Dark Spots on the Face – Causes & Care

Dark spots on the skin, which some also refer to as age spots, are a common skin concern that many people experience, particularly as they grow older. They can appear on the face, arms and legs, among other parts of the body, and can often be mistaken for freckles due to their similar appearance. While dark spots are harmless, they can have an impact on confidence and self-esteem. 

There are several reasons dark spots may appear on the skin. This article discusses dark spots due to sun exposure and aging. 

1. Sun Exposure: Dark spots can be caused by sun exposure and are very common in adults older than 50, though they can appear earlier if skin is exposed to the sun. For this reason, these dark spots are also sometimes referred to as sun spots.  
   When exposed to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed, the skin produces more melanin in an effort to protect itself from further UV damage. If skin is exposed to too much sun over a long period of time, dark blotches on the skin concentrated in the most commonly exposed areas such as the face, hands, and décolletage may appear.  
2. Aging: Dark spots can also appear on the skin as a natural response to aging and can be referred to as age spots. As skin ages, melanin in the skin can shift and become concentrated in certain areas, resulting in an [uneven skin tone].

Benign dark spots on the skin caused by aging or sun exposure are completely normal, but they can be a source of self-consciousness for some.  

Thankfully, minimizing the look of dark spots on the skin does not have to require expensive dermatological treatments. While you cannot completely get rid of dark spots with over-the-counter skincare products, there are several products that can help reduce their appearance. 

With Eucerin’s Radiant Tone line of skincare products, you can help visibly reduce the look of persistent dark spots due to aging and sun exposure with regular use, and when used as directed. 

Note: When incorporating Eucerin® Radiant Tone products into your skincare routine, be sure to limit the collective use of Radiant Tone products (excluding the Gel Cleanser) to 4 times a day. Do not use on skin with active acne or irritation, and for best skin compatibility, use products from within the Radiant Tone range. 

Eucerin Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel gently cleanses the skin and helps restore skin’s radiance 

With a powerful 2% AHA Complex, this cleanser gently exfoliates while helping maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft. Eucerin Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel is appropriate for all skin types. 

Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Dual Serum addresses dark spots due to sun exposure and aging as well as uneven skin tone, dullness, and lack of radiance. Enriched with Thiamidol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Licochalcone A, this serum is appropriate for all skin types and can be used day or night. This dark spot serum visibly reduces the look of persistent dark spots due to aging and sun exposure and helps improve skin clarity for younger-looking, visibly even skin over time with regular use. 

*Eucerin Serum - 44 subjects. Excludes Daily Lotion, Night Cream, & Eye Corrector

Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, the Eucerin Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Dual Serum helps smooth the look of fine lines & wrinkles, and provides a more radiant appearance with regular use.

**Eucerin Serum - after 4wks. Home in use test- 119 respondents. Excludes Daily Lotion, Night Cream, & Eye Corrector

Apply on well-cleansed face. Gently massage into skin before moving on to other steps in your skincare routine. Avoid direct eye contact.

Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Daily Lotion with Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen is recommended for dark spots due to sun exposure, imperfections and aging, and can improve skin’s radiance in as little as 2 weeks. With regular use, this daily lotion with SPF 30 diminishes the look of persistent dark spots due to sun exposure, imperfections and aging, and helps prevent their reappearance with regular use. 

Eucerin Radiant Tone Night Cream formulated with Thiamidol, helps to visibly reduce the look of dark spots due to sun exposure, imperfections and aging while you sleep. This dark spot corrector supports a visibly renewed appearance and helps restore skin’s radiance, helping to maintain even-looking skin with regular use. 

Eucerin® Radiant Tone Eye Cream – Dark Circle Corrector formulated with Thiamidol and Hyaluronic Acid instantly brightens the under-eye area and helps reduce the look of puffiness. Light-reflecting pigments instantly deliver a brighter, more illuminated look, and with regular use, this eye cream helps to visibly reduce the look of  dark circles over time.  

Proper sun protection is essential in helping to prevent sun-induced dark spots on the skin. Follow the proceeding sun-protection guidelines to help prevent sun spots from appearing on the skin:

1. Avoid sun exposure at peak hours of the day when UV exposure is the strongest. Seek shade or stay indoors during the hours of 10am to 4pm to reduce exposure to harmful UV rays. 
2. When spending time outdoors, seek shade when possible.  
3. Wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize the amount of skin exposed to the sun. 
4. For any skin that is exposed to the sun, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, using as directed and re-applying regularly. 
5. Use sunscreen daily, year-round, even in colder months or on overcast days. 

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to: 

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin 
2. Improve the appearance of the skin 
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin