What can you do about sunspots on your face?

These are all moments when UV rays damage our skin without us even realizing it. The good news is that we can take action to prevent them from (re)appearing. Here’s what to do about sunspots on your face.

What exactly are sunspots?

"Sunspots," also known as solar lentigines or sometimes"age spots,"are areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. Contrary to what their name might suggest, they are permanent and do not fade with a tan.

Usually brown in color, varying in darkness, sunspots affect black, olive, and mixed-race skin as well as Caucasian skin. They form particularly on the areas most exposed to the sun: cheeks, forehead, décolletage, hands… Although medically benign, they are often considered unsightly because they give the complexion an uneven appearance.

Specifically, they are caused by UV rays, which trigger the skin to produce excess melanin as a protective measure. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives us that lovely summer tan. But over time and with repeated exposure—especially without sunscreen—melanin production eventually becomes disrupted and irregular. Melanin then accumulates in certain areas, eventually forming those well-known “sunspots.”

As you can see, age spots on the face are closely linked to UV exposure. They’re a sign that your skin’s natural protective mechanisms have become less effective. And as time goes on, they become more visible, more numerous, and increasingly difficult to get rid of if no preventive or corrective measures are taken.

Sunspots on the Face: How to Remove and Prevent Them?

A targeted, consistent, and protective skincare routine is the key to preventing sunspots on your face. Here are the four pillars to follow.

1. Apply sunscreen every day

The most effective way to prevent sunspots and keep existing ones from getting darker is to protect your skin from UV rays all year round, summer and winter alike.

Choose a sunscreen with very high UVA and UVB protection, such as the Invisible Cream or the Tinted Cream SPF 50+ (available in three shades: light, medium, dark). Apply it every morning, even if the weather isn’t sunny, because UV rays are present and can damage your skin even on cloudy or cold days. Reapply every 2–3 hours during prolonged sun exposure, and if you’re swimming or sweating.

2. Target sunspots with skincare products

There are many cosmetic products with enhanced anti-dark spot action, whether in the form of serums or creams. These products are specially formulated to curb excess melanin production and combat pigmentation issues.

The Anti-Dark Spot Concentrate and the Anti-Dark Spot Power Factor 4 Serum, for example, gradually lighten all types of dark spots, particularly those caused by sun exposure. We recommend using them as an 8-week treatment for the most stubborn or long-standing dark spots.

For daily use, you can choose the Brightening Anti-Dark Spot Serum and the Brightening Blemish Cream : two effective products for preventing sun-induced hyperpigmentation and restoring a more even complexion.

Whether used as an intensive treatment or incorporated into your morning and evening routine, apply these products to your entire cleansed face before your moisturizer and/or sunscreen. Keep in mind that without sunscreen, even the best anti-dark spot treatments will be less effective.

3. Promote the removal and regeneration of hyperpigmented cells

After prevention and correction, it’s time for skin regeneration. Exfoliation helps speed up the removal and renewal of melanin-rich cells, thereby helping sunspots fade.

Opt for a Gentle Scrub fine grains, an enzymatic exfoliant, or one containing mild acids, to be used 1 to 2 times a week. Avoid abrasive exfoliants or those with overly strong formulas, which can irritate the skin and worsen hyperpigmentation.

4. Strengthen the skin barrier through hydration

As part of your daily routine, you’ll help strengthen your skin by keeping it hydrated. Hydration is essential for minimizing sunspots on the face, because well-hydrated skin is better able to withstand environmental stressors, including UV rays.

Choose a moisturizer rich in soothing, regenerating, and antioxidant ingredients (hyaluronic acid, peptides, aloe vera, vitamin C, tocopherol, etc.) that is suited to your skin type, and apply it preferably in the morning and at night.

Things Not to Do

❌ Home remedies using lemon or baking soda: they can sensitize and irritate the skin, and make dark spots more pronounced.
❌ Unprotected sun exposure.
❌ Skin-lightening products containing ingredients considered dangerous, such as hydroquinone.

How long does it take to get rid of sunspots?

Sunspots are the result of years of UV exposure that have damaged the skin. But it’s never too late to take action. By adopting a tailored routine—sun protection + anti-spot treatments + gentle exfoliation + targeted hydration—it’s generally possible to effectively reduce their appearance and, most importantly, prevent them from (re)appearing.

That said, let's be realistic: sunspots don't disappear in 48 hours. It takes an average of 4 to 8 weeks to see a visible improvement with a consistent, regular routine.

What if the sunspots don't go away?

Some older, deep, or highly pigmented sunspots can be particularly difficult to treat with cosmetic products.

If your pigmentation spots persist despite several months of treatment, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to assess their nature and consider other options, such as laser treatment, cryotherapy, or a chemical peel performed at a cosmetic clinic.

In any case, it is always recommended to consult a dermatologist if the spots itch, peel, bleed, or change in appearance.