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Sun Spots on Legs: How to Reduce Them

Sun spots on legs, also known as solar lentigines or age spots, are dark patches of pigmentation caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Sun spots on legs can appear as small, flat spots ranging in color from light brown to black. They are most common in people over the age of 40 and are typically found on the legs, arms, hands, and face. Sun spots on legs can be a source of embarrassment and frustration, as they are noticeable and can be hard to cover up.

Sun spots on legs can also be prevented by taking certain steps. Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it regularly throughout the day can help protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, can help block out the sun’s rays. Avoiding tanning beds and spending time in the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest, can also help protect against sun spots on legs.

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Various Kinds of Sun Spots on Legs & Their Causes

Aging: Consistent sun exposure over time will cause an over production of melanin in various parts of the skin and can make normal freckles look more pronounced.

Diabetes: When you have diabetes, you can develop spots on your skin that look like basic sun spots. But they're not that simple. High blood sugar from diabetes damages small blood vessels and causes these brownish spots on our skin. This is different than the average sun spot and reviewing them with your doctor from time to time will help him/her update your diagnosis and medication that you might need for blood pressure, etc.

Freckles: Freckles can fade as we age, but as we become adults, we might acquire other forms of pigmentation like solar lentigines and moles from excessive sun exposure, basically replacing freckles with sun damage. Keep an eye on these changes, as they change over time.

Hyperpigmentation: This is generally speaking, the same as acquiring sun spots. Hyperpigmentation is the increase of melanin in our skin as it’s exposed to the sun.

Melanoma: Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that begins in the cells (melanocytes) that control the pigment in your skin. This illustration shows melanoma cells extending from the surface of the skin into the deeper skin layers.

Sun Exposure: Anyone can get sunspots, but they are more common in people with fair skin and those older than 40. They are flat brown spots that develop on the skin after sun exposure.

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Ingredients & Techniques to Reduce Sun Spots on Legs

It’s possible to fade and reduce sun spots on legs and various parts of the body with the right ingredients. Exfoliation can help the process along, hence the suggestion of glycolic acid and / or vitamin a (retinol).

Arbutin: Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant. It is a safer and effective alternative to hydroquinone and is less cytotoxic to the melanocytes. Look for arbutin in brightening face lotions and dark-spot correctors. Use it gradually in the first few weeks to make sure your skin doesn’t react negatively. You can then increase the frequency of use. Also, as always, make sure you are wearing sunscreen. Arbutin is typically derived from bearberry leaves, which is normally grown in Canada, USA, Europe and Asia.

Glycolic Acid and TCA: Glycolic acid and TCA can help with a myriad of issues – ranging from acne, acne scarring, dull skin, wrinkled skin, sagging skin, sun spots, discoloration, patched of dark skin, and large pores. Importantly, it has also been used to treat and remove precancerous growth, which is a great option for you and your medical provider to discuss.

Kojic Acid: Kojic acid is derived from mushroom-like fungi during fermentation, and is the second most common natural lightening agent. It prohibits the production of melanin and penetrates the upper layers of the skin causing a lightening effect. Kojic is an excellent natural option that is safe for everyone. Kojic is derived from Aspergillus Oryzae typically grown in East Asia.

Licorice Root: Licorice root contains two ingredients that help with pigmentation: glabridin and liquiritin. Glabridin helps to retrain tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces melanin which leads to pigmentation. Liquiritin helps to break up and remove melanin and pigmentation in the skin. In addition to helping with dark spots, licorice can be soothing and help even out your skin tone. Licorice is Native to Eurasia, it has a long history of use from China to Ancient Egypt to Central Europe.

Niacinamide: Niacinamide, or vitamin B3, can be used to fade age spots and lighten discoloration of the skin. It’s effective with hyperpigmentation because it decreases the number of melanin transferred to pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to skin cells by more than half. It doesn’t stop the production of melanin, but it reduces the amount that is transferred to the skin. It is extremely stable and not affected by heat or light like other chemical ingredients. Niacinamide is derived from nuts, seeds, and green vegetables worldwide.

Vitamin A (Retinol): Vitamin A can help gradually exfoliate away and lift those damaged layers of skin, specially sun spots, to a faded level or elimination altogether, with time.

Our Skin Lightening Body Cream with Arbutin, Kojic Acid and Niacinamide has all the necessary ingredients to effectively help you on your way to sun spot reduction:

Conclusion

With a little time and patience, your goal to reduce and eliminate sun spots is a realistic one. Stay away from harsh and damaging chemicals, and stick to the pure plant based ingredients that have shown to fare well in studies.