The Science Behind Sunspots and the Technology That Gets Rid of Them

If you’re tired of concealing or covering up unsightly sunspots, you’re not alone. Anyone who’s spent time in the sun is at risk of developing sunspots, sometimes called liver spots or age spots. But why do they form in the first place?    

Our board-certified dermatologists at Manhattan Dermatology in New York City want to help you understand how sunspots form and the laser resurfacing technology we use at our Murray Hill and Midtown East offices to get rid of them.  

Keep reading to learn more about these areas of pigmented skin and how the power of lasers can make them disappear. 

The science behind how sunspots form

The sunlight may fade away each day, but the marks it leaves on your skin are permanent. This is because ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun break down skin cells faster than they would normally break down.

When you’re young, your body repairs the noticeable damage quickly. But starting in your early 20s, your body’s production of collagen begins to slow. And it continues to slow as you get older, resulting in photoaging.

Photoaging, or the aging of your skin from the sun, shows up as premature aging of your skin. With it, you get sunspots, uneven pigmentation, and wrinkles. Photoaging is so damaging to skin that medical researchers believe about 80% of the visible signs of aging occur as a result of it.  

Fighting sun damage with laser technology 

Nonsurgical laser resurfacing is a noninvasive treatment for repairing skin damage caused by the sun. Not only does it reduce the appearance of sunspots, but it also smooths wrinkles, minimizes the appearance of scars and textural blemishes, and gives you firmer, clearer skin.

At Manhattan Dermatology, we understand that treating sunspots isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Based on your individual skin condition and aesthetic goals, we recommend the best type of laser for your needs. We offer:

• Fraxel® Dual fractional laser 
• Sciton® Contour TRL™ 
• Clear + Brilliant® fractional laser 
• Clear + Brilliant Perméa® 

All our laser resurfacing treatments use the power of heat and light energy to tackle your sunspots and other skin damage. 

The lasers emit different pulses of concentrated light to safely remove the surface layer of skin cells while stimulating the tissues in the deeper layers of your skin.

The result? Your body creates new, healthy skin cells and diminishes the appearance of sunspots, wrinkles, and other sun damage. At the same time, laser resurfacing improves your skin’s texture and tone, leaving you with healthier, younger-looking skin. 

One of the best things about laser resurfacing is that you don’t have to worry about scalpels, needles, or injections. You can leave after your treatment, and recovery time ranges from 3-7 days, depending on your treatment. 

While you benefit from one round of this FDA-approved therapy, you may get the best results from a series of laser resurfacing treatments. We create a personalized plan to get you the results you desire.  

If you’re ready to banish sunspots, contact Manhattan Dermatology in the Murray Hill or Midtown East sections of Manhattan. You can call the office or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment now.