The Bottom Line

Solar lentigines — commonly called age spots or liver spots — are flat, brown to tan patches that form on sun-exposed skin over years of UV exposure. They are harmless and do not become cancerous. However, they can sometimes look similar to melanoma, so any spot that changes, darkens unevenly, or develops irregular borders should be checked by a dermatologist. If you want to fade them, several effective treatments are available, including prescription creams, laser treatments, and chemical peels. Daily sunscreen use is the single most important step to prevent more from forming.

What Are Solar Lentigines?

Solar lentigines (singular: lentigo) are flat, well-defined spots caused by a lifetime of sun exposure. They appear on areas that get the most sun — the face, hands, shoulders, chest, and upper back. They are extremely common in adults over 50 and can appear earlier in people who have had significant sun exposure or tanning bed use.

Despite being called "age spots" or "liver spots," they have nothing to do with liver function or aging alone — they are purely caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulating pigment cells (melanocytes) to produce excess melanin in that area of skin.

Solar lentigines are benign (non-cancerous). They do not turn into melanoma. However, because they share some visual characteristics with certain types of melanoma, it is important to have a dermatologist check any new or changing spots.

Signs and Symptoms

Solar lentigines typically appear as:

  • Flat (not raised) spots on the skin
  • Color ranging from light tan to dark brown — usually uniform in color within each spot
  • Round or oval with well-defined edges
  • Size from a few millimeters to about 1 to 2 cm
  • Found on sun-exposed areas: face, hands, forearms, shoulders, chest, upper back
  • No pain, itching, or other symptoms

See a dermatologist promptly if a spot has: uneven or irregular color within the spot, blurred or irregular borders, an unusual raised component, rapid change in size or color, bleeding, or is darker than other spots on your body. These features can indicate a condition that needs evaluation.

What Causes Solar Lentigines?

Solar lentigines form when UV radiation — from sun exposure or tanning beds — causes pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin to multiply and deposit excess melanin (pigment) in that area. Over years of cumulative sun damage, these spots become fixed and more visible. Risk factors include:

  • Decades of sun exposure (the main cause)
  • Fair skin, light hair, or light eyes (more susceptible to UV damage)
  • History of tanning bed use
  • History of blistering sunburns, especially when young
  • Living in a sunny climate or at high altitude

Treatment Options

Sunscreen (prevention and slowing progression): Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on all exposed areas prevents new solar lentigines from forming and keeps existing ones from darkening. This is the most important step whether or not you pursue other treatment.

Prescription topical treatments: Hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent) is the most studied topical treatment and can fade lentigines significantly over 8 to 12 weeks. Tretinoin (a retinoid) increases skin cell turnover and can reduce pigmentation over several months. Combination products (hydroquinone + tretinoin + a mild steroid) such as tri-luma cream are more effective than single agents. Azelaic acid and kojic acid are gentler alternatives.

Laser treatment: Q-switched Nd:YAG, intense pulsed light (IPL), and fractional lasers target melanin-producing cells very effectively. Most patients see 50 to 90% fading after 1 to 3 sessions. Laser treatment is one of the fastest and most effective options, particularly for lentigines on the face and hands.

Cryotherapy (freezing): A dermatologist can apply liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy individual spots. This works well for isolated lentigines. Some temporary darkening or lightening of the treated area may occur.

Chemical peels: Superficial peels using glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), or salicylic acid remove the outer layer of skin and reduce pigmentation. Usually several sessions are needed for noticeable improvement.

When to See a Dermatologist

  • You have spots you cannot clearly identify as benign — any new or changing spot should be checked
  • A spot is darkening or developing uneven color, irregular borders, or a raised component
  • You want treatment to reduce the appearance of age spots
  • You have a large number of sun spots and want a full skin check for signs of skin cancer (solar lentigines signal significant cumulative sun exposure, which is a risk factor for skin cancer)
  • You have fair skin, a history of many sunburns, or a family history of melanoma — annual skin exams are especially important for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Can solar lentigines turn into skin cancer?

No. True solar lentigines are benign and do not transform into cancer. However, a closely related condition called lentigo maligna is an early form of melanoma that can look very similar to a benign age spot — typically with more irregular coloring or borders. This is why having a dermatologist evaluate your spots is important. A simple visual exam (and sometimes a dermoscopy exam) can distinguish benign lentigines from lentigo maligna.

Will my age spots come back after treatment?

They can, especially with continued sun exposure. Laser treatments and topical therapies fade existing spots, but they do not prevent new ones from forming if you continue to get significant UV exposure. Using daily sunscreen and protective clothing after treatment is essential to maintain results and prevent recurrence.

Are over-the-counter spot treatments effective?

Mildly. Over-the-counter products containing niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid, or alpha arbutin can provide modest lightening over several months of consistent use. They are generally much less potent than prescription options (like hydroquinone or tretinoin) or in-office procedures (like laser). They work best for mild cases or as maintenance after professional treatment.

Is there any way to prevent age spots?

Yes. Daily sunscreen use starting early in life is the most effective prevention. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every morning — even on cloudy days, since UV rays pass through clouds. Wearing hats and UV-protective clothing and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) also significantly reduces cumulative UV damage. It is never too late to start — consistent sunscreen use in your 40s and 50s slows the development of new spots and prevents existing ones from darkening.

  1. Ortonne JP. Pigmentary changes of the ageing skin. Br J Dermatol. 1990;122(Suppl 35):21-28.
  2. Gilchrest BA, Nghiem P. Photo-aging, skin care, and sun protection. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(13):1339-1341.
  3. Prignano F, Ortonne JP, Buggiani G, et al. Therapeutical approaches in melasma and lentigines. Dermatol Clin. 2007;25(3):337-342.
  4. Tse Y, Levine VJ, McClain SA. The removal of cutaneous pigmented lesions with the Q-switched ruby laser. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1994;20(12):795-800.
  5. Kang S, Goldfarb MT, Weiss JS. Assessment of adapalene gel for the treatment of actinic keratoses and lentigines. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003;49(1):83-90.
  6. Halder RM, Richards GM. Management of dyschromias in ethnic skin. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(2):151-157.
  7. Hexsel D, Arellano I, Rendon M. Ethnic considerations in the treatment of Hispanic and Latin-American patients with hyperpigmentation. Br J Dermatol. 2006;156(Suppl 1):7-12.
  8. Todd MM, Rallis TM, Gerwels JW, et al. A comparison of 3 lasers and liquid nitrogen in the treatment of solar lentigines. Arch Dermatol. 2000;136(7):841-846.

Trusted Resources

Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of your specific condition. This article is for educational purposes only.