Age Spots (Lentigo)

Lentigo, also known as “age spots,” sun freckles, sun spots or liver spots, are well-demarcated pigmented macules on the skin. These spots are different than moles or skin tags. Age spots can be tan or brown in colour and may appear flat and freckle like. They are often exacerbated by the sun, which is why it’s so important to wear a daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to ensure you are fully protected.

Over time, these lesions may increase in size or darken in colour – because of this, they should be assessed by a dermatologist to confirm a diagnosis. At ICLS we rely on laser technologies such as BBL™ or Yag™ to treat age spots and brown-based birthmarks such as café au lait spots and pigmented lesions. This laser was designed to target abnormal concentrations of melanin in the skin and remove it. 

While these treatments are most effective for patients with a lighter skin tone, there are other treatments including Derm–Eclat™/Dermamelan or Profractional™ that would be suitable for patients who have a darker skin tone.