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Sun Spots & Age Spots in Seoul: Causes and Treatment
Quick answer
Sun spots, also called age spots or solar lentigines, are flat brown patches caused by years of UV exposure, and they typically fade well with targeted pigment lasers. At The Heal in Jamsil, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist first checks each spot to rule out other lesions, then chooses the right laser. Most spots lighten within one to three sessions, though results vary.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa , board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
Best options
Pico or Q-switched laser
Sessions
Usually 1–3
Downtime
Light crusts, 5–7 days
Prevention
Daily SPF
What are sun spots and age spots?
Sun spots and age spots are two everyday names for solar lentigines: flat, well-defined brown marks that appear on the face, hands, forearms and shoulders. Unlike freckles, they do not fade in winter. They develop after years of cumulative UV exposure, which causes pigment cells in one area to produce melanin continuously.
They are most common after 40 but can appear earlier in people who spent a lot of time outdoors, used tanning beds or live in sunny climates. While generally harmless, they make skin look older and less even, which is why they are one of the most frequent reasons people visit a dermatologist in Seoul.
How does a dermatologist assess them?
Before any cosmetic laser, the doctor examines each spot to confirm it is a benign lentigo. Some lesions that look similar need a different plan:
- Seborrheic keratoses are slightly raised and waxy; see seborrheic keratosis removal
- Melasma forms blurry patches and can darken with strong heat
- Atypical moles with irregular borders or uneven color need medical evaluation first
A spot that is growing, itching, bleeding or looks different from the others should always be checked before treatment. This step protects both your health and your result.
The assessment usually takes only a few minutes per area.
Treatment options at The Heal, ranked by suitability
- Freckles & sunspot removal — precise spot-by-spot laser treatment for distinct brown marks.
- Pico laser (PicoK) — very short pulses break pigment into fine particles, often with less heat than older devices.
- StarWalker laser — multiple wavelengths allow the doctor to target spots at different depths.
- Skin brightening program — combined toning and care for overall evenness once major spots are cleared.
Raised or textured spots may be better suited to a different device, which the doctor will explain at your visit.
Sessions are usually spaced about four weeks apart, and the doctor reviews the remaining pigment at each visit before adjusting settings.
Aftercare and home care
Treated spots usually turn darker for a few days, then form thin crusts that flake away within about a week. Avoid picking, keep the area moisturized and protect it from the sun. Temporary pinkness underneath is normal and fades over the following weeks.
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 50 every morning and reapply outdoors
- Wear a hat for long walks or sightseeing
- Introduce brightening serums only after the skin has fully healed
Our page on sunscreen after laser explains why protection matters so much in the first months.
Results vary between individuals.
When to see a doctor
See a dermatologist if a spot changes shape, size or color, if it bleeds or itches, or if you notice a new dark spot that looks different from the rest. These signs need a medical check regardless of cosmetic goals.
It is also worth booking a consultation if over-the-counter creams have not helped after several months, or if you have darker skin and want to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation. For international visitors, plan treatment at the start of your stay so crusts can clear before you fly home; see flying after treatment .
The Heal approach
Every spot is examined before it is treated; we then match the laser and energy to each mark instead of applying one setting across the whole face.
Expert review
Dr. Yang Jeong-hwa
Medical Director · Board-certified dermatologist · Seoul National University College of Medicine
Written for international patients and reviewed for medical accuracy. Individual results vary; your plan is decided in person after a skin assessment. Our review policy
Visit us
The Heal Dermatology Clinic Jamsil
4F, 329 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
5 min walk from Jamsil Station (Line 8), Exit 9
Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00
Tue–Thu 10:00–19:30
Sat 09:30–16:00 · Sun & holidays closed
International patients
Visiting Seoul? Get your plan before you fly.
English consultations with a board-certified dermatologist, 5 minutes from Jamsil Station. Treatments are scheduled around your downtime and flights. International patient guide
1
Message us
Concerns, optional photos and travel dates via form or KakaoTalk.
2
Get your plan
Suggested treatments and timing around your flights.
3
Consult & treat
In-person assessment with Dr. Yang in English, then treatment.
Frequently asked
Sun Spots & Age Spots: your questions answered
Are age spots dangerous?
Typical age spots are benign. However, some skin cancers can look similar at first glance, so any spot that changes, bleeds or looks unusual should be examined by a dermatologist before cosmetic treatment.
Do sun spots come back after laser?
A treated spot often stays clear for a long time, but continued sun exposure can create new spots or darken faint ones. Daily sunscreen is the most effective way to protect your result.
Can I treat age spots on my hands?
Yes. Spots on the hands and forearms can be treated with similar lasers, although healing may take slightly longer than on the face. The doctor will advise on settings at your visit.
How soon can I wear makeup after sun spot laser?
Many patients can apply light makeup around treated spots within a day or two. Avoid rubbing the crusts, and follow the specific instructions given at your appointment. Mineral makeup is usually a gentle option.
Keep exploring
Related treatments & guides
English consultations in Jamsil, Seoul
Fade sun spots with a dermatologist in Jamsil
Send your photos and travel dates. We reply with a personalised plan before you fly.