Sun spot and age spot treatment in Massapequa
Flat brown spots on your face, hands, chest and shoulders that seem to multiply after every summer. At Skin Space in Massapequa, we help clients across Long Island fade sun spots and even out sun damage with light-based treatments, timed around the seasons for the best results.
Also known as liver spots, brown spots, sun freckles, solar lentigines and sun damage.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jimenez, Medical Director. Last reviewed September 2026.
What sun spots are
Your skin's record of time in the sun.
Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are flat areas of extra pigment caused by UV exposure. They show up where skin gets the most sun over the years: the face, backs of the hands, chest, shoulders and arms.
Despite the name, age spots aren't caused by age itself. They appear later in life because sun damage builds up over decades. They're harmless, but any spot that looks different from the others should be checked before cosmetic treatment.
Sun spots
Flat, well-defined brown spots that range from freckle-sized to over an inch across.
Sun freckles
Clusters of small tan spots across the nose, cheeks and shoulders that darken in summer.
Mottled sun damage
Uneven, patchy pigment across an area rather than distinct spots.
Patches that are symmetrical and linked to hormones may be melasma, which needs a different approach. For broader discoloration, see hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
What causes it
Mostly sun, built up over years.
UV light triggers pigment cells to produce more melanin to protect the skin. Over time, some areas keep overproducing and form lasting spots.
- Cumulative sun exposure, including everyday sun on drives and walks, not just beach days.
- Past sunburns, especially in childhood and the teen years.
- Tanning beds, which deliver concentrated UV exposure.
- Fair skin, which tends to form sun spots earlier and more easily.
- Skipping sunscreen on hands and chest, two areas people often forget.
Sun spot treatments at Skin Space
Your Skin Space provider will check every spot and your skin tone before choosing a treatment.
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IPL Spot Treatment
Intense pulsed light targeted at individual spots. The light is absorbed by the extra pigment, which darkens and flakes away over the following days.
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IPL Photofacial
IPL applied across a whole area to treat multiple spots, freckling and mottled sun damage at once, while also reducing redness.
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Tribella
Combines IPL for pigment with radiofrequency and nano-fractional resurfacing, treating sun spots along with fine lines and texture in the same session.
Also used alongside these
- PRXA no-heat option to brighten skin and improve tone for clients who aren't suited to IPL.
- BioRePeelA gentle peel that helps fade surface pigment between light-based sessions.
What to expect at Skin Space
From your first visit in Massapequa to clearer skin.
Spot check
We look at every spot you want treated. Anything that looks unusual is referred to a dermatologist before any cosmetic treatment.
Your plan
Your provider chooses spot or full-area treatment, checks your skin tone and recent sun exposure, and explains what to expect.
Treatment
Spots usually darken first, then flake off over one to two weeks. Sessions are spaced about a month apart.
Protect your results
Daily sunscreen keeps new spots from forming. Many clients book a yearly touch-up after summer.
Preventing new sun spots
Treatment clears spots; sun protection keeps them away.
- Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, including your hands, chest and the back of your neck.
- Reapply when you're outdoors, every two hours and after swimming.
- Add a vitamin C serum in the morning for extra antioxidant protection under sunscreen.
- Cover up with hats, sunglasses and UPF clothing during long days outside.
- Plan treatments for fall and winter. IPL works best on untanned skin, so the months after Long Island's beach season are the ideal time to clear summer damage.
When to see a dermatologist
Not every brown spot is a sun spot.
Have a dermatologist check any spot before cosmetic treatment if it:
- Is new, or has changed in size, shape or color
- Has uneven borders or more than one color
- Is raised, rough, scaly, itchy or bleeding
- Looks different from your other spots
- Doesn't fade or comes back quickly after treatment
We won't treat a spot that should be checked first, and we'll refer you to a dermatologist if anything looks unusual. A yearly skin check is a good habit for anyone with sun damage.
Common questions
Are sun spots dangerous?
True sun spots are harmless, but they're a sign of sun damage, and some skin cancers can look similar at first. That's why we check every spot before treating it.
Do sun spots come back after treatment?
Treated spots usually stay gone, but new ones can form with more sun exposure. Daily sunscreen and a yearly touch-up keep skin clear.
Why do my spots look darker after IPL?
That's expected. The pigment rises to the surface and darkens before it flakes away, usually within one to two weeks.
When is the best time of year to treat sun spots?
Fall and winter. IPL works best on untanned skin, and it's easier to avoid sun while your skin heals.
Can you treat age spots on my hands?
Yes. The backs of the hands are one of the most common areas we treat, along with the chest and face.
Where can I get sun spots removed near Massapequa?
Skin Space is a med spa in Massapequa, NY, serving clients from across Long Island. Every plan starts with a consultation and a look at each spot.
Reviewed by Dr. Jimenez
Medical Director at Skin Space in Massapequa, NY. This page was reviewed for medical accuracy in September 2026.
