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Sun spots

Sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are small, flat, darkened areas of the skin that typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the body. They are a result of sun exposure and aging, and can be treated with various cosmetic procedures such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or topical creams.

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What Are Sun Spots?

Sun spots (solar lentigines) are focal deposits of excess pigment that develop after years of cumulative UV exposure. They differ from freckles (which fade in winter) and melasma (which is driven by hormonal influence): solar lentigines are flat, stable, and directly caused by cumulative sun exposure.

They appear most commonly on the face, décolleté, hands, and shoulders — wherever skin has had the most unprotected sun exposure over a lifetime. In the Arizona climate, solar lentigines often develop earlier and more densely than in regions with less intense UV. They are generally benign but can resemble pigmented lesions that should be examined before cosmetic treatment, which is why professional evaluation matters. See also: Age Spots | Hyperpigmentation

Best Treatments for Sun Spots on Skin

The main treatment decision is whether to target individual lentigines with IPL or treat the entire sun-damaged surface with resurfacing. The right approach depends on the density of lentigines, their pigment depth, and whether focal texture changes—common in long-term Arizona sun exposure—are present.

Photo Facial (IPL)

For most patients with discrete solar lentigines, Photo Facial is the first-line option. Intense pulsed light selectively heats the melanin in individual spots without affecting the surrounding skin — treated lesions darken temporarily before sloughing off over the following week. It is Dr. Borakowski’s first-line option for scattered, well-defined spots when texture is not the main issue. Learn more about Photo Facial →

CO2 Cool Peel

When sun spots are numerous, clustered, or accompanied by rough texture and dullness, resurfacing the whole skin surface is more efficient than targeting spots individually. The Cool Peel delivers fractional CO2 energy with minimal downtime, clearing epidermal pigment across the full treatment area in fewer sessions than repeated IPL for a heavily photodamaged face. Learn more about CO2 Cool Peel →

Erbium Laser

When sun spots are densely distributed, numerous, or part of a picture of extensive photodamage — coarse texture, epidermal lesions, pronounced discoloration — Erbium laser resurfacing is the escalation option. It removes the outer epidermal layers with high precision, clearing complex pigmentation where lighter treatments have reached their limit. Learn more about Erbium Laser →

Elluminate Glow

For patients with subtle, uniform pigment irregularity—often seen in younger Scottsdale residents or as maintenance after primary spot removal—Elluminate Glow provides a gentle, no-downtime option. It’s a better fit as a maintenance treatment between sessions or as an entry point for patients with minimal photodamage rather than a primary spot-removal strategy. Learn more about Elluminate Glow →

For patients with more extensive photodamage — beyond isolated solar lentigines — full CO2 laser resurfacing may be discussed as a comprehensive option during consultation. Results are less durable without daily broad-spectrum SPF. Additional options may be appropriate when pigment concerns overlap with texture change or redness.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sun Spot Treatment?

Most adults with visible solar lentigines on the face, chest, or hands are good candidates for professional treatment. Skin type and spot depth influence which treatment will give you the most complete clearance. During your consultation, Dr. Borakowski will assess your lesions, skin type, and photodamage severity to recommend the most targeted option — and confirm that what you’re seeing is solar pigmentation rather than another type of lesion.

How Much Does Sun Spot Removal Cost?

Cost depends on the number of spots, the treatment modality, and how many sessions are needed for full clearance. A single IPL session for a few isolated spots is a different investment than a series of resurfacing treatments for widespread photodamage. You’ll receive a tailored treatment plan and cost estimate after Dr. Borakowski assesses your skin in person at our Scottsdale office.