Medical dermatology

Sun Damage & Solar Lentigines

Reverse years of sun damage — age spots, uneven tone, and textural changes treated with IPL, chemical peels, topical retinoids, and prescription lighteners.

How Sun Damage Shows Up on Skin

Solar lentigines (liver spots / age spots) — flat, brown macules on sun-exposed areas (face, hands, shoulders, décolleté)
Uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory dyspigmentation
Fine lines, wrinkles, and leathery texture (dermatoheliosis)
Telangiectasias — broken blood vessels from chronic UV damage
Actinic keratoses (AKs) — rough, scaly patches that are precancerous; see the Actinic Keratosis page for dedicated information

Cosmetic Treatment Options

| Concern | Recommended Treatment | |---|---| | Solar lentigines | IPL photofacial, cryotherapy, laser (Q-switched/picosecond), hydroquinone | | Uneven tone | Topical retinoids, chemical peels (glycolic, TCA), azelaic acid | | Texture & fine lines | Fractional laser resurfacing, microneedling, TCA cross | | Telangiectasias | IPL, vascular laser (PDL, KTP) |

Medical Treatment (Precancerous Changes)

Actinic keratoses: cryotherapy (individual lesions) or field therapy (5-fluorouracil cream, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, tirbanibulin) for widespread AKs.

Prevention: The Most Important Step

Broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 sunscreen applied daily — regardless of weather — is the single most effective anti-aging and skin cancer prevention strategy. Tinted mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) provide the best protection for patients with melasma and pigmentation concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Can sun spots (solar lentigines) become cancerous?

Solar lentigines themselves are benign. However, they are a marker of cumulative UV exposure — the same exposure that causes actinic keratoses and melanoma. Any spot that changes in color, size, or shape, develops irregular borders, or bleeds should be evaluated by a dermatologist promptly.

Most insurance plans cover medical dermatology procedures. Contact us to verify your benefits.

Trusted sources

This page is educational. Specific treatment decisions are made during your visit with Dr. Puyana.

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