Age Spots: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dr. Marie Hayag is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of pigmentary skin conditions, including age spots and sun-induced discoloration. Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, develop gradually due to cumulative ultraviolet (UV) exposure and increased melanin production in the skin.

At Marie Hayag MD on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, age spot evaluation begins with a physician-led dermatologic assessment to determine pigmentation type, depth, and underlying causes. By combining clinical dermatology expertise with advanced light-based and resurfacing technologies, patients receive personalized treatment plans designed to safely improve skin tone, reduce discoloration, and support long-term skin health.

Age spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation that appear as flat brown, tan, or dark patches on the skin. These spots most frequently develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, chest, shoulders, and arms.

Solar lentigines form gradually over time due to repeated ultraviolet (UV) exposure. As the skin ages and cumulative sun exposure increases, melanocytes produce excess pigment that becomes concentrated in localized areas.

Although age spots are typically benign, they can become more noticeable with age and continued sun exposure. Because some pigmented lesions may resemble other skin conditions, evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is important before pursuing treatment.

BBL HERO (BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output) is an advanced light-based technology that targets excess pigment within the skin.

BBL HERO IPL helps reduce brown spots, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation while improving overall skin tone and clarity.

Ideal for patients with visible sun spots or diffuse sun damage seeking a non-invasive treatment with minimal downtime.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy uses broad-spectrum light energy to target melanin in pigmented lesions.

IPL treatments help reduce sun spots, improve uneven pigmentation, and enhance overall skin brightness and clarity.

Ideal for patients experiencing mild to moderate pigmentation caused by sun exposure.

Chemical peels use dermatologist-selected exfoliating solutions to remove damaged surface layers of skin and stimulate cell renewal.

Chemical peels can improve age spots, refine skin texture, and promote more even skin tone by accelerating skin turnover.

Ideal for patients with superficial pigmentation, dull skin tone, or uneven texture seeking gradual skin brightening.

Fraxel is a fractional laser treatment that resurfaces the skin and stimulates collagen production while targeting pigmentation.

Fraxel helps reduce sun spots, improve uneven pigmentation, refine skin texture, and address signs of photoaging.

Ideal for patients with deeper pigmentation, sun damage, or age spots combined with textural skin concerns.

Clear + Brilliant is a gentle fractional laser treatment designed to improve skin tone and stimulate skin renewal.

Clear + Brilliant can help reduce early pigmentation changes, improve skin radiance, and support more even skin tone.

Ideal for patients with mild pigmentation seeking preventative or maintenance treatment.

Aerolase Neo Elite is a medical laser that safely targets pigmentation while stimulating skin rejuvenation.

This laser treatment helps improve pigmentation, reduce sun damage, and support overall skin clarity while remaining safe for a variety of skin tones.

Ideal for patients seeking gentle yet effective pigment correction with minimal downtime.

Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to remodel deeper layers of the skin and stimulate collagen production.

Morpheus8 can help improve skin texture, refine pores, and address pigmentation concerns associated with sun damage and aging.

Ideal for patients seeking overall skin rejuvenation along with improvement in tone and texture.

Medical facials are dermatologist-directed skincare treatments designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and support healthy skin renewal.

Medical facials help maintain skin clarity, enhance radiance, and support even skin tone following pigment-correcting procedures.

Ideal for patients seeking ongoing skin maintenance or complementary care alongside other pigmentation treatments.

Dermatologic evaluation for age spots may benefit individuals who:

• Notice brown or tan spots caused by sun exposure
• Experience uneven skin tone or discoloration
• Want non-surgical pigment correction
• Have pigmented lesions that require professional evaluation
• Seek dermatologist-guided treatment for long-term skin clarity

Early dermatologic evaluation can help ensure accurate diagnosis and guide safe, effective treatment planning.

Age spots typically appear as flat areas of darkened skin ranging in color from light brown to dark brown or black. They often develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, chest, shoulders, and arms. Unlike freckles, age spots usually remain visible year-round and do not fade significantly without treatment. These pigmented patches are generally painless and smooth in texture but may vary in size and shape.

Because some pigmented lesions can resemble age spots, including certain precancerous or cancerous skin conditions, evaluation by a board-certified dermatologist is recommended for accurate diagnosis.

At Marie Hayag MD, pigment correction is approached through a physician-led dermatology framework that prioritizes both cosmetic improvement and skin health.

Dr. Marie Hayag combines medical dermatology expertise with advanced laser and light-based technologies to safely treat pigmentation across different skin types and tones.

Patients benefit from:

• Care from a board-certified dermatologist
• Comprehensive pigment evaluation and diagnosis
• Access to advanced laser and light-based technologies
• Personalized treatment planning
• Safe treatment for pigmentation-prone skin
• Long-term maintenance strategies for healthy skin tone

This comprehensive approach helps patients achieve clearer, brighter skin while protecting long-term skin integrity.

If you are experiencing sun spots, uneven pigmentation, or age-related discoloration, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help determine the underlying cause and the most effective treatment approach.

At Marie Hayag MD, patients receive individualized pigment evaluation and treatment planning designed to safely reduce discoloration and support long-term skin health.

To schedule your appointment, please call 212.722.2055 or book online. Our Upper East Side dermatology practice proudly serves patients throughout Manhattan and New York City.