Sun Spots

---

What are Sunspots?

Solar Lengtigo – “Sun Spots”

A solar lentigo is a sun-induced freckle or dark lesion associated with aging and exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet light. They are otherwise known as a sun spot, liver spot, or age spot. Solar lentigines may be single or multiple and are most often found on the face, hands, forearms, and lower legs.

---

What Causes Dark Spots?

Sun spots are caused by overexposure to UV rays, causing the skin to produce melanin. This results in pigmentations on the skin. From the age of 40 onwards, the skin is less able to regenerate from sun exposure resulting in these unsightly spots. Unlike generalized freckling and sun damage, these lesions are well defined which allows us to treat individual sites. Despite being a benign (non-cancerous) condition, many people consider them to be unsightly and choose to have them removed.

---

Who Is a Candidate for Sunspot Treatment?

Most people are suitable for treatment; except for very dark skinned or tanned individuals. Darker skin types are more difficult to treat and removal with laser may not be as effective. It is important to allow tanned skin to fade for a minimum of 4 weeks before treatment.

---

How to Treat Sunspots

There are multiple ways to treat these unsightly spots on your skin. One way is to prevent them from darkening using sunscreen, as they will only get darker if left exposed. Here at Remington Laser Dermatology Centre in Calgary, we offer chemical peels as a way to treat skin imperfections and hyper-pigmentation. This treatment removes the top layer of damaged skin. While it is not a permanent solution, it does alleviate some of the discoloration. We also offer laser skin treatment for sun spots. Here at our practice, we use the Fotona QX-MAX Laser to treat skin imperfections. Fading creams are also a very popular treatment choice for dark spots.

---

What Is The The Fotona QX-MAX Laser?

The Fotona QX-MAX laser has two different wavelengths and can be used to remove the excess pigment found in the skin. A laser light is passed over the skin and releases short pulses of filtered light that is readily absorbed by the high concentration of melamin found in these unwanted lesions. The laser does not penetrate the skin, but the light microscopically shatters the pigment underneath the surface of the skin into tiny particles.

Over the next several weeks the body’s macrophages target the particles and eliminates them from the body. The procedure is not overly painful and can usually be tolerated without significant discomfort. One to three treatment sessions may be required spaced 4-6 weeks apart to adequately remove the pigment. New lesions may develop overtime and may require maintenance treatments every few years.

---

Dark Spot Fading Cream

Although fading creams are not overly effective in removing well-defined sun spots, they can be very effective in fading lighter lesions and evening out generalized pigmentation in the surrounding area.

By pre-treating your skin with a medial grade hydroquinone regime prior to initiating any laser procedures, much of the pigmentation will have been targeted and the laser can effectively treat the stubborn and remaining pigment. A topical regime is also very effective in maintaining your results long-term.

---

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about Sun Spot treatment, contact Remington Laser Dermatology Centre today. To contact Dr. Kent Remington, call 403-252-7784. To call Dr. Todd Remington, call 403-255-1633.