Brown spots on your face, known as sun spots, can result from long-term sun exposure. You can treat them with home remedies, creams, and dermatological procedures like laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion.

Sunspots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are very common. They are flat brown spots that develop on the skin after sun exposure. They can vary in shape and size and usually occur on the areas of your body that have had the most sun exposure, such as your face, shoulders, forearms, and backs of your hands.

Sunspots are harmless and noncancerous but can be treated for cosmetic purposes.

There are several at-home and professional procedures that can remove or lessen the appearance of sunspots on your face.

At-home treatment

The following are some at-home treatments that may help fade or remove hyperpigmentation caused by sunspots on your face:

  • Aloe vera. Studies have found that aloesin and aloin, which are active compounds found in aloe vera plants, can lighten sunspots and other hyperpigmentation.
  • Vitamin C. This natural antioxidant has several potential benefits when it comes to your skin and the sun. Topical L-ascorbic acid may help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, promote collagen production, and lighten dark spots.
  • Apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid, which is found in apple cider vinegar, may help lighten skin pigmentation and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
  • Honey. Full of antioxidants, honey has been used in skin products for years. When applied to the skin, it may help promote new cell growth and fade sunspots.
  • Over-the-counter creams. Many topical creams are available over the counter that you can apply at home to remove sunspots on your face. Look for creams containing glycolic acid or kojic acid.

Professional treatment

There are a few professional treatments available that can remove sunspots or significantly reduce their appearance. These treatments should all be performed by a trained skin care professional.

  • Laser resurfacing. During laser resurfacing, a wand-like device delivers beams of light that remove sun-damaged skin layer by layer. New skin can then grow in its place. Healing typically takes 10 to 21 days.
  • Intense pulse light (IPL). IPL uses pulses of light energy to target sunspots on the skin. It does this by heating and destroying the melanin, which removes the discolored spots. The number of sessions needed varies from person to person.
  • Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy removes sunspots and other skin lesions by freezing them off with a liquid nitrogen solution. Nitrous oxide may be used (instead of liquid nitrogen) for the treatment of superficial dark spots, such as sunspots, because it’s not as aggressive and is less likely to cause blistering. Cryotherapy takes just a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated.
  • Chemical peels. This procedure involves applying an acid solution to skin, which creates a controlled wound that eventually peels off, making way for new skin. Chemical peels can be painful and cause a burning sensation that lasts a few minutes, but this can be treated with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion involves gently removing the outermost layer of your skin using a special applicator with an abrasive tip, followed by suction to remove the dead skin. It causes little to no pain and doesn’t require an anesthetic.

Sunspots are harmless and don’t pose any risks to your health. They don’t need to be treated and your doctor can usually tell the difference between a sunspot and something more serious, like skin cancer, just by looking at it.

The treatments for sunspots are generally safe, but as with any medical treatment or procedure, there is always some risk. Any professional procedures should be performed by a board-certified dermatologist to minimize risk and ensure the best results.

You should speak with a doctor about any spot on your skin that concerns you, especially a spot that has changed in appearance or:

  • is growing in size
  • has an irregular border
  • is itchy, painful, or bleeding
  • is unusual in color

You may be able to prevent sunspots on your face by limiting your exposure to UVA and UVB rays. You can do this by:

  • avoiding the sun when it’s at its height
  • applying sunscreen before going outdoors and reapplying it every two hours
  • choosing makeup products that contain sunscreen
  • covering your skin with clothing and hats

Sunspots are harmless but can be effectively treated if you’re bothered by the appearance. Any spots on your skin that are dark or have changed in appearance should be evaluated by a doctor.