If you’re catching a glimpse of new dark spots in the mirror, it’s likely they’re sun spots. The good news? Sun spots can often be treated at home or with the help of a dermatologist.
To share expert insights on all things sun spots, dark spots and age spots, Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist, stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY, bringing with her some expert-approved products that may help.
Below, discover the serums, patches and creams that experts recommend for treating and preventing sun spots, starting at just $11.
Best sun spot treatments, as seen on the 3rd Hour of TODAY
As pesky as active pimples can be, Engelman says post-blemish dark spots can linger even after the breakout is gone, making targeted care an important step for a more even-looking complexion. These easy-to-use patches, which previously earned a place in our Mature Beauty Awards, contain niacinamide and vitamin C to help fade the appearance of discoloration with repeated use. The patches are designed to be used for six to eight hours at a time, so they’re smart to stick on before bed and wear overnight.
Engelman’s non-negotiable for any skincare routine? A daily vitamin C serum. Especially important for those looking to address dark spots, age spots and sun spots, vitamin C helps brighten the look of uneven skin tone while providing antioxidant protection.
Roc’s serum earned Engelman’s approval because it is suitable for daily use on all skin types and formulated with a patented blend for visibly more radiant and firmer skin within minutes.
“Dark spots aren’t just a face concern; your body can also develop uneven pigmentation, making a targeted body lotion an easy way to extend a brightening routine beyond the face,” Engelman says. “This dark spot-correcting body lotion effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots with regular use ... while delivering 72 hours of hydration, helping skin look brighter, healthier, and more evenly toned. [It’s a] lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly, making it easy to use every day.”
“Daily SPF is essential for dark spots, because UV exposure can worsen existing hyperpigmentation and contribute to uneven skin tone,” explains Engelman. “No7’s SPF 50 is formulated with their highest and lightest SPF 50 sun protection, age-defying peptide technology and hydrating sodium hyaluronate to help defend against UV-related damage while supporting smoother, hydrated-looking skin.”
The result? A formula that is fast-absorbing and invisible, with no white cast, so it’s suitable for all skin tones.
“Retinol is a key ingredient for addressing signs of aging and uneven skin tone, helping support skin renewal while visibly improving wrinkles, firmness, texture, and the appearance of dark spots over time,” explains Engelman. “The micro-dose formula is designed to be sensitive-skin friendly with minimal visible redness, dryness, or peeling. It is fast-absorbing and lightweight.”
“After cleansing at night, apply serum over the entire face, including the under-eye and crow’s feet area,” Engelman instructs. “Start with one to three times per week and increase usage with tolerance.”
Encapsulated glycolic, kojic and azelaic acids get to work immediately when you use this one-minute treatment mask, which Engelman says exfoliates the skin gently to smooth and brighten while reducing the appearance of pores. According to the brand, 94% of users agreed skin felt exfoliated and hydrated, with allover brightness.
To use, Engelman suggests applying a thin layer to clean, dry skin at night. Wait 60 seconds, then use a damp muslin cloth or washcloth to remove.
More products for treating sun spots
These dark spot-fading toner pads boast easier application compared to serums, lotions or creams, since they’re pre-loaded with a dose of brightening benefits. Writer Danielle Murphy swears by them.
“My spots have actually started to fade, revealing a bright complexion I haven’t seen since my late high school, early college days,” Murphy writes. “They’re not completely gone (yet, fingers crossed), but seeing improvement like this has boosted my confidence tenfold.”
When used frequently, LED light therapy has been shown to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and inflammation. One contributing writer was on the hunt for a device to help with dark spots and skin elasticity, and she says this red light therapy massaging device was just what she had been looking for.
Dermatologist-recommended serums for sun spots
In the budget-friendly category, this correcting serum is designed to fade dark spots, post-acne marks and other discoloration. “This is a combo of cetyl tranexamate mesylate, an advanced form of tranexamic acid, with niacinamide. It uses two different pigment pathways. It’s especially useful for diffuse, mottled sun damage rather than one very dark, sharply defined spot,” shares Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu.
“It’s in the acne aisle, but adapalene is a retinoid shown to reduce sun spots. Differin increases cell turnover across the entire face, so it treats sun damage throughout the area. Use a pea-sized amount over the whole face two nights a week at first, then increase slowly as tolerated,” recommends Wu.
Dr. Marisa Garshick also suggests looking for serums with vitamin C. She especially loves the Vichy LiftActiv Serum for its antioxidant properties.
“Serums containing antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are a great way to help prevent sun spots from developing,” Garshick says. “The antioxidants help protect the skin from free-radical damage, which can trigger the changes seen in the skin with sun spots.”
Combining SPF with antioxidants, this serum aims to protect skin from the sun while helping to smooth fine lines and improve the appearance of dark spots.
Garshick recommends this serum because it incorporates a sunscreen component, which she says is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin from sun damage.
“The most important topical you can apply to your face to prevent sun spots is sunscreen or sun protection, and it is important to reapply throughout the day,” Garshick said. “So making sure to incorporate SPF into your daily routine is essential.”
This serum comes recommended by four dermatologists that Shop TODAY spoke with. Dr. Angela Lamb, a dermatologist for Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology, specifically recommends using this serum in combination with retinols to help lock in moisture and provide protection against the sun and skin pollutants.
