Having dark spots on the legs and arms is a common skin concern that affects individuals regardless of skin color and skin type, and they can be caused by a number of factors. Learn more about what can cause dark spots on the legs and arms and how to help manage them with Eucerin®.
What do dark spots on the legs and arms look like?
Dark spots on legs and arms can appear as areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin. These dark spots can vary in size and shape, and they might be slightly raised or have the same texture as the rest of the skin.
The color of dark spots can range from light brown to black, depending on the person’s skin tone and the underlying cause1.
Dark spots caused by the sun can appear as flat spots with ovular or round shapes and uneven edges, usually darker than freckles and noticeably darker than the skin that surrounds them. They vary in size and, unlike freckles, these dark spots don’t fade during colder months of the year2.
If you have concerns about dark spots on your body, arms and legs , be sure to contact a trusted healthcare provider .
What causes dark spots on arms and legs?
Dark spots on the skin can be triggered by a number of factors, including:
Sun exposure
Sun exposure is a common trigger of dark spots on the skin, particularly on the arms and legs as these are some areas of the body most commonly exposed to the sun. When the sun’s harmful UV rays reach the skin, they cause damage. Over time, this damage creates a response in the skin that leads to signs of photoaging like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles in a process known as photoaging3.
Imperfections
It’s not uncommon to see a dark spot after an injury, but even smaller, everyday cuts and blemishes can cause dark spots after healing4, particularly in those with darker skin tones.
Aging
As we age, our skin can become more dry which can lead to dullness, and can show signs of cumulative sun exposure known as age spots5, contributing to an uneven skin tone.
If you have concerns about dark spots on your body, arms and legs, be sure to contact a trusted healthcare provider.
How to help reduce the appearance of dark spots on legs and arms
Can you completely get rid of dark spots on your arms and legs?
Unfortunately, no, but there are some steps you can take to help visibly reduce the look of dark spots on the skin for a more even skin tone through a combination of preventative measures and skincare solutions.
Skincare to visibly reduce dark spots on legs and arms
While you can’t completely get rid of dark spots on your arms and legs, you can help reduce their appearance with consistent use of specially formulated skincare products. Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Body Lotion and Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Body Cream are part of the Radiant Tone Body line, designed to help reduce the appearance of dark spots due to aging, and sun exposure.
Formulated with Thiamidol, Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidant Licochalcone A, Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Body Lotion improves skin’s radiance in as little as 2 weeks and visibly reduces the look of persistent dark spots* over time, with regular use. This daily moisturizing body lotion has a clinically proven formula. It is suitable for all skin tones and provides 72-hour hydration with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture.
* Visibly reduces the look of dark spots due to sun exposure and aging.
For a fast-absorbing, lightweight body cream, try Eucerin® Radiant Tone Dark Spot Corrector Body Cream. Formulated with Thiamidol, this body cream effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots due to aging,and sun exposure with regular use, leaving skin looking more even and revitalized. Its formula with Lactic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B5 gently exfoliates the skin while providing 72-hour hydration. This body cream is suitable for daily use on all skin types.
*With regular use. Use as directed.
Exfoliating skin for a more even skin tone
When addressing dark spots, exfoliating the skin can help to remove dead skin cells on the skin’s surface to reveal smoother and more radiant-looking skin underneath. Using products that contain gentle chemical exfoliants, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) for example, while also providing moisture to the skin can help achieve beneficial results6.
Physical exfoliation techniques like dry brushing may also be beneficial in removing dead skin from the surface of your skin to help encourage a more even skin tone7.
When establishing an exfoliating routine, be sure to consider your skin type and the type of exfoliant and go gently so that you don’t irritate your skin.
Helping to prevent dark spots caused by the sun
When it comes to sun-induced dark spots, prevention is important. Taking consistent, proper sun protection measures can help delay and reduce the likelihood of developing sun-induced dark spots on your skin3.
Keep skin protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays by following proper sun protection protocols such as:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours of the day.
- Seeking shade when spending time outdoors in the daylight.
- Wearing sunscreen every day, Be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 daily, even on overcast days.
- Applying and reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating, following the directions on the packaging.
- Wearing protective clothing outdoors such as a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves and long pants when possible.
For broad-spectrum UV protection for the face and body, explore the Eucerin Sun Protection range.
Managing dark spots on the arms and legs and with Eucerin Radiant Tone body products formulated with Thiamidol®
Dark spots on your arms and legs may be a source of self-consciousness, and Eucerin® Radiant Tone is here to help. Uniquely formulated with Thiamidol*, Radiant Tone body products help visibly reduce the look of persistent dark spots due to sun exposure,and aging, when used regularly.
* Limit the collective use of Radiant Tone body products to two times daily. Do not use on active acne breakouts or irritated skin.
Dark spots on legs and arms FAQs (5)
-
Why are dark spots on legs and arms so common?
Dark spots on skin are commonly caused by cumulative sun exposure known as photoaging. Since our arms and legs are frequently exposed to the sun during warmer months, these areas of our body can experience more sun damage and show signs like dark spots if not properly protected1.
-
Are dark spots on my legs and arms dangerous?
Dark spots caused by the sun, and aging are generally harmless8. However, with sun exposure comes an increased risk of skin cancer9. If you are concerned about any new or changing dark spots on your skin, be sure to contact a dermatologist for further guidance.
-
Can you completely get rid of dark spots on your arms and legs?
You cannot erase dark spots entirely, but you may be able to help visibly reduce dark spots with specially formulated skincare products.
-
Can exfoliating help get rid of dark spots?
Exfoliating skin cannot remove dark spots, but it can help to buff away dead skin on the surface to reveal more radiant skin underneath. When a contributing factor to uneven skin tone is dullness from dryness, gentle exfoliation can help to foster a more even skin tone.
-
How can I help visibly reduce dark spots on my arms and legs without expensive dermatological procedures?
For dark spots caused by the sun, and aging, incorporate Eucerin® Radiant Tone products formulated with Thiamidol into your skincare routine. With consistent daily use, you can see skin become more radiant in as little as 2 weeks.
Citation
- Clinic, C. Skin Discoloration: Causes, Conditions & Treatments. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/11014-skin-discoloration.
- Mayo Clinic. Sun damage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/in-depth/sun-damage/art-20546834.
- 5 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer. Sun-Damaged Skin: Photoaging, Signs, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself.
- Lawrence, E.; Al Aboud, K. M. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. PubMed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559150/.
- Mayo Clinic. Age spots (liver spots) - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/age-spots/symptoms-causes/syc-20355859.
- Santos-Longhurst, A. Meaning of Exfoliating: What Is It, Why You Should, and How to Start. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/meaning-of-exfoliating.
- Here’s How (and How Often) to Exfoliate Your Face and Body for Healthier Skin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-body.
- Liver Spots: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21723-liver-spots.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun Safety Facts. Skin Cancer. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html.
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:
- Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
- Improve the appearance of the skin
- Achieve healthier-looking skin
Our brand values
We deliver a holistic approach to help keep your skin healthy-looking and radiant.
For over 100 years, we have dedicated ourselves to researching and innovating in the field of skin science. We believe in creating active ingredients and soothing formulas with high tolerability that work to help you live your life better each day.
We work together with leading dermatologist and pharmacist partners around the world to create innovative and effective skincare products they can trust and recommend.













