Sunspots On Skin Treatment

At Defy Aesthetic, we believe healthy skin should feel just as good as it looks. If you’ve ever noticed flat, brown spots appearing on your face, hands, or shoulders - especially after a summer spent outdoors - you might be dealing with sunspots. The good news? You’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s a wide range of treatments available to fade those spots and reveal brighter, more even-toned skin.

Let’s dive into what sunspots actually are, how they form, and the treatments we offer at Defy to help you feel confident in your skin again.

What Are Sunspots?

Sunspots - also known as solar lentigines or age spots - are flat, brown patches of pigment that develop on the skin after prolonged sun exposure. They’re most commonly found in areas that get a lot of UV exposure over time, like your face, chest, hands, shoulders, and arms.

Sunspots aren’t dangerous (they’re not the same as skin cancer), but they can become more visible with age as your skin’s natural repair process slows down. While sunscreen can help prevent new spots from forming, existing sunspots typically won’t fade on their own—which is where we come in.

Who Gets Sunspots?

Anyone can develop sunspots, but they’re more common in:

-Individuals over 30

-People with fair to medium skin tones

-Those who’ve had frequent or intense sun exposure

-Clients who used tanning beds in the past

-People who skip regular SPF use

Think of sunspots as a little reminder from your skin of time spent outdoors without proper protection.

How Do We Treat Sunspots at Defy Aesthetic?

The best part? Sunspots are very treatable with the right in-office procedures—and we offer several effective options depending on your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.

Let’s break them down:

1. VI Chemical Peels

Best for: Mild to moderate sunspots, dull skin, uneven tone

Chemical peels are a go-to treatment for improving skin texture and discoloration. At Defy, we use medical-grade peels formulated to safely exfoliate the outermost layers of skin where sunspots live.

By removing that top layer, we reveal fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Over a series of treatments, you’ll notice a visible reduction in brown spots, improved skin clarity, and a glow that looks like it comes from within.

Bonus: Peels also help improve product absorption and keep pores clear, which is great for anyone managing acne or dullness alongside pigmentation.

2. Microneedling with PRP

Best for: Diffuse sun damage, early signs of aging, dull skin, fine lines, acne scarring, and overall skin rejuvenation

Microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a powerhouse treatment that combines the collagen-boosting benefits of microneedling with the healing and regenerative properties of your body’s own growth factors. During treatment, we create controlled micro-injuries in the skin using ultra-fine needles. These tiny channels trigger your skin’s natural repair response, increasing the production of collagen and elastin - two key proteins responsible for firmness, bounce, and overall skin health. When we pair microneedling with PRP, we take it a step further. PRP is derived from a small sample of your own blood, spun down to isolate the nutrient-rich plasma. This golden serum is then applied directly to your skin (or injected in some cases), where it absorbs deeply through the microneedling channels.

The result?

-Brighter, more even skin tone

-Fading of sunspots and pigmentation irregularities

-Smoother texture and softer fine lines

-Improved healing, hydration, and long-term glow

3. BBL (BroadBand Light) Laser

Best for: Stubborn or widespread sunspots, face, neck, chest, and hands

If you’ve ever dreamed of a “filter” for your skin, this is the closest thing to it.

BBL uses intense pulsed light to target melanin - the pigment in sunspots - without damaging the surrounding skin. Once treated, the pigment gradually rises to the surface and flakes off over several days, leaving your skin looking clearer and more even.

It’s fast, comfortable, and requires little to no downtime. Clients often tell us they see results after just one session, though a series is typically recommended for best results.

We love BBL because it also stimulates collagen production and helps address redness, broken capillaries, and overall tone.

4. Moxi Laser

Best for: Early sun damage, melasma-prone skin, no-downtime option

Moxi is a non-ablative fractional laser, meaning it treats sun damage beneath the surface while keeping the outer layer of your skin intact. It’s one of our favorite treatments for clients who want visible results with minimal downtime.

Moxi is gentle but effective - it creates micro-zones of thermal injury that prompt the skin to heal and renew. As your skin repairs, sunspots fade, pores appear smaller, and your skin tone becomes more even. It’s perfect for anyone just starting to notice the effects of sun damage or looking to stay ahead of aging in a subtle, skin-friendly way.

So, Which Treatment Is Right for You?

At Defy Aesthetic, we know skin is personal - and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we always start with a comprehensive skin consultation to evaluate your concerns, lifestyle, and skin goals.

Some clients benefit most from a series of BBL treatments. Others love combining a Moxi session with a chemical peel or microneedling series for layered results. And for those just dipping their toe into medical aesthetics, we can start small and build a plan that works for your pace and comfort level.

What You Can Do at Home:

While in-office treatments are the gold standard for reducing sunspots, your home routine plays a key role in both prevention and maintenance.

Here’s what we recommend:

-Daily sunscreen (SPF 30+) - yes, even when it’s cloudy

-Vitamin C serum: brightens and protects against free radical damage

-Retinol or retinoids: promote cell turnover and help fade pigmentation

-Consistent hydration: healthy skin is resilient skin

We can help customize a skincare routine that complements your treatment plan and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Sunspots are common, but they don’t have to stick around forever. Whether you're just starting to notice pigmentation or have had sunspots for years, we have a treatment path to help you love your skin again. At Defy, we combine medical expertise with a welcoming, personalized approach—because we believe skincare should be empowering, not overwhelming!

Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.

Cathryn Speck