Age spots, also known as brown spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are a common sign of aging and sun exposure. These flat, oval areas of pigmentation often appear on parts of the body that receive the most sun, including the face, hands, arms, shoulders, and feet. They can be freckle-sized or more than half an inch in length and may range in color from light brown to black.
At TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, patients in Lone Tree and Denver, CO, can receive personalized guidance for age spots, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. Shanni Sutton, MSN, FNP-C, brings a careful, prevention-focused approach to skin health treatments and aesthetic care, helping patients understand their options for improving discoloration while protecting the skin long-term.
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots are areas of increased pigmentation that tend to become more noticeable with time. They are most common in people older than 40, but they can appear earlier in individuals with significant sun exposure or a history of tanning. When age spots are grouped together, they may appear even larger and can create a more uneven complexion.
Although age spots are usually harmless, they can be frustrating for patients who feel that brown spots make the skin look older, duller, or more sun-damaged. Many patients seek treatment to achieve a clearer, brighter, and more even skin tone.
Why Brown Spots Develop
Age spots are usually caused by accumulated exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet, or UV, light. They may also be related to tanning beds or tanning lamps, trauma or injury to the skin, or genetic predisposition. People with lighter skin are more likely to develop age spots, as are those with a history of frequent sunburn or prolonged sun exposure.
Common contributing factors include:
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Years of sun exposure
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Tanning bed or tanning lamp use
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Frequent sunburns
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Lighter skin tone
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Genetics
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Past skin trauma or injury
Because sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors, prevention and sun protection are important parts of managing age spots and reducing the risk of new pigmentation changes.
When To Have A Dark Spot Checked
True age spots are harmless and do not require medical treatment. However, not every dark spot should automatically be assumed to be an age spot. If a spot appears irregular, a medical provider may perform a biopsy to ensure it is not malignant.
Spots with the following characteristics should be evaluated by a physician:
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Dark pigmentation
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An unusual combination of colors
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Rapidly increasing size
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Itching
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Redness or sensitivity
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Bleeding
Any changing, symptomatic, or irregular lesion should be assessed before cosmetic treatment is considered. At TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, patient safety comes first, and suspicious spots may require medical evaluation before proceeding with aesthetic options.
Treatment Options For A More Even Skin Tone
Although age spots are not medically dangerous when properly diagnosed, many patients find them aesthetically unappealing. Treatment options may help remove age spots or reduce their prominence, depending on the patient’s skin type, pigmentation pattern, goals, and treatment plan.
Options for improving the appearance of age spots may include:
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Chemical peels
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Laser skin resurfacing
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Microdermabrasion
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Medical-grade skincare
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Consistent sun protection
Treatment for age spots is considered cosmetic, so insurance companies typically do not cover procedures to remove them. During a consultation, Shanni Sutton can evaluate the skin, discuss whether treatment is appropriate, and recommend options that align with the patient’s goals and comfort with downtime.
How To Prevent New Age Spots
To prevent age spots or keep existing discoloration from worsening, avoiding prolonged sun exposure is strongly recommended. Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays can help reduce further pigmentation changes.
Wearing UV-blocking clothing and a broad-brimmed hat can provide additional protection, especially during outdoor activities. Patients prone to age spots may also benefit from a consistent skincare routine that supports healthy skin renewal and helps defend against visible sun damage.
Prevention is especially important after cosmetic treatment. Without consistent sun protection, treated pigmentation may return or new spots may develop over time.
Why Choose TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness For Age Spots?
TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness provides care for age spots with a focus on skin health, prevention, and natural-looking improvement. Shanni Sutton, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with advanced training in aesthetic procedures, functional medicine, and hormone replacement therapy. Her background allows her to evaluate pigmentation concerns with both cosmetic goals and patient safety in mind.
Careful assessment is important because some dark lesions should be medically evaluated before any cosmetic treatment is recommended. Shanni’s detail-oriented approach helps patients understand their options, protect their skin from future sun damage, and choose treatment plans that support a brighter, more even-looking complexion without unnecessary overcorrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many age spots can be significantly lightened or removed with the right treatment, but results vary depending on the depth of pigmentation, your skin type, and the treatment used. During your consultation, Shanni Sutton will evaluate your skin and recommend the approach most likely to help you achieve a clearer, more even complexion.
The best treatment depends on factors such as the size, location, and depth of your pigmentation, as well as your skin type and goals. At TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we may recommend chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, medical-grade skincare, or a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your pigmentation and the treatment selected. Some patients notice significant improvement after a single treatment, while others benefit from a series of sessions for more gradual, comprehensive results. We will create a personalized treatment plan during your consultation.
Your results will depend on the treatment you receive. Some procedures produce visible improvement as the treated pigmentation fades during healing, while others provide more gradual changes over several weeks. During your consultation, we’ll explain what to expect based on your personalized treatment plan.
Treated age spots may not return, but new spots can develop with continued sun exposure and the natural aging process. Protecting your skin with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and other sun-safe habits is one of the best ways to help maintain your results.
Many age spot treatments can be safely performed on a variety of skin types, but the most appropriate option depends on your skin tone, pigmentation, and overall skin health. We carefully evaluate each patient to recommend treatments that balance safety with effective results.
Yes. Age spot treatments are often combined with other aesthetic procedures to address multiple concerns, such as uneven skin tone, fine lines, or overall skin texture. During your consultation, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your goals and your skin’s needs.
Improve Age Spots In Lone Tree & Denver, CO
Age spots can be harmless, but they can also make the skin look uneven, dull, or more aged than desired. At TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness in Lone Tree, CO, patients from Lone Tree and Denver can explore personalized options for brown spots, sun damage, and pigmentation concerns. To learn which approach may be right for your skin, call (720) 710-5539 to schedule a consultation with TRU Medical Aesthetics & Wellness.
