Sun and Age Spot Removal in Atlanta, GAEven Tone Without Damaging the Surrounding Skin

Fade sun spots safely with treatment matched to your skin tone

Common In:
Adults 40+, sun-exposed skin
Primary Causes:
Years of UV exposure
Treatment Time:
30-60 minute sessions
Results:
Lighter spots in 2-6 weeks
Woman with even, glowing skin after sun and age spot removal treatment at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA
Close-up of flat brown sun spots on the back of an older adult hand before age spot removal in Atlanta, GA

What Are Sun and Age Spots?

Recognizing the Signs

Sun spots and age spots, medically called solar lentigines, are flat, well-defined tan to dark brown spots that appear on skin that has seen years of sun: the face, backs of the hands, forearms, chest, shoulders and, with thinning hair or a wide part, the scalp. They usually appear after age 40, are harmless, and do not turn into cancer on their own.

Not every brown spot is a sun spot. Melasma forms larger, symmetric patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip, often linked to hormones and heat. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation follows acne, eczema, razor bumps or a burn. In medium and deeper skin tones, small raised brown spots on the cheeks are often dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN), and waxy, stuck-on spots are seborrheic keratoses. Each needs a different approach, and some treatments that fade sun spots can make melasma darker.

Many people simply want an even, clear complexion again. Getting the diagnosis right first is what makes that possible.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikki D. Hill, MD, FAAD. Last updated: October 2026.

Why Sun and Age Spots Happen

Understanding the Root Causes

01The Science

Ultraviolet light signals pigment cells (melanocytes) to make more melanin, which is the skin protecting itself. After decades of repeated exposure, some melanocytes multiply and stay switched on in one small area, leaving a permanent brown spot that no longer fades in winter.

Because the damage builds over years, spots often appear in your forties and fifties even if your sun habits have changed. Visible light and heat can deepen existing pigment, which is why daily broad-spectrum protection matters. The American Academy of Dermatology sunscreen guide recommends SPF 30 or higher every day. Tinted mineral formulas add protection from visible light.

Treatment therefore has two goals: remove the pigment already there and keep new spots from forming. Our medical-grade skincare plans pair sunscreen with brightening ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids and, when appropriate, prescription lightening creams.

02Diagnosis and Treatment

How We Evaluate and Remove Age Spots

Diagnose First, Then Treat Safely

Every visit begins with a skin exam, including dermoscopy, a magnified light that shows the pigment pattern. This separates harmless lentigines from melasma, post-inflammatory marks and seborrheic keratoses, and it flags any spot that looks irregular. A spot that is changing, unusually dark, multicolored or growing is checked with a dermatologist skin cancer screening and may be biopsied before any cosmetic treatment.

Once spots are confirmed benign, two treatments do most of the work. A chemical peel for sun damage lifts surface pigment over a series of sessions and suits most skin tones when the acid and strength are matched carefully. Erbium laser skin resurfacing removes thin layers of sun-damaged skin to clear stubborn spots and improve texture at the same time.

In deeper skin tones, any treatment that inflames the skin can leave new dark marks, so we often start with gentler settings, a test spot and two to four weeks of skin preparation. If your concern is melasma or marks left by acne, our dark spot and hyperpigmentation care is the better starting point.

What Makes Sun Spots More Likely?

Age spots reflect lifetime sun exposure, and several factors add to how many you develop and how dark they become.

  1. 01Cumulative SunYears of outdoor work, sports, gardening or beach trips add up, even without memorable sunburns.
  2. 02Driving ExposureUVA passes through side windows, which is why spots often appear more on the left hand and face in drivers.
  3. 03Lighter Skin TonesFair skin forms lentigines more easily, though sun spots appear in every skin tone with enough exposure.
  4. 04Tanning BedsIndoor tanning delivers concentrated UVA that speeds pigment changes and raises skin cancer risk.
  5. 05Thinning HairA wide part, thinning crown or short haircut leaves the scalp exposed to the same sun as the face.
  6. 06Skipped Daily ProtectionWearing sunscreen only at the beach leaves daily, low-level exposure to darken spots year round.
Bright treatment room with a resurfacing laser at SOCAH Center in Atlanta, GA, prepared for sun and age spot removal

Why Choose SOCAH Center for Sun and Age Spot Care in Atlanta, GA

At SOCAH Center, pigment treatment runs under the supervision of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nikki D. Hill, so every spot is assessed medically before it is treated cosmetically.

