Have you ever noticed dark spots suddenly appearing on your skin? They could be freckles, sunspots, or maybe something else entirely. In Australia, sun-related skin changes are very common, and while they are a normal part of life, they are also very treatable.
Understanding what type of pigmentation you're dealing with is the first step in choosing the right treatment. Different spots respond to different therapies, so getting an accurate assessment can help you achieve the complexion you're looking for.
What are freckles?
Freckles are small reddish-brown flat spots caused by genetics and sun exposure, typically appearing on your skin in childhood or early adulthood.
Freckles often become more prominent during summer months when you're getting more sun exposure, then fade somewhat during winter. This happens because freckles develop when UV rays trigger an increase in melanin production in specific spots on your skin.
Although you might have mixed feelings about them, freckles themselves are actually quite impressive. Freckles are the skin’s natural way of trying to protect us from harmful UV rays. So, it's safe to say freckles are not sun damage.
What are sunspots?
Spots caused by sun damage are known as sunspots (solar lentigo). They also go by other names such as 'age spots' or 'liver spots'. In contrast to freckles, they are common in people over the age of 40, but they can affect younger people, too. Sunspots occur when UV radiation causes pigmented cells in the skin to multiply.
Sunspots tend to increase in number as we age, particularly with chronic sun exposure. They are common for people of all skin types and mainly affect areas of the body like the face, hands, arms, and shoulders.
Related sun damage conditions
While identifying sunspots, it's worth noting other sun-related skin changes that can appear similar or alongside them:
- Actinic keratosis - rough, scaly patches that feel different from smooth sunspots and require medical attention as they can be precancerous.
- Skin thickening - areas where the skin becomes leathery or thicker due to chronic sun exposure.
- Solar elastosis - yellowing and thickening of the skin, particularly noticeable on the neck and face.
When in doubt, check it out! If you notice any raised, rough, or changing spots rather than flat brown marks, it's important to have them checked by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious sun damage.
Key differences between freckles and sun damage
Freckles are generally smaller in size (1-2mm in diameter) than sunspots and vary from brown to red shades. They often become more noticeable in the summer and fade or disappear when not exposed to the sun. They’re also known to fade with age.
For more information about treating freckles, read everything you need to know about reducing the appearance of freckles.
Sunspots are flat areas of discolouration or spots that can be tan or varying shades of brown. In comparison to freckles, sunspots are usually darker, larger (5-15mm in diameter) and have a more defined shape. Sunspots also tend to stay this way regardless of the amount of sun exposure.
Skin treatments for sun damage
At Victorian Dermal Group, our cosmetic skincare experts recommend the latest laser technology and chemical peels to address sun-damaged or pigmented skin. Here are some of our clinicians' favourites:
Laser treatments
Fraxel Laser
Fraxel is a fractional laser which works by creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This accelerates the body's natural healing process, promoting cell turnover and breaking down damaged pigmented cells.
The fractional approach means faster recovery compared to full-surface laser treatments. For sunspots, this treatment can significantly lighten or reduce pigmentation over 3-5 sessions.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL targets pigmented cells with broad-spectrum light energy. When the melanin absorbs the light energy, it converts to heat, which damages the pigmented cells. These damaged cells then rise to the surface and flake off over 7-14 days following treatment.
IPL is particularly effective for treating larger areas at once, making it ideal for addressing multiple spots. Multiple sessions (typically 3-4) are needed for optimal results.
Chemical Peels
Lactic Acid Peels
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk that works by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface. These peels provide mild exfoliation and gradual pigment reduction. Best suited for sensitive skin or as maintenance treatments, multiple sessions are needed for noticeable improvement of light sunspots.
Tetra-50 Peel
The Tetra-50 is a medium-depth peel that combines four different acids: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and retinoic acid. This combination allows for more aggressive pigment targeting. It’s more effective for stubborn sunspots and can provide significant improvement in 2-3 treatments.
Milk Peel
The Milk Peel is a bio-revitalising treatment that combines low-concentration lactic acid with nourishing milk proteins and amino acids. This gentle formulation works by providing mild exfoliation while simultaneously hydrating and nourishing the skin. It’s suitable for the gradual improvement of light pigmentation with minimal downtime.
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Peels
TCA is a powerful chemical exfoliant that works by causing controlled coagulation of proteins in pigmented cells, which are then shed during the healing process. The strongest option available, TCA peels can dramatically improve sunspots, though they require a longer healing time of 7-14 days.
Recommended skin products for sun damage
Vitamin C Serums (use with sunscreen)
AHA Products (night use only)
Dermaceutic Turn Over
leave-on treatment
Dermaceutic Light Ceutic
leave-on cream
Dermaceutic Foamer 15
cleanser
Sunscreen
Why a skin consultation matters
Playing detective with your own skin spots rarely ends well. Professional assessment ensures you're treating the right type of pigmentation with the right method, rather than wasting months on treatments that were never going to work for your particular spots.
What looks like sunspots might actually be freckles, and they require different approaches. During a consultation, clinicians can also identify any concerning spots that need medical attention rather than cosmetic treatment, using professional tools that reveal details invisible to the naked eye.
A consultation saves you from frustrating trial-and-error approaches and ensures you invest in treatments that will actually deliver results for your specific skin concerns.
Recommended next steps
When it comes to sun damage, prevention should be your first priority. Consistent sun protection prevents new pigmentation from developing and stops existing spots from darkening or multiplying. In Australia's harsh sun, daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ is absolutely essential for maintaining healthy skin and protecting any treatment results you achieve.
Ready to take action? Our team of highly trained skin clinicians will provide you with tailored advice and exceptional, results-focused treatment. Contact us to book your initial consultation.
Your FAQs about freckles and sunspots
Can you repair skin damage from the sun?
Sun damage can be effectively managed and significantly improved, but complete reversal isn't always possible. Sunspots respond well to laser treatments, chemical peels, and IPL therapy, which can lighten or significantly reduce many spots by targeting damaged cells.
While treatments can dramatically improve appearance, some deeper damage may only be reduced rather than completely eliminated. Multiple sessions are needed for the best results.
When should I be worried about freckles and sun damage spots?
Freckles are not considered to be harmful to your health, but are still an important signal that you may have spent too much time in the sun.
Sunspots (solar lentigo) generally don’t pose a threat to your health either. However, their presence can indicate chronic exposure to UV light, which is a risk factor for melanoma.
In Australia, where the sun is especially harsh, it’s important to keep track of any changes to your skin, including freckles and sunspots. For spots that grow quickly, change in appearance or seem unusual, consult your doctor immediately.
How else does the sun affect my skin’s surface?
Monitoring freckles and sunspots should also involve keeping an eye out for other skin changes, too. Sun exposure affects the skin in a myriad of ways, including:
- Fine lines
- Dryness
- Skin laxity
- Melasma
- Moles
Some of these changes to our skin are inevitable with our natural ageing process, but excess UV rays can accelerate them. Contact the team at Victorian Dermal Group for further information on sun damage management.
