Prevent, treat, repeat.
Summer is synonymous with sun-soaked days and beachside bliss. And while we embrace the joys of outdoor living, we’re less enthused about the potential of certain aftermaths: solar lentigines, more commonly known as sun spots or age spots. These stubborn patches of hyperpigmented, often rough-textured or slightly scaly skin, linger long after the season fades and tend to multiply as we age.
Sun spots certainly aren’t the end of the world — in fact, they’re harmless when it comes to skin health — but they can affect the way you feel about your complexion. We reached out to Marcia Kilgore, founder of beauty members’ club Beauty Pie, for her tips on how to get rid of any sun spots you already have and keep new ones at bay.
For those unfamiliar, Beauty Pie provides its members with high-end skincare, makeup, and haircare at accessible prices. First-time shoppers can take advantage of Beauty Pie’s current promotions, including a free 60-day trial (don’t worry, it’s totally commitment-free) and 20 percent off your first order with code 20OFFBP, to elevate your skincare routine without breaking the bank.
How can you get rid of age and sun spots?
There are many things you can do, but Kilgore’s number one pick is retinol. “It will help stimulate cell turnover and rejuvenate your skin from underneath,” she tells us. “All of our Super Retinol collection features double-encapsulated retinol to prevent irritation; it’s absolutely incredible for hyperpigmentation and dark pigment patches, in addition to tackling the wrinkles that come with sun damage.”
Remember that retinol can cause sensitivity to UV light, so apply it only at night and wear SPF every day while using — and, well, every day regardless. (More on that later.)
Beauty Pie
Beauty Pie’s Super Retinol Anti-wrinkle Eye Cream (1% Retinol Complex) uses hyaluronic acid to add moisture to the area and slow-release Retinol capsules to even out skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
$17 for members
Niacinamide is another skincare ingredient that’s great for addressing sun damage. It strengthens the skin barrier while soothing sensitivity and irritation.
Beauty Pie
“Our Uber Youth™ Neck & Chest Super Lift Serum-Spray, which contains 5 percent niacinamide, helps to firm the delicate, wrinkle-prone skin on the neck and chest while lightening the look of sun and age spots. The before and after pictures we’ve received from members on this? Incredible.”
$22 for members
And of course, maintaining proper hydration is essential to warding off sun spots, since adequately moisturized skin is more resilient and better able to repair itself from daily environmental stressors.
Beauty Pie
This fantastic all-in-one daily moisturizer — Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream — stands out for its comprehensive benefits. The Swiss-made skincare marvel is designed for all skin types and delivers a healthy, radiant complexion while providing deep hydration and firming the skin with free radical-fighting antioxidants.
$25 for members
Do at-home peels fade age spots?
According to Kilgore, it’s not so much the format — peel, serum, mask, regularly applied lotion, etc. — but the formulation that’s key when it comes to fading age spots. “Our Dr Glycolic Multi-Acid Micropeeling Glycolic Acid Pads are infused with five percent glycolic acid and a blend of lemon, bilberry, and orange alpha-hydroxy acids that work to resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation,” Kilgore says.
Beauty Pie
Thanks to the inclusion of skin-soothing polysaccharides and circulation-boosting niacinamide, the pads are gentle enough to sweep across your face, neck, and chest two to three times a week.
$20 for members
But if you’d prefer an approach you can incorporate into your daily routine, Kilgore recommends Beauty Pie’s Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Power Brightener.
Beauty Pie
“These contain a high level — 10 percent — of very stable vitamin C, which means they’re incredible for fighting pigmentation,” Kilgore says. “The formulation also includes an ingredient called tranexamic acid, which is great at fading the dark spots that are usually caused by sun damage, but can also be caused by pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations.”
$29 for members
Just apply a few drops directly onto your skin every morning before your moisturizer; Kilgore also recommends Beauty Pie’s brightening Superdose Vitamin C Bio-Vitamin Brightening & Firming Body Lotion.
Beauty Pie
This advanced formula is designed to tackle sun spots and rejuvenate the skin below your neck. Also infused with tranexamic acid and other ingredients like brown algae and sweet almond oil, it deeply hydrates and revitalizes, helping to repair and protect against daily environmental stressors. The stable form of Vitamin C in this lotion provides antioxidant protection and promotes a brighter, more even skin tone. Use daily for optimal results or a few times a week to maintain a youthful glow.
$22 for members
What’s the best way to prevent sun spots from forming in the first place?
When it comes to prevention, Kilgore says it’s all about using high-factor sunscreen, every single day. “You should think about applying sunscreen like you think about brushing your teeth,” Kilgore says. “You never think about whether you need it, or what you’re going to be doing that day, or what the weather’s like outside. Putting on sunscreen should be a no-brainer.”
Kilgore recommends finding a sunscreen that’s lightweight, has a comfortable texture, and sits beautifully under makeup. “Applying it shouldn’t feel like a chore, and you should actually look forward to using it every day,” Kilgore says. Her top pick is Beauty Pie’s brand new Traceless Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF30 Sunscreen + Primer, which feels like a moisturizer but acts like sunscreen.
Can lasers remove your age spots?
According to Kilgore, a combination of professional treatments (like peels or lasers) and a nourishing, protective daily skincare routine works well for many people. “It really depends on the size, color, and stubbornness of your sun spots,” Kilgore says.
As with any skin issues or questions, it’s always a good idea to see your dermatologist for their guidance on what will work best for you.
