pigmentation in affected areas and prevent further melanin buildup. This specialized chemical peel removes dead, pigmented skin cells, reveals healthy, clear skin, and inhibits the migration of pigmented cells to the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.

Dr. Green avoids using cryotherapy for age spots, a procedure that involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze off dark spots. Cryotherapy can be painful and is associated with side effects and less effective results. Therefore, Dr. Green prefers to explore other treatment options available at her dermatology office.

Best over-the-counter creams for age spots

Founded by Dr. Michele Green, MGSKINLABs offers a variety of skincare options to treat age spots and prevent further skin discoloration. Dr. Green recommends combining treatments for optimal results, including the following products:

Topical Retinol Cream – Retinoid-based creams and lotions, such as retinol and tretinoin, are common and effective for reducing sun spots. They promote skin exfoliation and rejuvenation, boosting collagen production for brighter skin.

Hydroquinone Brightening Cream – Dr. Green may recommend a topical skin lightening cream containing hydroquinone, which inhibits melanin production and movement in the dermis. Hydroquinone can cause significant side effects and irritation, particularly in patients with darker or more sensitive skin. For these patients, Dr. Green might recommend a hydroquinone-free brightening cream containing tranexamic acid, which works similarly to inhibit melanin production but is gentler on the skin.

Vita-C-Serum – Dr. Green often advises applying a vitamin C serum, known for its antioxidant properties. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation, decreases redness, and promotes skin rejuvenation.

Natural Remedies for Treating Age Spots

For the best results, age spot removal is most effectively performed in the office of an experienced dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. However, some treatments can be done at home to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

• Aloe Vera – when applied to the skin, compounds in aloe vera can help lighten it.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can also diminish the appearance of sunspots.
• Lemon – The citric acid and vitamin C in fresh lemon juice (from a lemon, not a bottle) can help lighten the skin when applied with a cotton swab to the affected area a few times a week.
• Milk and Buttermilk – Milk contains lactic acid, which may help lighten sunspots when applied to the skin.
• Green Tea – Green tea may help fade sun spots when applied topically.

Any natural products used at home may have some effect, but will never be as effective as cosmetic procedures or skincare products available at Dr. Green’s office.

Can you permanently eliminate age spots?

Several procedures can permanently remove existing sunspots, including laser treatments, chemical peels, and topical therapies. However, these methods do not stop new sunspots from forming on the skin. To prevent new sunspots, patients should adopt strict sun protection habits to shield themselves against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Green recommends applying sunscreen with SPF 30 every morning and reapplying it every 2 hours when outdoors. Patients should also wear protective clothing, such as hats, long-sleeve shirts, and lightweight pants. Additionally, Dr. Green advises staying indoors or in the shade during the peak sun hours between 10 am and 2 pm.

How to prevent sunspots from coming back

The best way to prevent age spots from returning is to protect your skin from further sun damage. Dr. Green recommends that patients use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every morning as part of their daily skincare routine, even if they are indoors, since windows can still allow UV rays to pass through. Dr. Green also suggests reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours when outside and wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and pants.

The difference between age spots, freckles, and melanoma

The development of dark spots on the skin’s surface can be either a simple cosmetic issue or, potentially, a sign of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. It is very important to have any new, concerning dark spot examined by a dermatologist to ensure it is not cancerous. Often, dermatologists can determine if a spot is potentially harmful simply by examining it. However, some spots need a biopsy, which involves a dermatologist removing a small sample of the affected skin for further tests.

Different types of spots have distinct causes and features, enabling you to distinguish between hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, melasma, seborrheic keratoses, and skin cancer. Age spots, a type of hyperpigmentation, are caused by an excess of melanin in the skin, resulting in discoloration on the skin’s surface. They are typically flat, brown, black, or gray spots, usually found on areas frequently exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer, however, is caused by abnormal skin cells growing out of control. Risk factors for skin cancer are similar to those for sunspots: exposure to harmful UV rays can increase the risk. Skin cancer can appear as new, growing, or changing dark spots with irregular borders. If you notice a new or changing dark spot, Dr. Green recommends visiting her dermatology office to have it checked for skin cancer.

How to get started with dark spot treatment today

Dark spots, age spots, or sunspots on the face can make people look noticeably older and may cause feelings of self-consciousness or low self-esteem. Luckily, cosmetic dermatology has made great strides in creating new and innovative treatments for these pigments. At her private cosmetic dermatology practice, Dr. Green offers a variety of safe, effective, non-invasive treatments for dark spots, including laser options like Fraxel and Alex-Trivantage, chemical peels such as Cosmelan, Microneedling, and specialized skincare products. The best treatment for you will depend on your skin type and the extent of your hyperpigmentation. When you see Dr. Green for your dark spots, she will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve a clear, radiant, healthy-looking complexion that lasts.

Dr. Michele Green is a highly respected, board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, offering her patients the best non-invasive treatments. Dr. Green adopts a holistic approach, following a less-is-more philosophy, and develops personalized skincare routines and treatment plans tailored to her patients’ individual concerns and aesthetic goals. She is frequently recognized as one of New York’s top dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and discover the best treatment options for sun-damaged skin.