Patient and provider looking in mirror to admire aesthetic results

Age Spot and Sunspot Removal

Turn back the clock on sun damage and restore the clear, even-toned skin you remember. When age spots and sun damage make you look older than you feel, our board-certified dermatologists create personalized treatment plans that fade discoloration and reveal the brighter, more youthful complexion you deserve. With results so natural, people notice you look refreshed but cannot tell you had anything done.

Female looking at a mirror

What Are Sunspots and Age Spots?

Age spots and sunspots are common forms of pigmentation caused by cumulative sun exposure over time. These areas of discoloration often appear on the face, chest, arms, and hands and may deepen with continued UV exposure if left untreated. While medically harmless, many patients throughout the Danville area choose to address these concerns to achieve a brighter, more even complexion that reflects how vibrant they feel.

Understanding Sunspots vs Age Spots

Sunspots

  • Directly linked to UV exposure and outdoor activity
  • Often appear in clusters on sun-exposed areas
  • More common in younger adults with frequent sun exposure
  • Usually lighter in color
  • Can darken with seasonal sun exposure
  • Often respond quickly to light-based treatments

Age Spots

  • Result from long-term sun accumulation over decades
  • Usually appear after age forty
  • Often darker and more defined
  • Common on the face, hands, and décolletage
  • May appear alongside other types of pigmentation
  • May require a combination of treatment modalities for optimal results

How Does Age Spot and Sunspot Removal Work?

Our board-certified dermatologists use advanced light and laser technology to target excess pigment and reveal clearer, more even-looking skin. These physician-selected treatments are proven scientifically backed options that address discoloration with precision and minimal downtime.

At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, treatment selection is never one-size-fits-all. Our physicians evaluate your unique skin concerns and create a customized plan that may combine multiple technologies for comprehensive results.

sunspots and age spots before and after
CO2 Fraxel Before and After Photos of a middle-aged Male

Treatment Options

Our laser fellowship-trained physicians have access to East Bay’s most comprehensive collection of advanced devices, including:Each treatment plan is DermDesigned™ by our board-certified dermatologists to address your specific concerns and deliver naturally beautiful results.

Photofacial IPL

Targets surface pigmentation and brightens overall skin tone

Fraxel DUAL Laser

Addresses deeper pigmentation while improving texture

Clear + Brilliant

Preventative treatment for early pigmentation concerns

Chemical Peels

Physician-grade formulations for surface renewal

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

For deeper or treatment-resistant spots

Each treatment plan is DermDesigned™ by our board-certified dermatologists to address your specific concerns and deliver naturally beautiful results.

What Types of Age Spots and Sunspots Can We Treat?

We address a wide range of pigmentation concerns that develop from sun exposure and the natural aging process. Our physicians bring the expertise to evaluate complex pigmentation and create effective treatment strategies.

Common concerns we treat:

  • Light brown sunspots from UV exposure
  • Darker age-related pigmentation
  • Freckling from sun damage
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Facial pigmentation and discoloration
  • Hand pigmentation
  • Chest and décolletage discoloration
  • Early signs of photodamage

Our dermatologists carefully evaluate your skin during your consultation to determine the most effective approach. Using advanced technology and a deep understanding of skin health, we create natural-looking results that reveal smoother, more radiant skin without changing your natural appearance.

Background texture

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sunspot and Age Spot Removal?

Ideal candidates are individuals seeking clearer, brighter skin and visible improvement in discoloration with treatments that look naturally beautiful.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Notice dark spots that are becoming more visible over time
  • Want a brighter and more even complexion
  • Prefer non-surgical treatment options
  • Are committed to sun protection following treatment
  • Want natural-looking results that enhance rather than change your appearance
  • Have realistic expectations about treatment outcomes

Patients throughout Danville, Walnut Creek, and the East Bay choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for physician-guided care and fellowship-trained laser expertise that consistently delivers refined, natural results.

During your DermDesigned™ Consultation, our board-certified dermatologists will evaluate your skin concerns and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Age Spots and Sunspots

What causes age spots to develop?

Age spots form from long-term sun exposure, which stimulates melanin-producing cells over time. Years of UV exposure cause these pigment cells to cluster together, creating the darker spots associated with aging. Our board-certified dermatologists can evaluate your specific type of pigmentation and recommend the most effective treatment approach.

Which treatment works best for age spots?

Fraxel DUAL and IPL are often recommended for age spots because they target deeper pigmentation while revealing brighter, smoother skin. However, the best treatment depends on your individual skin type, the depth of pigmentation, and your overall aesthetic goals. During your consultation, our physicians will create a customized treatment plan that may combine multiple modalities for optimal results.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients see meaningful improvement within one to three treatment sessions, depending on the depth and extent of the discoloration. Our physicians will provide a comprehensive treatment plan during your consultation, and many patients appreciate our CompleteConfidence™ approach to ensure satisfaction with their results.

Do age spot treatments hurt?

Most patients describe mild warmth or tingling during treatment. Our advanced devices are designed with comfort in mind, and our experienced physicians use techniques to minimize any discomfort. We want your experience to be as pleasant as possible while delivering exceptional results.

How long do results last?

With consistent sunscreen use and proper sun protection, results can last for years. Protective habits are essential to prevent the development of new spots. Our dermatologists provide comprehensive guidance on maintaining your results and protecting your investment in clearer, more radiant skin.

Are sunspots different from age spots?

Yes. Sunspots typically result from ongoing UV exposure and recent sun damage, while age spots reflect deeper, cumulative sun damage that has developed over decades. The distinction matters because it influences which treatment approach will be most effective. Our board-certified dermatologists have the expertise to evaluate your specific type of pigmentation and recommend the optimal treatment plan.

What is the most effective treatment for sunspots?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is often the preferred choice for sunspots because it breaks up surface pigment quickly and brightens skin with minimal downtime. However, treatment selection depends on your skin type, the location of pigmentation, and your overall aesthetic goals. Our physicians recommend combining treatments for comprehensive results.

Will my sunspots return?

Sunspots can return with UV exposure, which is why sunscreen and consistent sun protection are essential after treatment. Our dermatologists provide detailed guidance on protecting your results and maintaining the clearer, more even complexion you have achieved. Many patients find that with proper UV protection, their results last for years

How quickly will I see improvement?

Many patients notice dark spots fading or naturally exfoliating within one to two weeks after treatment. The pigmented areas may initially darken before flaking away to reveal clearer skin beneath. Our physicians will explain what to expect during your recovery and provide guidance on optimizing your results.

Can sun spot treatments be combined with other services?

Yes. Clear + Brilliant or gentle chemical peels often enhance clarity and support smoother, more luminous results when combined with pigment-targeting treatments. Our board-certified dermatologists excel at creating comprehensive treatment plans that address multiple concerns simultaneously. During your consultation, we will discuss all your aesthetic goals and create a customized approach that delivers naturally beautiful results.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900