Why do I get sun spots instead of tan?

Author: Braxton Mann  |  Last update: Friday, July 18, 2025

Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.

Why do I get sun spots so easily?

The following factors seem to increase the risk of sun spots: A fair complexion. A history of getting intense sun exposure or sunburn. A history of using tanning beds or tanning lamps.

What vitamin deficiency causes age spots?

Some deficiencies are thought to cause brown spots, for example vitamin B12. Eating a varied and balanced diet will help to minimize the risk of deficiencies.

Why do I get sun spots when I tan?

Sun exposure and tanning can lead to white sun spots on the skin. The presence of white sun spots on the skin is clinically known as idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH). IGH is a benign skin condition considered a cosmetic problem. IGH can affect all skin tones.

Can you make sun spots go away?

Age spot treatments include: Medications. Applying prescription bleaching creams (hydroquinone) alone or with retinoids (tretinoin) and a mild steroid might gradually fade the spots over several months. The treatments might cause temporary itching, redness, burning or dryness.

How to Get Rid of Sunspots on Your Skin

At what age do you get sun spots?

Age spots are small, flat, darker areas that may show on skin that is exposed to the sun. Think shoulders, face and hands. People can begin noticing age spots in their 30s and 40s. Even if you're responsible applying sunscreen, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays over time adds up.

Does vitamin C help with dark spots?

Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, neutralising free radicals to help protect the skin from damage caused by the sun's rays and other external aggressors. It's also gained a reputation for its ability to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation, helping visibly fade dark spots to achieve a more even skin tone.

How can I tan without sun spots?

Wear sunscreen

Even if your goal is to tan, wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is essential. It will aid in blocking out harmful UV rays but will still also allow the skin to tan. It should be applied within 20 minutes or less of being outside.

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.

Are white sun spots bad?

Unlike conditions like Vitiligo Clinical Trials, which aim to treat autoimmune-related pigment loss, white sun spots are generally benign and result from long-term damage to skin cells.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

What hormone causes age spots?

Causes. Melasma is a common skin disorder. It most often appears in young women with brownish skin tone, but it can affect anyone. Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Can lack of vitamin D cause spots?

Some emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D can help with the symptoms of acne for those who have a vitamin D deficiency. Exposure to sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D. People might also get vitamin D from supplements or creams. People with vitamin D deficiencies are more susceptible to acne.

What triggers sunspots?

Sunspots Are Caused by the Sun's Magnetic Field

The electrically charged gas can affect magnetic field lines, causing the lines to twist, turn, and tangle up as the plasma moves. These magnetic snarls prevent heat from flowing to the surface, creating darker, cooler regions — the sunspots.

Why don't I tan like I did when I was younger?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig. The cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes.

Can stress cause sun spots?

Stress can trigger an increase in melanin production, leading to dark spots and uneven skin tone. To manage stress and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, it's important to practice self-care and stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, exercise and getting adequate sleep.

How many days does apple cider vinegar take to remove dark spots?

How long does it take to see results with ACV for dark spots? Results can vary, but many people start to see improvements in their dark spots within a few weeks of consistent use.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove 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.

How can I fade dark spots in 3 days?

Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

How to get a deep tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Can CeraVe remove dark spots?

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has multiple benefits that address various skin concerns. A few key benefits you may note when using the retinol serum daily: Helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and post-blemish dark spots. Promotes the cell renewal process, helping skin look brighter.

How long does it take for vitamin C to fade dark spots?

The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.

What happens if you use vitamin C without sunscreen?

What happens if you use vitamin c without sunscreen. Wearing vitamin C without sunscreen can leave your skin vulnerable to sun damage, leading to premature aging, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

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