Multiple editors also vouch for the serum, noting that it has shown improvement in their skin and how well it fits into their routines.
Editor-approved serum for sun spots
I’ve [Espinal] been using this restorative formula consistently for the past few months, and it’s become a staple in my routine. As someone with chronically dry skin, I’m always looking for products that strengthen my moisture barrier, and this cream has done just that. Beyond delivering lasting hydration, I’ve noticed my complexion looks smoother, more even, and noticeably clearer since I started using it. It may finally be the answer my thirsty skin barrier has been searching for.
Dermatologist-recommended body care to treat sun spots
“This is excellent for sloughing off heavily pigmented surface cells through high-potency exfoliation and deep humectant hydration,” says aesthetic doctor Dr. Ivy. The gentle ingredient helps remove dead skin cells while supporting a softer, more radiant complexion. Plus, its versatile formula can be used on both the face and body, making it an easy all-over treatment for dry, uneven skin.
What are sun spots?
According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, sun spots are marks of excess melanin, a natural pigment, in response to UV exposure. Wu explains that these flat brown marks — also known as age spots — typically appear after years of cumulative sun exposure.
So, protecting your skin from the sun is essential. If you’re hoping to prevent new spots or fade existing ones, sunscreen should always be your first line of defense. But for those looking to target discoloration that’s already there, dermatologists recommend incorporating an antioxidant-rich serum into your routine for added protection and brightening benefits.
How do sun spots occur?
“Exposure to environmental aggressors like UV light, infrared radiation, and pollution can stimulate skin cells to produce extra pigment, causing sun spots,” Zeichner says.
These harmless spots typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says that lighter skin tones and genetic background also play a part in susceptibility.
“They are caused by sun exposure, plus a susceptible genetic background,” King shares. “Lighter skin types are more vulnerable to solar lentigines.”
“While they’re harmless, they signal that your skin has experienced enough UV exposure to alter how pigment-producing cells, called melanocytes, function,” adds Wu.
How to get rid of sun spots on the face
A consistent skincare routine is key to fading sun spots and preventing new ones from forming. Ivy recommends a simple regimen centered on three principles: protecting skin by day, renewing it by night and allowing time for recovery once a week. In the morning, she suggests using a brightening serum with ingredients such as vitamin C, tranexamic acid, or alpha-arbutin, followed by a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to shield skin from further UV damage.
At night, she recommends incorporating a retinoid to promote healthy cell turnover while pairing it with barrier-supporting ingredients such as niacinamide or ceramides to help minimize irritation. “Once a week, such as on Sundays, take a break from active ingredients and focus on recovery with soothing, barrier-repairing products containing panthenol and ceramides,” she adds.
How to get rid of sun spots on the body
While sun spots are often associated with the face, dermatologists say the body deserves just as much attention. “The body often gets overlooked, but areas like the chest, shoulders, forearms and backs of the hands receive years of sun exposure,” says Wu.
Dr. Ivy adds that body skin is thicker and slower to heal, making areas such as the arms, chest, hands and legs especially prone to lingering discoloration. To help address and prevent sun damage, Wu recommends body care products that combine gentle exfoliation with brightening ingredients, such as lactic or glycolic acid body lotions to encourage healthy cell turnover, vitamin C body serums or lotions for antioxidant protection and retinol body lotions for more established sun damage, particularly on the arms and chest. She also stresses the importance of applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to exposed body areas, even for everyday activities like driving or running errands.
Frequently asked questions
While there are countless products marketed to treat sun spots, Wu says a handful of dermatologist-backed ingredients consistently stand out. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten existing discoloration while protecting against free radical damage from UV exposure,” she says.
She also recommends retinoids, including over-the-counter retinol and prescription-strength tretinoin, which increase cell turnover to fade dark spots while stimulating collagen production gradually.
Niacinamide is another favorite because it “helps reduce the transfer of pigment within the skin while strengthening the skin barrier,” while azelaic acid is “excellent for improving uneven pigmentation and calming inflammation,” making it especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
Tranexamic acid is “one of my favorite newer brightening ingredients, particularly for stubborn pigmentation,” she adds.
Above all, Wu emphasizes that “broad-spectrum sunscreen is truly the most important ‘anti-dark spot’ product” because it helps prevent existing pigment from becoming darker while reducing the formation of new spots. She also encourages patients to think beyond topical skincare, explaining that “a colorful, antioxidant-rich diet, good sleep, stress management and avoiding smoking all help support the skin’s ability to repair oxidative damage. Healthy skin starts from within.”
How we chose
We selected the best products to treat and prevent sun spots based on guidance from board-certified dermatologists. After consulting experts, researching the market and reviewing editor-approved favorites, we prioritized antioxidant-rich serums and treatments formulated with ingredients dermatologists frequently recommend for fading discoloration and protecting against future sun damage.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Dr. Dendy Engelman.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai in New York City.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Jessica Wu is a Harvard-trained Beverly Hills-based dermatologist.
- Dr. Ivy is an aesthetic doctor and founder and president of the Academy of Face Design in London.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology and is also a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
