Sunspots

Welcome to BonneVieMD Aesthetics

Reduce Uneven Skin Pigmentation in Worthington, OH

Sunspots—also called liver spots, age spots, brown spots, or the medical term solar lentigines—are flat, tan to dark-brown patches that develop on sun-exposed skin such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest. They form when ultraviolet (UV) light triggers excess melanin production in localized areas over time. While most sunspots we see at our Worthington, OH practice are benign and not painful, many people find they create an uneven, weathered look that adds years to the complexion. The good news: with today’s medically-based skincare and energy-based treatments, we can safely fade the appearance of these spots and help prevent new ones from forming.

Have questions about your sunspots? Contact BonneVieMD Aesthetics in Worthington, OH—proudly serving the Columbus area—to schedule a personalized sunspot evaluation. Call 614.368.7600, book online, or send us a message.

Are Sunspots the Same as Freckles or Moles?

Not exactly. Freckles darken and lighten with sun exposure and are more common in lighter skin types. Sunspots (solar lentigines) tend to persist year-round and usually show up later in life after cumulative UV exposure. Unlike moles, they are flat, uniform in color, and do not raise from the skin. Any spot that changes, bleeds, or looks different from your other lesions should be examined to rule out skin cancer.

Who Gets Sunspots?

Anyone with a history of sun or tanning bed exposure can develop them. They are especially common after the age of 40, but younger adults with significant UV exposure may notice them earlier. People with Fitzpatrick skin types I–III often develop classic sunspots, while those with darker skin tones may experience uneven pigment or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; we tailor care to every skin tone to support safe outcomes.

Causes, Risk Factors, and When to See Us

What Causes Solar Lentigines?

Cumulative UV exposure stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to create concentrated melanin. Over time, these clusters become visible as age spots. Genetics, outdoor occupations, and a history of sunburns all increase risk.

Common Risk Factors

Chronic sun exposure without broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection
Tanning bed use
Fair skin, light eyes, or red/blond hair
Outdoor sports and occupations
Photosensitizing medications (certain antibiotics, diuretics, or acne therapies)

If you notice rapid changes in a brown spot—such as irregular borders, multiple colors, bleeding, or new itching—book an assessment promptly.

Treatment Options We Offer for Brown Spots and Solar Lentigines

Precision Light and Laser Therapies

Energy-based devices target excess pigment while helping preserve the surrounding skin. Depending on your skin type and goals, we may recommend intense pulsed light (IPL) for superficial discoloration or fractional laser resurfacing to address more stubborn spots and overall texture. Most patients need a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart. Temporary darkening or flaking is normal as pigment lifts; we provide detailed, skin-type-specific aftercare to support healing.

Medical-Grade Chemical Peels

Supervised chemical peels—such as alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid blends or trichloroacetic acid at appropriate strengths—can visibly brighten diffuse sun damage and soften the look of liver spots. Peel plans are customized by concentration and depth to fit your downtime and season. We avoid deeper peels in recently tanned skin and always prepare with sun protection and pigment-balancing skincare.

Topical Skincare That Makes A Difference

Daily, consistent skincare helps both fade existing discoloration and prevent recurrence. We build regimens that may include mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+), antioxidants (vitamin C), retinoids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and hydroquinone when appropriate and time-limited. We review medication history and skin tone to reduce the risk of irritation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

Your plan depends on spot depth, distribution, skin tone, lifestyle, and tolerance for downtime. Many patients see the best cosmetic improvement with a combined approach—such as IPL plus prescription brightening and diligent sunscreen.

Prevention and At-Home Care

Daily Habits That Help

Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant mineral sunscreen SPF 30+ every morning; reapply every two hours outdoors.

Wear a wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and UPF clothing when possible. – Seek shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and avoid tanning beds. – Use a vitamin C antioxidant serum in the morning and a retinoid in the evening as tolerated. – Moisturize to maintain the skin barrier and reduce irritation risk from actives.

FAQs: Quick Answers About Sunspots

Are Sunspots Dangerous?

Typical age spots are benign. However, any lesion that changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms should be examined. We can help determine whether a biopsy or referral is needed.

Will Sunspots Go Away on Their Own?

Most do not fully fade without targeted care. Many improve meaningfully with sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and in-office treatments such as IPL, lasers, or chemical peels.

How Many Sunspot Treatments Will I Need?

Plans vary. For common facial sunspots, a series of 2–4 IPL sessions or a tailored sequence of peels is common, paired with daily sunscreen and brightening skincare for maintenance.

Is Treatment Safe for Darker Skin Tones?

Yes, with careful assessment and parameter selection. We may favor certain wavelengths, lower energies, and pigment-balancing skincare to support safety and reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Beyond Sunspots: More Treatment Options

In addition to sunspots, BonneVieMD Aesthetics also provides treatments for a variety of other concerns, such as facial wrinkles, volume loss, texture changes to the skin, scars, enlarged pores, and more. We offer options such as relaxers and fillers, and an extensive range of skin rejuvenation treatments.

Hand picked top specialists in the industry

Meet our experts

Addie Flood

MSN, APRN, CNP

Dina Maynard

Aesthetics Nurse

Haley Holt

Medical Aesthetician

Melissa Clevenger

MSN, FNP-C

Dina Maynard

Aesthetics Nurse

Haley Holt

Medical Aesthetician

Meet the team

Take control of sun damage today! Contact BonneVieMD Aesthetics to book your personalized sunspot evaluation for Worthington, Columbus, and the surrounding areas. Call 614.368.7600, book online, or send us a message.

expert Care rooted in understanding

At BonneVieMD Aesthetics

At BonneVieMD Aesthetics, we believe in pairing expert care with a comprehensive understanding of your needs and goals. That’s why we’ve carefully curated an extensive menu of top-tier services that deliver real results. Our team will provide you with the professional, personalized advice you need to choose the right treatments and products that align with your unique needs and goals. You can be rest assured that you will leave our sophisticated space with a revitalized, renewed sense of confidence!

about the clinic

expert Care rooted in understanding

At BonneVieMD Aesthetics

At BonneVieMD Aesthetics, every visit is designed to be more than a treatment—it’s a complete experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a calm, sophisticated environment where your comfort and confidence always come first. Our highly trained team takes the time to understand your individual goals, creating a personalized plan that combines advanced medical expertise with an artful, thoughtful touch. Using state-of-the-art technology, clinical precision, and genuine compassion, we deliver results that look natural and feel transformative. You’ll leave feeling renewed, confident, and truly cared for inside and out.

about the clinic

More than 250 five-star reviews on Google

What our clients say

5/5

I have had such positive experiences at BonneVie. Dina is absolutely amazing and so knowledgeable. I am 40 and people often think I am much younger after having treatments with her. I have also seen both injectors and they are so friendly and informative- never pushy. The space is so beautiful and welcoming. You have to try it!

Harlow H.Injectables

5/5

Haley is the BEST! I love coming to her to relax and treat my skin. She is extremely knowledgeable and relatable. She thoroughly explains everything step by step and prepares a long term plan for your skin health.

Kay B.Skincare