Do sun blotches go away?

Author: Margaretta West  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Most Sunspots (often known as “liver spots” though they have nothing to do with your liver) fade somewhat over time. They typically do not disappear completely because the skin has been permanently damaged by the sun. Sunspots are flat areas of discolored skin that can be tan or varying shades of brown.

How long does it take for sun spots to go away?

Mild hyperpigmentation can begin to fade within 3-6 months with consistent treatment. More aggressive treatments, such as chemical peels, may show results sooner but often require multiple sessions. Severe cases of hyperpigmentation, such as deep melasma, can take a year or more to resolve.

How do you get rid of sun patches?

Age spot treatments include:
  1. Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. ...
  2. Laser and intense pulsed light. ...
  3. Freezing (cryotherapy). ...
  4. Dermabrasion. ...
  5. Microdermabrasion. ...
  6. Chemical peel.

Will sun damage spots go away?

While medical professionals cannot reverse the effects of sun damage entirely, there are treatments that can help with collagen production, skin turnover, improvements in the appearance of dark spots and more. These include: Topical treatments containing retinol.

How long does it take for sun rash to go away?

An itchy or burning rash appears within hours, or up to 2 to 3 days after exposure to sunlight. It lasts for up to 2 weeks, healing without scarring. The rash usually appears on the parts of the skin exposed to sunlight, typically the head, neck, chest and arms. The face is not always affected.

How to Get Rid of Sunspots on Your Skin

Should you moisturize a sun rash?

Using a calming moisturizer can help speed up sun rash treatment if you're dealing with itchiness and dryness. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends using a cold compress (for instance, wrapping ice cubes in a washcloth) and wearing loose-fitting clothing until your skin calms.

What does sun rash look like?

Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin.

Can sun spots be permanent?

Most Sunspots (often known as “liver spots” though they have nothing to do with your liver) fade somewhat over time. They typically do not disappear completely because the skin has been permanently damaged by the sun. Sunspots are flat areas of discolored skin that can be tan or varying shades of brown.

Is it too late to fix sun damaged skin?

Can sun damage be reversed? Once UV radiation changes your skin cells' DNA, the DNA damage can't be reversed. However, this doesn't mean that you can't change the appearance of your skin. You can treat, reduce and/or repair the effects of sun-damaged skin.

What cream is good for sun damaged skin?

Fluorouracil is one of the treatments often used. It kills the abnormal skin cells and fresh normal skin grows back. The brand name for fluorouracil cream is Efudix®. Salicylic acid is another treatment that is sometimes used.

What do sun damage spots look like?

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) looks like a rough, scaly patch on the skin. The color may be from tan or red to brown, depending on skin color. Actinic keratosis also is called solar keratosis.

Does hydrogen peroxide really get rid of age spots?

It works by breaking down the excess melanin in the age spots and gradually reducing their appearance. So, when used properly and in appropriate concentrations, hydrogen peroxide can be an effective and affordable option to remove age spots on the face.

Does apple cider vinegar really get rid of age spots?

There's also evidence that it may help manage dry skin, acne, and age spots, among other conditions. ACV is generally safe to use, but it does come with a risk of irritation or worsening skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions.

How do you fade sun spots fast?

If you want to get rid of dark spots fast, a procedure that removes layers of discolored skin may work better than a lightening cream. These techniques include laser treatments, freezing (cryotherapy), dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and chemical peels.

Does toothpaste get rid of sunspots?

Toothpaste is not an effective or recommended treatment for brown spots on the face.

Does losing weight get rid of hyperpigmentation?

This can mean stopping any medicine that's causing the problem or treating diabetes and other health conditions. Losing weight will help acanthosis nigricans fade. If you're concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor before going on a diet. Doctors may prescribe creams or lotions that can help lighten the skin.

What does a dermatologist do for sun damaged skin?

Chemical peels.

By applying a chemical substance such as trichloracetic acid or glycolic acid to the skin, dermatologists can remove brown spots and actinic keratoses and improve the tone and texture of photoaged skin.

What age is most sun damage done?

Dr. Beer: It's actually a myth that 80 percent of sun damage to the skin is done before age 18. Only about 23 percent of a person's lifetime exposure occurs by age 18. Adults over 40—especially men—actually have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Why does my skin get blotchy in the sun?

Photoallergic eruption — In this form of sun allergy, a skin reaction is triggered by the effect of sunlight on a chemical that has been applied to the skin (often an ingredient in sunscreen, fragrances, cosmetics or antibiotic ointments) or ingested in a drug (often a prescription medicine).

Why are my sun spots not going away?

And the more sun you get, the less you will be able to fade your age spots. If you are going to be in the sun, make sure to wear broad-spectrum, tinted sunscreen every day. This can help prevent new age spots and protect current spots from getting darker.

What prescription cream is good for sun spots?

A cream called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a type of chemotherapy drug used to treat sunspots and sometimes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ (Bowen's disease). 5-FU works best on the face and scalp. Your doctor will explain how to apply the cream and how often. Many people use it once or twice a day for 2–4 weeks.

At what age do sun spots appear?

If you have light skin and spend a lot of time in the sun, you're more likely to develop age spots areas of increased pigmentation. Age spots are very common in adults older than 50, but younger people can get them if they spend time in the sun. Age spots can look like cancerous growths.

How do you get rid of sun rash asap?

Most sun rashes will resolve on its own within 10-14 days, she said. “Over-the-counter aloe vera or anti-itch ointments can be helpful. Cool compresses or a cool bath can provide itch relief,” Melinda said. “If you have blisters, keep them clean and dry to help to prevent infection.”

Does vitamin D deficiency cause rashes?

The itchy, pinkish red bumps or welts that seem to appear out of nowhere and are known as hives (or known medically as urticaria), may be related to a vitamin D deficiency—and researchers have discovered that vitamin D has potential as an add-on therapy to allergy medications as a means to relieve some of symptoms of ...

What does lupus sun rash look like?

Rashes might appear purple or brown on darker skin tones. A red rash that spreads across your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, in the shape of a butterfly (malar rash). Rashes might appear purple or brown on darker skin tones. Patches of lighter and darker pigment on your skin.

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