I am 28 years old and I'm starting to get freckle-like spots on my face! Could they be from the sun? (Photo)

Question

I work construction and am exposed to the sun for hours. I don't have health insurance but im really worried about these spots.

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Sun exposure inevitably causes spots of varying degree. Since you are exposed daily, you should be sure to apply a waterproof sunscreen and reapply if you sweat it off during the day.

Wear a hat - even if you're wearing a construction helmet, wearing a brimmed hat beneath (if allowed) will prevent some of the sun hitting the same spots all day long.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

thank you for your question.  IPL treatment treats red vessels, hyperpigmentation and it improves the texture of your skin by producing collagen and elastin. you will pepper after the treatment and the dark spots will appear darker before they flake off. do not be alarmed.  This takes 2-4 days depending on your skin type and the intensity of the treatment.Always consult with a physician to make sure you are a good candidate

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

It definitely could be, and great photo! It is hard to exactly assess based off the photo.  A physician needs an in person view to feel if there is any scaling or texture. If they are age spots which is mostly likely then I would recommend that if you haven't already start using a broad spectrum sun protection 30 SPF or greater and put it on about every 2 hours. Then when you have received the mist sun exposure I would recommend seeking out treatment within your budget for pigment laser such as Q switched Alex laser.  However, seek out a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgen with training in lasers particularly pigmentation lasers.

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

Freckles can be hereditary but with sun exposure they become darker and more numerous. Over time some can become larger and even premalignant. Treatment options include chemical peels, some lasers  and, when worrisome, excision of specific lesions. Sunblock is helpful in protecting skin.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hyperpigmentation can ruin your skin and can be caused by either PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), melasma, age or sun spots, and chronic inflammation.  Starting treatment is easy with topical creams; followed by laser and light therapy. I would use a combination skincare protocol that includes topical Melarase creams first, followed by a combination of light fractional laser, depigmenting lasers and IPL, vascular pulsed dye laser, and Covalent peels. 
  
Recommended Creams: Melarase Brightening Kit
  
MelaClenz
  Melarase AM
  Melarase PM
  Melapads
  Replenish Retinoid Cream
  Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Lumecca IPL is one of several types of light radiations used to treat various skin ailments. Lumecca IPL is an effective solution for pigmentation problems, the visible signs of sun damage and aging, and skin texture collection. Most conventional IPL methods might call for a lot of repetitions to obtain perfect results, but with Lumecca IPL, most cases may only require one to two treatment sessions to show results. The procedure is non-invasive and does not cause any discomfort. Recovery after the procedure is also almost instantaneous. As long as you take good care of your skin, use sunblock (at least SPF 30), and avoid harsh chemicals after the treatment, you will be able to ensure excellent results.Schedule an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can determine if Lumecca IPL is the best option for you.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Travis.  Yes, it's possible that what you are seeing is sun spots or freckles, especially because you work outside for a living.  With that said, there are good options to help with sun damage, including lasers and BBL (IPL).  
Because we cannot see the photos well, we would like to introduce one other possibility.  Although rare, some men do experience Melasma, which creates patches of pigment on the cheeks, upper lip  and forehead.  If the spots you are concerned about appear more like blotches or blobs of pigment on the cheeks, we may suggest a different treatment with topical medication applied directly to the surface of the skin.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be from sun exposure. Freckles can be improved with a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, peels, Cosmelan and skin care. Sun protection is essential. I recommend getting  a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Fraxel would be the best way to remove these sun spots.  Fraxel is the "magic eraser" and remove the sun damage in two sessions spaced one month apart. Please consult an expert in Fraxel and other cosmetic lasers. Best of luck!

Fereydoon S. Mahjouri, MD · Answer

Yes, your age spots could be caused from sun exposure. You should be wearing a SPF 50 sunscreen and reapplying it often during the day. An IPL laser series would help to lighten your pigment. It generally takes at least three treatments spaced one month apart to effectively lighten pigment. You cannot be in the sun after a laser treatment.

I am 28 years old and I'm starting to get freckle-like spots on my face! Could they be from the sun? (Photo)

Answers (19)

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