Have you ever noticed dark or white spots on your skin after sun exposure, especially on your face, shoulders, or arms? If so, you're not alone. Sun spots and white spots are two common skin changes caused by long-term UV exposure. While they’re usually harmless, they can be frustrating or mistaken for more serious skin issues.

In this guide, you’ll learn what are sun spots on skin, including both the dark and white types. You’ll also discover why they form and how to manage and prevent them safely.

Key Highlights

• Sun spots include both dark patches (hyperpigmentation) and white patches (hypopigmentation) caused by long-term UV damage.

• Dark sun spots are due to excess melanin; white spots often result from melanin loss.

• Risk of spots increases with age, fair skin, and lack of consistent sun protection.

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50, antioxidants like Niacinamide and BVOSC, and dermatologic treatments can help prevent and treat sun spots.

• Any spot that changes in shape, color, or texture should be evaluated by a dermatologist.

What Are Sun Spots on Skin?

Sun spots, also known as solar lentigines or age spots, are flat, pigmented patches that result from prolonged sun exposure [1]. These dark sun spots appear due to an overproduction of melanin in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation  [2]. Most commonly, you’ll find them on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as your face, hands, forearms, chest, and shoulders. They can range in colour from light brown to black and often appear in clusters [3]. They are not raised, painful, or itchy, but tend to increase in number and size with age. Many people first notice sun spots on face, especially after summer or prolonged outdoor activity.

In contrast, white sun spots on skin are often referred to as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH). Unlike dark sunspots, these are small, flat, white spots caused by a decrease or loss of melanin production. They commonly appear on sun-exposed areas like the arms and legs, especially in individuals over 40. In some cases, people may also develop white spots on face from sun, particularly along the temples or cheeks where skin is thinner and more prone to UV-related pigment loss.

Why Do Sun Spots Happen?

Dark sun spots on the face are the result of melanin overproduction triggered by UV exposure [4]. In fact, sun spots on face, tend to form faster due to thinner, more delicate facial skin and constant exposure to sunlight. The body responds to sun exposure by producing more melanin to protect the skin, which leads to uneven pigment accumulation over time.

White spots after sun exposure occur when melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells) are damaged or destroyed. This leads to areas of melanin loss. While the exact cause of IGH is unclear, UV damage and aging are major contributors. These factors also explain what are white spots on skin from sun and why they often show up alongside darker patches.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Sun Spots on Face and Skin?

You're more likely to develop sun spots, both dark and white, if you:

• Spend extended time in the sun without protection

• Are over the age of 40

• Have fair skin (Fitzpatrick types I to III)

• Use tanning beds regularly

• Live in sunny climates

• Don’t use sunscreen consistently

People with sun-sensitive skin or who already have conditions like melasma or vitiligo may also notice exaggerated pigmentation changes after sun exposure.

Are Sun Spots Dangerous?

Both dark and white sun spots on skin are usually harmless, but they can be mistaken for skin cancer or precancerous lesions. You should see a dermatologist if you notice:

How to Prevent Sun Spots on Face?

Preventing both dark and white sun spots on the face starts with sun protection:

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days [5].

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if you're outdoors or sweating.

• Wear wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-protective clothing.

• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Use antioxidant-rich skincare with BVOSC and Niacinamide to prevent oxidative damage.
  

Treatment Options for Sun Spots on Face

Treatment depends on whether you're dealing with dark or white sun spots.

For dark sun spots (hyperpigmentation)

The following table outlines some of the most commonly recommended treatments for dark sun spots on skin, particularly those caused by sun exposure:

Best Treatment Options for Dark Sun Spots

For white sun spots (hypopigmentation)

White spots on face from sun are more challenging to treat. These spots result from a loss of melanin, and currently, there are no treatments that can fully restore pigment. However, some interventions may help improve their appearance:

• Light chemical peels may improve texture or appearance slightly.

• Camouflage makeup or self-tanners can help blend the spots.

Always seek medical advice to determine whether the white spots are benign or linked to other underlying skin conditions.

FAQs About Sun Spots on Skin

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about sunspots on skin:

1. Can sun spots appear in younger people?

Yes, although sun spots on face are more commonly seen in people over 40, they can develop at any age. Younger individuals who spend significant time in the sun without sun protection may start to notice pigmentation changes earlier. Consistent sunscreen use and sun-safe habits can help prevent early onset.

2. Do sun spots go away on their own?

No, sun spots typically do not fade without targeted treatment. Unlike freckles, which may lighten with reduced sun exposure, sun spots tend to remain or even darken over time. Skincare products with brightening ingredients or dermatologic procedures are usually needed to improve their appearance.

3. Can diet or supplements help reduce sun spots?

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can support overall skin health and may help protect against further UV damage. However, diet and supplements alone cannot remove existing sun spots. They are best used as supportive care alongside sunscreen and appropriate treatments.

4. How can I tell the difference between sun spots and melasma?

Sun spots are typically small, round, and clearly defined. Melasma usually presents as larger, blotchy patches and often appears symmetrically on both cheeks, the forehead, or the upper lip. A dermatologist can evaluate the pattern and appearance to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment.

5. Do I have freckles or sunspots?

6. How many laser treatments to remove sunspots?

Did You Know?

Sun damage can lead to both too much and too little pigment. While most people associate sun exposure with tanning or dark patches, UV rays can also deplete pigment in certain areas over time. This is why white sun spots on skin often appear next to brown ones in areas of chronic sun damage.

Takeaways

Sunspots, whether dark or white, are visible reminders of how sun exposure impacts your skin over time. They are especially common in people over 40 and those with fair or sun-sensitive skin, but they can appear earlier with repeated or unprotected sun exposure. While most sunspots are harmless, they often don’t fade on their own and may become more noticeable with age.

The good news is that sunspots are largely preventable with consistent daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 50, protective clothing, and antioxidant-rich skincare. For existing dark spots, dermatologist-recommended treatments like laser therapy or cryotherapy can help fade pigmentation gently. White spots, though harder to treat, can be improved cosmetically. If you’re ever unsure about a spot’s appearance or notice changes, a timely skin check with your dermatologist is the safest step toward long-term skin health.