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BROWN SPOTS

Brown/Age/Sun Spots... Is there a difference?

Brown spots, often referred to as sun spots or age spots, are flat, oval areas of increased pigmentation that typically range in color from tan to dark brown. These spots are commonly found on skin areas most exposed to the sun over the years, such as the backs of hands, face, shoulders, and upper back. Contrary to their name, age spots are not solely caused by aging. The primary cause is sun exposure over time, where ultraviolet (UV) light prompts the skin to overproduce a pigment called melanin, leading to the appearance of these spots. Many individuals don’t develop age spots until age 50 or older due to the cumulative effects of sun exposure.

Individuals might seek treatment for brown spots on their skin due to a variety of reasons, primarily for cosmetic concerns as these spots can be aesthetically displeasing. Brown spots, often resulting from sun exposure, can make skin appear aged or uneven in tone. In some cases, people with darker skin may notice that a spot remains darker for a prolonged period, even up to a few years. Additionally, there’s a need for a medical evaluation to distinguish benign brown spots from potentially harmful skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis, which might require treatment like freezing or scraping. Lastly, conditions like melasma can result in brown or blue-gray patches, which some individuals might want to address for clearer skin. Dr. Tam at RejuvenateMD will provide the evaluation needed to determine if our IPL Photo Facial Rejuvenation will effectively treat your specific condition: