How to Remove Sun Spots on the Face: Treatments, Skincare and Prevention

Summer in Australia means beach days, backyard barbecues and, for many of us, chasing the perfect tan. But all that time in the sun can leave something behind: small brown marks that seem to show up out of nowhere.

In this guide, we explain what causes sun spots, how to get rid of sun spots on your face with professional treatment and skincare, and how to stop new ones forming this summer.

Quick answer: The most effective way to remove sun spots on the face is to combine a professional treatment (laser pigmentation removal, chemical peels or microdermabrasion) with targeted skincare, such as a pigmentation serum, and daily SPF 50+ sunscreen to stop new spots forming.

What are Sun Spots?

Sun spots, also called solar lentigines, age spots or liver spots, are flat, brown patches of hyperpigmentation. They usually appear on the areas that get the most sun:

• Face, especially the cheeks, forehead and nose
• Hands and forearms
• Chest and shoulders

They’re usually harmless, but they can lead to an uneven skin tone and make the complexion look dull or aged.

What Causes Sun Spots on the Face?

Sun spots are a visible sign of sun damage. UV rays prompt the skin’s pigment cells (melanocytes) to make extra melanin, which builds up in small patches over time and forms dark spots.

Common contributing factors include:

• ✔ Years of cumulative sun exposure
• ✔ Tanning, whether outdoors or from past solarium use
• ✔ Fair or lighter skin types
• ✔ Age, because spots build up over decades
• ✔ Environmental pollution, which can add to pigment production

Why the Tanning Season Matters

A tan is the skin’s defence response to UV damage. Each tan adds to the damage your skin carries, and it often shows up years later as sun spots. That’s why prevention matters just as much as treatment.

Is It a Sun Spot or Something More?

Before you start any treatment, it’s important to know what you’re treating. Some skin cancers can look like harmless sun spots, so have any spot checked by your GP or a dermatologist, especially if it:

• Is new or changing in size, shape or colour
• Has an irregular or blurred border
• Contains more than one colour
• Is itchy, bleeding or doesn’t heal

At Results Laser Clinic, we assess your skin at your consultation. If a spot needs medical review, we’ll recommend you see a doctor before any treatment.

Professional Sun Spot Treatment for Face

Professional treatment gives the most noticeable, longest-lasting results. Your treatment plan depends on your skin type, how many spots you have and how deep the pigment sits.

GentleLase Pro Laser Pigmentation Removal

Our laser pigmentation removal uses GentleLase Pro technology to target concentrated melanin with precise pulses of light. The laser breaks up the excess pigment, and your body naturally clears it away over the following weeks.

What to Expect

• Treated spots usually darken slightly before flaking away
• Most people need a short course of sessions
• Best for clearly defined dark spots

Chemical Facial Peels

A chemical peel applies a professional-grade solution that exfoliates the outer layers of the skin and speeds up cell turnover. The fresher skin underneath looks brighter and more even.

What to Expect

• Mild redness or light flaking, depending on peel strength
• Great for widespread pigmentation and dullness

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently removes dead, pigmented surface cells to reveal smoother, more radiant skin. It’s a gentle option with little to no downtime and works well alongside other treatments.

What to Expect

• Minimal downtime, so you can get back to your day
• Ideal for mild surface pigmentation and ongoing maintenance

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Treatment	Best For	Downtime
GentleLase Pro laser	Defined, stubborn dark spots	Minimal; spots may darken and flake
Chemical facial peel	Uneven skin tone and widespread pigment	Mild redness or flaking
Microdermabrasion	Surface pigmentation, texture and maintenance	Little to none

Many of our clients get the best results by combining treatments. Timing matters too: treated skin is more sensitive to UV, so we’ll help you plan sessions around your summer and give you a strict aftercare routine.

How to Fade Sun Spots with Skincare

Skincare alone won’t erase established sun spots, but the right products help fade existing pigment, keep your results going longer and even out your skin tone.

Look for these ingredients:

• Vitamin C: brightens skin and helps defend against free radicals
• Niacinamide: helps reduce pigment transfer and supports the skin barrier
• Retinol: boosts cell turnover (use at night)
• Glycolic acid (AHA): gently exfoliates dull, pigmented skin
• Tranexamic acid: targets stubborn discolouration

A well-formulated pigmentation serum can combine several of these. Browse our skincare for sun spots to find products our specialists recommend.

A Simple Routine to Fade Dark Spots

Morning	Evening
Gentle cleanser	Cleanser (double cleanse after sunscreen)
Vitamin C serum	Pigmentation serum or retinol
Moisturiser	Moisturiser
SPF 50+ sunscreen	—

Tip: Introduce active ingredients slowly. Retinol and AHAs can make skin more sun-sensitive, which makes daily sunscreen non-negotiable.

Sun Protection: How to Prevent Sun Spots This Summer

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and the Cancer Council recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above. Protecting your skin is the best way to prevent new sun spots and protect the results of your treatment.

Follow the five S’s:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing
• Slop on broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
• Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day
• Slide on wraparound sunglasses

Other habits that help:

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating
• Wear sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy
• Choose fake tan over a real one for a safe summer glow

Book Your Sun Spot Removal Consultation

Ready to feel confident in your skin again? Book a consultation with Results Laser Clinic, and our skin specialists will create a personalised plan to help you achieve a clearer, more even complexion before summer.

FAQs

Can Sun Spots On the Face Be Removed Permanently?

Treated spots can fade significantly or clear completely. However, new spots can form with ongoing sun exposure, so daily protection is key to keeping results.

How Long Does it Take to Fade Sun Spots?

Laser results often appear within a few weeks. Peels, microdermabrasion and skincare work gradually over several sessions or months.

Can I Have Treatment During Summer?

Often, yes, with careful planning and strict sun protection. Your skin specialist will advise on the best timing for your skin and lifestyle.