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Fade age spots, reveal clearer skin.
Age spots, those flat brown marks left behind by years of sun exposure, are one of the most treatable signs of aging. With the right laser or light treatment, we can clear them for a brighter, more even complexion.
What are age spots?
Age spots, also called sun spots, liver spots, or solar lentigines, are flat brown or tan marks that show up on the areas most exposed to the sun over the years, the face, hands, chest, and shoulders.
Despite the name, age spots are not really about age, they are about sun. They form when years of UV exposure trigger the skin to overproduce melanin in concentrated spots. That is why they appear earliest and most heavily on sun-exposed areas, and why sun protection is such an important part of keeping them from coming back. Common contributors include:
- Cumulative sun exposure, the primary cause, which is why they build up over the years and on exposed areas.
- Fair skin, which has less natural protection against UV-driven pigment changes.
- History of tanning or sunburns, which accelerates their formation.
- Genetics, which influence how readily your skin forms sun-induced pigment.
Age spots are almost always harmless, but because they are flat, distinct, and pigment-based, they respond beautifully to the right treatment.
The most effective ways to clear age spots
Two treatments stand out for age spots, and the right one depends on your skin and how thorough you want to be. Both target the excess pigment that makes up each spot, but they work differently, and one clears pigment more completely in a single session.
Helix CO2 Laser
Our most powerful option for pigment. Fractional CO2 resurfacing purges age spots more completely and efficiently than lighter treatments, often clearing pigment in a single session that might take a series of IPL treatments to match. It also renews the sun-damaged skin the spots live in, improving texture, tone, and fine lines at the same time. Ideal when your age spots come with broader photoaging, or when you want the most thorough result.
Explore Helix CO2 →IPL Photofacial
A gentler, no-downtime option that breaks up surface pigment with broad-spectrum light. IPL fades age spots over a short series of treatments and brightens overall tone across the whole area. A great choice for flat spots on otherwise healthy skin when you prefer little to no downtime.
Explore IPL →A third option, the VI Peel, is a medical-grade chemical peel that lifts surface pigment and suits a wider range of skin tones. We will help you choose the right approach for your skin at your consultation.
Helix or IPL: which is right for you?
Both treatments clear age spots well, so the choice comes down to your skin and your goals. Helix CO2 is the more thorough option, it purges pigment more completely and usually in a single treatment, and it renews the surrounding sun-damaged skin at the same time. That makes it the stronger choice when your age spots come with texture, dullness, or fine lines, or when you simply want the most complete result in one visit. The tradeoff is a short period of downtime as the skin renews.
IPL is the lighter path, no real downtime, done as a short series, and excellent for flat spots on otherwise healthy skin. It is best suited to lighter skin tones, Fitzpatrick types 1 to 3, since on deeper skin tones IPL carries a higher risk of pigment changes. For those skin types, Helix or a VI Peel is often the better, safer route, and we will guide you honestly toward what fits your skin.
One important note: any spot that is changing, growing, irregular in color or border, or new and unusual should be checked by a dermatologist before cosmetic treatment, to rule out anything that needs medical attention. We are always glad to tell you when that is the right first step.
Keeping age spots from coming back
Treatment clears the spots you have. Protecting your skin keeps new ones from forming.
Daily sun protection
Since sun is the root cause, daily SPF is the single most important step to prevent age spots from returning after treatment.
Medical-grade skincare
The right skincare, including brightening ingredients and antioxidants, helps maintain an even tone and support your results.
Maintenance treatments
Periodic touch-up treatments keep pigment in check over time, especially helpful if your skin forms spots easily.
Related concerns
Age spots are one form of sun-related pigment. If your concern is broader or different, we have a focused approach for it.
Hyperpigmentation
If your concern is broader uneven tone and dark patches rather than distinct spots, our hyperpigmentation page covers it.
Learn about hyperpigmentation →Sun Damage
Age spots are one sign of sun damage. If you also have texture, redness, or broader damage, start here.
Learn about sun damage →Melasma
Melasma is a different, hormone-related kind of pigment that needs a gentler approach than age spots. See how we treat it.
Learn about melasma →Age spots, answered
Two treatments lead for age spots. Helix CO2 is the most thorough, it purges pigment more completely and usually in a single session, while also renewing the surrounding sun-damaged skin. IPL is a lighter, no-downtime option done as a short series, best for flat spots on healthy skin and lighter skin tones. VI Peel is a gentler alternative that suits more skin tones. We match the choice to your skin at your consultation.
It depends on the treatment. Helix CO2 often clears age spots in a single session, since it purges pigment more completely. IPL is done as a short series, with the spots fading over several sessions. We give you an honest estimate based on your skin and your chosen treatment at your consultation.
The spots we treat are cleared, but because sun is the cause, new ones can form with continued exposure. Daily sun protection and good skincare are the keys to keeping your results, along with occasional maintenance treatments if your skin forms pigment easily.
Age spots are flat, evenly colored, and stable. Any spot that is changing, growing, irregular in shape or color, or new and unusual should be evaluated by a dermatologist before cosmetic treatment. We will always tell you honestly when that is the right first step.
IPL is best suited to lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick 1 to 3). On deeper skin tones it carries a higher risk of pigment changes, so we often recommend a different approach, such as Helix CO2 or a VI Peel, depending on your skin. We will guide you to what is safe and effective for your skin tone.
Ready for clearer, more even skin?
Book a complimentary consultation. We will assess your skin and pigment, confirm the right treatment for your skin tone, and build a plan to fade your age spots for a brighter, more even complexion.
