Lentigines: What They Are, Why They Appear, and How to Manage Them
When you see dark, flat spots on your skin—especially on your face, hands, or arms—you might be looking at lentigines, flat, pigmented skin lesions caused by increased melanin in the epidermis. Also known as age spots or sun spots, they’re not dangerous by themselves, but they’re a clear sign your skin has taken a beating from UV exposure over time. Unlike moles, lentigines don’t stick out, don’t change shape suddenly, and don’t usually grow. They just appear, slowly, in places you’ve spent too much time in the sun.
These spots are more common as you get older, but they can show up in your 30s if you’ve had heavy sun exposure. People with fair skin, light hair, and a history of sunburns are at higher risk. What’s more, lentigines, are linked to cumulative UV damage, which also increases your risk for skin cancer. That’s why spotting them isn’t just about cosmetics—it’s a warning sign your skin needs better protection. They’re not caused by hormones, like melasma, or by genetics alone, like freckles. They’re a direct result of sunlight hitting your skin over and over, triggering melanocytes to overproduce pigment.
Lentigines, are often confused with melanoma, but the difference matters. Melanoma can be irregular, uneven, or changing fast. Lentigines are usually uniform in color, round or oval, and stable. Still, if a spot starts itching, bleeding, or growing, see a dermatologist. You can’t tell just by looking. Dermatologists use dermoscopy to check for hidden patterns. And if you’re worried, a biopsy is quick and simple.
Prevention is the best strategy. Daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wide-brimmed hats, and avoiding peak sun hours cut your risk. If you already have lentigines, treatments like cryotherapy, chemical peels, or laser therapy can lighten them. Topical creams with hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid help too—but they take weeks to show results. Don’t expect miracles overnight. And remember: if you stop protecting your skin, the spots will come back.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just about skin spots. It’s about how your body reacts to damage, how medications and supplements can affect your skin, and how everyday choices—like caffeine intake, sun exposure, or even stress—play a role in what shows up on your skin. You’ll read about how topical treatments work, what to avoid mixing with them, and how to tell when something is more than just a spot. This isn’t vanity. It’s your skin talking. Listen.
