Solar Lentigo Treatment in Singapore – Causes, Sun Spots & Pigmentation Removal
Solar lentigo, commonly known as sun spots, age spots or liver spots, is a benign form of skin pigmentation caused primarily by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These flat, brown or dark spots commonly develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, cheeks, forehead, hands, arms and shoulders.
Also known as solar lentigines (plural), these brown pigmentation spots develop when repeated UV exposure increases the number and activity of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), leading to excess melanin accumulation within the skin.
Although sun spots and age spots are generally harmless, they can become more noticeable with age, particularly after 40. Unlike freckles, solar lentigines usually do not fade significantly when sun exposure decreases.
What Do Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots & Age Spots) Look Like?
Solar lentigines typically appear as flat, well-defined brown pigmentation spots that may be round, oval or irregular in shape.
Common characteristics include:
- Colour: Light brown, tan, dark brown or occasionally almost black.
- Size: From a few millimetres to several centimetres.
- Texture: Usually smooth and flat, although some may appear slightly scaly.
- Location: Commonly found on the face, cheeks, forehead, hands, arms, shoulders and décolletage.
Solar lentigines can occur in all skin tones but are more common in individuals with fair skin and a history of prolonged sun exposure.
While sun spots, age spots and freckles may look similar, they are not necessarily the same pigmentation condition. Melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, seborrheic keratosis and certain skin cancers can also resemble brown spots.
A medical assessment is important to distinguish these conditions, particularly when a pigmented lesion changes in size, shape, colour or appearance.
What Treatments Are Available for Solar Lentigo, Sun Spots & Age Spots in Singapore?
Pigmentation laser treatments use selected wavelengths of light to target excess melanin within solar lentigines. The pigment absorbs the laser energy, which breaks it into smaller particles that the body gradually clears. Depending on the characteristics of the pigmentation, treatment may involve:
- Pigment-Targeting Lasers: Selected wavelengths, such as 532 nm, 755 nm and 1064 nm, may help target different pigmentation characteristics.
- Combination Laser Treatments: Doctors may use different laser wavelengths or technologies when treating multiple types of pigmentation.
- Topical Pigmentation Treatments: Selected topical ingredients may support improvement in uneven skin tone and ongoing pigmentation management.
- Sun Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen helps limit further UV-induced pigmentation and the formation of new sun spots.
Solar Lentigo & Age Spot Treatment at Ensoul Medical Clinic Singapore
At Ensoul Medical Clinic, our doctors assess different types of brown spots, sun spots, age spots and facial pigmentation to determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Dr Kenneth Thean explains the differences between common brown pigmentation conditions and how medical laser technologies may be used to address them.
As not all brown spots are solar lentigines, an accurate diagnosis is important before selecting treatment. Depending on the skin condition, pigmentation depth and individual response, treatment may involve selected laser wavelengths or a combination of technologies.