SKIN CONDITIONS

Freckles & age spots

Freckles and age spots are common pigmentation changes influenced by sun exposure.

  • Freckles form as the skin produces pigment in response to sunlight
  • Age spots are persistent solar lentigines
  • Treatment options include BBL, laser and topical products
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Freckles and sun-related pigmentation across a woman’s upper face Book a skin treatment assessment with a nurse

Freckles form when the skin produces more melanin, its natural pigment, in response to sunlight. A tendency to freckle is inherited.

Age spots, also called solar lentigines, develop with cumulative sun exposure and commonly appear on the face, hands, forearms and chest.

What do they look like?

Usually irregular-shaped tan or brown patches with well-defined edges. The surface can be smooth or rough. They often appear after periods of increased sun exposure — at the end of summer or after a holiday.

Dr Chris Miller
Written by Dr Chris Miller Accredited skin cancer doctor

MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Lentigines on a woman's hands

Age spots (solar lentigines) on the back of a woman’s hands.

large dark lentigo on a man's cheek

Large solar lentigo on a man’s right cheek

Close-up photo of a woman's face. Multiple freckles and a large irregular lentigo on her cheek.

Freckles and a larger solar lentigo on a woman’s face

For a detailed comparison of laser, BBL, cryotherapy and topical options, see our guide to freckle and age spot removal.

Who gets freckles and age spots?

Most common on fair-skinned older people but can appear at all ages and on all skin types.

Progression

Some spots become raised and develop into seborrhoeic keratoses (thickening of the top layer of skin). Occasionally, lentigines become inflamed and develop into lichenoid keratoses, which usually resolve and disappear without treatment.

Treatments for freckles & age spots

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BBL (BroadBand Light) intense pulsed light treatments

BBL (BroadBand Light) is Sciton's advanced light-based treatment for sun-damaged skin, pigmentation, rosacea and other skin conditions.
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Laser and BBL for pigmentation

Laser, BBL or a combination, selected according to your pigmentation and skin.
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Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy destroys cells by freezing them and is useful for selected superficial lesions such as lentigines and seborrhoeic keratoses. Clinical assessment is important before treatment.
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Topical treatments

Evidence-based topical treatments including retinoids, vitamin C and vitamin B3 (niacinamide) can help manage pigmentation and support long-term skin health.

Managing freckles with a skin care routine

To keep freckles under control, you need a regular skin care routine.

Sunscreen every day

Freckles and age spots tend to appear after long periods of sun exposure, often at relatively low intensity. Because they tend to appear on uncovered areas such as the face and backs of hands, applying sunscreen every day – even in winter – can help prevent them.

Topical skin care

Topical skin care products such as retinoids and vitamin C can reduce pigment production by increasing skin cell turnover and reducing the activity of enzymes that contribute to melanin production.

Treat freckles and age spots

Freckles and age spots can be improved with BBL, laser or topical treatments. A pigmentation assessment helps determine the right approach for your skin.

Book a skin treatment assessment with a nurse