Sunspots usually appear as light to dark brown patches, often with irregular shapes.

The main culprit behind their development is melanin — the pigment produced by specialized cells in our skin. When exposed to UV rays, especially UVA and UVB, these cells ramp up melanin production. If too many pigment-producing cells cluster in one area, visible dark patches begin to form. These discolorations most often show up on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and hands — the areas that get the most sun exposure.

You may be more prone to developing sunspots if:

• you’re older, since the skin’s natural ability to regenerate decreases with age,

• you use hormonal contraceptives,

• your hormonal balance is disrupted for any reason.

When looking for ways to lighten sun-induced discoloration, most of us start with home treatments and widely available dermocosmetics. These can help fade dark spots, but they don’t always deliver complete results.

Their effectiveness largely depends on how advanced the pigmentation is and on your skin’s individual ability to regenerate. In some cases, the only truly reliable way to get rid of sunspots is through professional aesthetic treatments.

If you want to try dealing with sunspots on your own, the first step is usually to reach for brightening serums or specialized creams. Today, there’s a wide range of active ingredients available that not only exfoliate and lighten the skin but also reduce melanin production and help fight signs of photoaging — effectively preventing new spots from forming.

Here are some of the most common options you can add to your skincare routine:

• Exfoliating and brightening products – dermocosmetics with active vitamin C, papain (a natural enzyme from papaya), salicylic acid, or mandelic acid. These ingredients, often found in concentrated creams and serums, act directly on the process of melanogenesis, fading existing spots and helping prevent new ones.

• Tyrosinase inhibitors – products containing kojic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, or arbutin. They may also be enriched with vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinol. These are often recommended for people struggling with melasma or those who want to lighten freckles.

• Whitening creams – some of the most powerful at-home treatments. They typically contain high concentrations of niacinamide, vitamin C, and papain to exfoliate discolored layers of the skin. These creams work gradually to reduce pigmentation while protecting the unaffected skin.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to use these products carefully and exactly as directed. Overuse of whitening creams or strong exfoliants can irritate, damage, or even depigment healthy skin. Consistency is key, as is daily sun protection with a high-SPF sunscreen. Also remember that some serums and creams should only be applied at night.

Sometimes the only truly effective way to deal with sunspots is through professional aesthetic procedures. Among the most popular and proven options are:

• Cosmelan – one of the most effective treatments available, known for delivering visible results relatively quickly. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme essential for melanin production. Cosmelan is especially effective for large sunspots, melasma, age spots, and post-acne discoloration. The procedure involves two stages: an in-office consultation and application of a special mask, followed by at-home use of a prescribed cream according to strict medical instructions. First improvements are often noticeable within a week.

• Laser pigmentation removal – a powerful method that reaches even the deepest skin layers, making it effective where topical products or even chemical peels fall short. Laser therapy helps reduce post-acne marks, pregnancy-related pigmentation, as well as sunspots and liver spots. Results are typically visible within 30 days.

• Sun-protective peel – a treatment that not only removes unwanted pigmentation but also exfoliates dead skin cells, refreshes and regenerates the skin, and boosts its resilience to UV exposure.

• Brightening mesotherapy – this technique uses high concentrations of vitamin C, amino acids, and minerals to visibly lighten pigmentation. After just a week, the skin appears more radiant. The treatment stimulates cell renewal and works particularly well for discolored, dull, or tired skin on the face, neck, and décolletage.

Many people try at-home remedies for sunspots only to realize after a while that these methods rarely erase them entirely — at best, they help fade and reduce their appearance. If that sounds familiar, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist or aesthetic medicine specialist.

In some cases, pigmentation changes run so deep that over-the-counter products simply can’t reach them. Professional therapies guided by a specialist may be the only way to achieve significant results.

Of course, the outcome depends on individual factors such as how deeply the melanin has accumulated and how well your skin regenerates. Sometimes one treatment session is enough to see visible improvement; other times, multiple procedures are necessary. What’s certain is that the most effective way to reduce sun-induced pigmentation is through a tailored treatment plan supervised by a qualified expert.

It’s always easier to prevent pigmentation than to try to remove it later. And even if treatment proves effective, that doesn’t guarantee the problem won’t come back.

The key to prevention is year-round use of sunscreen, especially for those prone to developing dark spots. During summer activities, reapply every 2–3 hours and always after swimming.

Physical protection is also important — sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas can help shield your skin from direct UV exposure. Most importantly, enjoy the sun in moderation and always apply sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Since free radicals also play a role in pigmentation, prevention goes beyond sun protection. A diet rich in antioxidants, along with skincare products containing them, can further support your skin in the fight against discoloration.