Sun Spots, Age Spots, or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference

As you get older, your skin might develop dark spots or discoloration that raise some questions. Is it a harmless sign of aging, or could it be something else? With over 9,500 skin cancer diagnoses every day in the United States, you’re right to be concerned.

When an unexplained spot catches your eye, see our team at Shady Grove Dermatology for an expert diagnosis. We provide personalized solutions for your skin health, from cosmetic procedures to address hyperpigmentation to effective treatments for sunspots (actinic keratoses) and skin cancer.

How can you tell the difference between sun spots, age spots, and more problematic blemishes? While professional evaluation is essential, knowing what to look for can help you identify changes early and feel confident about your skin health.

Understanding age spots

Also known as solar lentigines, age spots are noncancerous patches of extra skin pigment. They typically appear as flat marks with a smooth surface and can range in color from light tan to dark brown.

The term “age spots” might make them sound like something caused by the aging process, but sun damage is the real culprit behind these benign blemishes. They tend to develop in areas that get a lot of sun exposure, like your face, hands, shoulders, and arms.

Age spots are a common and harmless consequence of years spent enjoying the sunshine. They shouldn’t hurt, bleed, or change in size, shape, color, or texture. If you find their appearance bothersome, ask our team about the cosmetic treatments we have available to lighten or remove them. 

Sun spots: a potential problem

Unlike age spots, actinic keratoses are more than just a cosmetic concern. These lesions have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. Over time, accumulated damage from ultraviolet (UV) light can cause skin cells to grow abnormally, forming precancerous sun spots.

Sun spots typically appear as flat or slightly raised patches of dry, rough, or scaly skin. They can range in color from pink or red to brown and may itch, burn, or feel tender. Your risk of actinic keratosis is higher if you have a fair complexion, sunburn easily, spend a lot of time outdoors, or are over age 40.

Without treatment, there’s about a 5-10% chance of a sun spot turning into cancer. While SCC is generally a highly treatable form of skin cancer, addressing actinic keratosis early helps you avoid the more involved procedures that SCC may require.

What else could it be?

If your mystery mark doesn’t seem like a sun spot or an age spot, it could be something else. Other conditions that cause skin discoloration include melasma, which appears as brownish patches on the face, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which are dark spots left behind after injuries, acne, or other inflammation.

But a new or changing spot could be a sign of skin cancer. Along with SCC, the most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma.

Watch out for any spots or moles that change size, shape, or color — or ones that itch, hurt, or bleed. Other warning signs include:

• Asymmetrical shape
• Irregular border
• Multiple colors
• Diameter larger than 6 millimeters

Regular self-checks are crucial for monitoring your skin, but if you notice any suspicious spots, see our specialists for an examination. The vast majority of skin cancers are curable and respond well to treatment when caught early.

Find expert care for sun spots, age spots, and everything in between at Shady Grove Dermatology. Call our office in Rockville, Maryland, or book online to schedule your skin exam.