Age spots are a common skin concern that often develops gradually over time. Led by Medical Director Dr Joney De Souza, our medical team focuses on understanding the cause before considering treatment.
Age spots, also known as solar lentigines, are flat areas of increased pigmentation that develop on sun-exposed skin. They most commonly appear on the face, hands, chest and shoulders. Age spots are benign and do not pose a health risk, but they can affect skin clarity and overall appearance.
PicoSure is a laser treatment used to reduce the appearance of age spots by targeting excess pigment in the skin. Age spots develop as melanin accumulates unevenly over time due to sun damage and ageing. Using ultra-short pulses of laser energy, PicoSure breaks down pigment into tiny particles that the body can clear naturally. This helps fade discolouration and create a more even skin tone, with minimal downtime and gradual, natural-looking results.
Age spots develop when repeated sun damage leads to increased melanin production in certain areas of the skin.
Contributing factors may include:
Cumulative ultraviolet exposure
Age-related changes in skin repair
Genetic predisposition
Reduced ability of the skin to regulate pigment evenly
They often become more noticeable over time without adequate sun protection. Skin boosters are injectable treatments used to improve the appearance of age spots by enhancing overall skin quality rather than directly targeting pigment. Age spots often become more noticeable as skin hydration, resilience, and turnover decline with age and sun exposure. By delivering hyaluronic acid into the skin, skin boosters improve hydration, support repair processes, and promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Over time, this can help soften the appearance of age spots and improve skin clarity, with results developing gradually and naturally.
Assessment focuses on confirming that pigment changes are benign and understanding their depth and distribution. Our medical team evaluates skin type, sun exposure history and any previous treatments.
This allows us to explain which management options may be appropriate and how to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Laser treatment is one of the most commonly discussed options for age spots. Technologies such as PicoSure use ultra-short laser pulses to target pigment while also supporting overall skin quality, making them a popular non-surgical choice for treating sun damage pigmentation.
Improvement depends on the depth and extent of pigmentation. Options discussed at our clinic may include UltraClear laser resurfacing, medical-grade skincare, polynucleotide treatments, skin boosters and Profhilo. The aim is gradual improvement and prevention of recurrence.
No. Age spots develop later in life due to sun damage, while freckles are often genetic and appear earlier.
Age spots are benign. However, any new or changing pigment should be assessed to confirm diagnosis.
They can recur, particularly without sun protection and ongoing skin maintenance.
No. Many people choose not to treat age spots once they understand their nature and progression.
Yes. Age spots most commonly develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, chest and shoulders.
Our team would love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or simply want to explore your treatment options, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you would like to place an online booking you can do this via our online booking system.
Dr Joney De Souza Skin and Laser Clinic is located in central Marylebone and is easily accessible by public transport or car, with Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Baker Street Underground stations all just a short walk away. For those driving, paid on-street parking and nearby public car parks are available, making the clinic convenient to reach from across London, including Mayfair and Soho.
