Sun spots on the face: what can be done

The short answer

Sun spots and age spots can be faded in clinic with laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) or a chemical peel, depending on the type of pigment and how deep it is. At our clinic in Puerto Banús, treatment costs from €85 per session. Before anything else, the doctor examines each spot. And without sun protection, they can darken again.

First, find out what the spot is

Every spot is examined before any treatment: the doctor confirms what it is. If a lesion needs further investigation, you will be told, and it is not treated at that visit.

And do not wait for a cosmetic appointment if a spot is new, changes in size, shape or colour, itches or bleeds: see a doctor as soon as possible. It is no longer a cosmetic question.

What treatments are available

• Laser or pulsed light (IPL): the energy is absorbed by the pigmented areas, which break up, and the body gradually clears them. From €85 per session.
• Gentle chemical peel (BioRePeelCl3®): it exfoliates the surface of the skin and hydrates it in the same session. It may suit skin with sun damage or an uneven tone. €120 per session.
• Red dots: not every mark is brown. Angiomas, small red dots made up of blood vessels, are treated differently, also with laser. From €50.

The doctor chooses the technique according to the type of spot, its depth and your skin, and confirms the plan and the quote in writing before starting.

How many sessions are needed?

It depends on how widespread and how deep the pigment is. A spot may improve from the first session, but several are usually needed, and the result varies from person to person. The doctor gives you an indicative plan after examining your skin.

After the session

As a rule you can carry on with your day. After laser or pulsed light, the area may look a little red or darker for a few days before it lightens. After the peel, redness for 24 to 48 hours and slight peeling are normal. In both cases, avoid direct sun and follow the doctor’s instructions.

Sun protection is part of the treatment

The sun can darken spots or bring out new ones. That is why sun protection is part of the treatment, and even more so in Marbella: without it, what has been achieved can be lost. We plan the sessions with you according to the time of year.

Dr Ángel Vidal explains in one of our videos that when skin arrives at the clinic with many signs of sun exposure, it is harder to assess what really needs correcting. Spots also tend to appear on the hands, neck and décolleté, areas that get sun for years and that can be treated too.