Diagnosis Before Treatment
Dermoscopy and skin cancer awareness come first, so no concerning spot is treated cosmetically.
Settings for Every Tone
Peel strength and laser settings are chosen for your skin tone to lower the risk of new dark marks.
Pigment Expertise
We tell sun spots apart from melasma and post-inflammatory marks, which need a different plan.
Prevention Plan
Sunscreen and brightening skincare help keep new spots from forming after treatment.
Comparison of chemical peel and laser skin resurfacing options for sun and age spot removal at SOCAH Center Atlanta, GA

Treatment Options Comparison

Peels suit gradual fading with little downtime, while laser resurfacing clears stubborn spots and texture faster.

TreatmentBest ForSession TimeResults TimelineMaintenance
Chemical PeelMultiple light spots, most skin tones30-45 minLighter in 2-4 weeks per peelSeries of 3-6, then yearly
Laser Skin ResurfacingStubborn spots plus texture30-60 minClearer in 1-2 weeks after healingTouch-ups as new spots appear

Signs You Have Sun or Age Spots

Sun spots are usually easy to recognize, but any spot that changes needs a medical check. The AAD guide to the ABCDEs of melanoma explains which warning signs to watch for.

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  • Flat Brown Spots

    Your spots are flat, oval or round, tan to dark brown and sit evenly on the skin surface.

  • Sun-Exposed Areas

    They appear on the face, hands, forearms, chest or shoulders, the places that see the most sun.

  • Spots That Stay

    Unlike freckles, they no longer fade in winter and slowly grow in number over the years.

  • Clear Edges

    Each spot has a clear border and one even color rather than several shades.

  • Spots on the Hands

    The backs of your hands show more spots than your palms or inner arms.

  • Makeup Not Enough

    Concealer no longer evens your tone, and over-the-counter fading creams have not helped.

Related Treatment

Chemical Peel

Peel depth and acids chosen for your skin tone and goals, from a gentle glow to deep renewal.

  1. Matched Depth
  2. More Even Tone
  3. Clearer Pores
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Are age spots dangerous?
Age spots themselves are harmless and do not become cancer. The concern is that early melanoma, especially lentigo maligna, can look like an ordinary sun spot. Any spot that changes size, shape or color, bleeds, or looks different from your other spots should be examined by a dermatologist before treatment.
Can age spots be removed safely in skin of color?
Yes. Sun and age spots in skin of color can be treated safely when the diagnosis is confirmed and the settings are conservative. We often prepare the skin for several weeks, use a test spot and choose peels or laser settings that limit inflammation, since inflammation can create new dark marks.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients need 3-6 chemical peels spaced about four weeks apart, or 1-3 laser resurfacing sessions, depending on how many spots you have and how deep the pigment sits. Light spots often fade after the first session, while darker or larger spots take longer.
Will my sun spots come back?
Treated spots usually stay lighter, but new spots can form with ongoing sun exposure. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, hats and brightening skincare help maintain results. Many patients plan a yearly peel or touch-up session to keep their tone even.
Is it a sun spot or melasma?
Sun spots are small, flat spots with clear edges that appear where the sun hits most. Melasma forms larger, blotchy, symmetric patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip and is often linked to hormones. Telling them apart matters, because some lasers that clear sun spots can make melasma worse.
Does age spot removal hurt?
Most patients describe a chemical peel as warm tingling that eases within minutes. Laser resurfacing is done with numbing cream and feels like warmth and prickling. Afterward, spots may darken and flake for several days before lighter skin is revealed.
How much does sun spot removal cost?
Cost depends on the treatment, the number of spots and the sessions needed, and exact pricing is discussed at your consultation. Because removal is cosmetic, it is usually self-pay, while evaluation of a changing spot may be covered by insurance. Financing through CareCredit and Cherry is available.
Location2296 Henderson Mill Rd, Suite 300Atlanta, GA, 30345
Emailinfo@socahcenter.com
Phone(404) 474-2301

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Scientific References

  1. Mardani et al., J Cosmet Dermatol. (2025). Treatment of Solar Lentigines: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. PMID: 40145274.
  2. Plensdorf et al., Am Fam Physician. (2017). Pigmentation Disorders: Diagnosis and Management. PMID: 29431372.
  3. Plensdorf et al., Am Fam Physician. (2009). Common pigmentation disorders. PMID: 19178061.
  4. Kallini et al., Am J Clin Dermatol. (2013). Lentigo maligna: review of salient characteristics and management. PMID: 24019181.
  5. Correia et al., J Cosmet Dermatol. (2023). Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review. PMID: 37128827.