Solar Lentigines

Solar Lentigines are commonly known as sunspots or ‘old age spots’. They occur due to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the colour of our skin and this is caused by chronic sun exposure and pollution.

Sunspots usually occur in older people who’ve had significant sun exposure throughout their life. They appear as flat brown patches of varying sizes on sun-exposed areas. Unlike freckles, these harmless age spots do not fade in winter and are common on the face, the “V” of your neck, backs of hands, forearms and even on the legs. A large darker solar lentigo may sometimes be confused with a lentigo maligna, a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer.

Treatment tips that can help with Solar Lentigines

• Sun avoidance
• Sun protection using a high-factor SPF
• Use skincare products that target sun damage and contain pigment-inhibiting ingredients (these products will often lighten solar lentigines but not remove them completely).
• Smaller lentigines can be treated by freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
• Medical grade TCA chemical peels
• Lasers or energy-based devices such as IPL

Skincare ingredients that can help with Solar Lentigines

• Kojic Acid
• Glutathione
• Retinol
• Vitamin C
• Glycolic Acid
• Resorcinol
• Phytic Acid
• Tranexamic Acid

Skincare products that can help with Solar Lentigines

Choose a cleanser that is specially formulated to improve pigmentation. Active ingredients usually have a renewal and antipollution action on the skin, enhancing skin radiance and smoothness. Dr Webster recommends:

• mesoestetic brightening foam
• Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser

Targeted treatments contain ingredients that help reduce discolourations and promote an even skin tone while smoothing texture and enhancing skin radiance. Dr Webster recommends:

• PCA Skin Pigment Gel® HQ Free
• SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF

Moisturisers can help to nourish the skin while also focusing on pigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure. They contain active ingredients that help to even skin tone while gradually minimising visible signs of pigmentation. Dr Webster recommends:

• MartiDerm DSP Renovation Cream
• Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment

By applying SPF regularly, you create a barrier that helps block or absorb the sun’s harmful UV rays. This helps prevent further darkening of existing solar lentigines and reduces the risk of developing new spots. Dr Webster recommends:

• Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+
• MartiDerm DSP Cream SPF 50+