Face · Condition

Age Spots

Flat brown spots from sun damage — lifted with targeted clinical treatment.

Age spots — also known as solar lentigines or liver spots — are flat, well-defined brown patches on sun-exposed skin caused by decades of cumulative UV exposure. They typically appear from the forties onward on the face, hands, arms and décolletage. At Feonix Aesthetics in Coventry, we treat age spots with targeted chemical peels, microneedling and skin-brightening protocols, alongside rigorous sun protection to prevent recurrence.

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What it is

Age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are flat, darkened patches of skin that typically appear on areas most exposed to the sun. They range in colour from light tan to dark brown and can vary in size from a small freckle to over a centimetre across. While they are most commonly found on the face, they also develop on the hands, shoulders, and arms. Age spots are one of the most visible signs of skin ageing and sun exposure, and for many people they become a source of self-consciousness as they accumulate over the years.

Why it happens

The primary cause of age spots is prolonged and repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV radiation accelerates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Over time, melanin can clump together in concentrated deposits, creating the characteristic darkened patches. While anyone can develop age spots, they are more common in people over the age of 40, those with fair skin, and individuals with a history of frequent sun exposure or sunburn. Genetics also play a role in how susceptible your skin is to pigmentation changes.

Over-the-counter brightening creams and serums can offer mild improvement, but they simply cannot match the precision and effectiveness of professional treatments. Many shop-bought products contain low concentrations of active ingredients that take months to show even subtle changes, and some can cause irritation without delivering meaningful results. Professional treatments at Feonix Aesthetics target the pigmentation at its source, delivering faster, more dramatic, and longer-lasting outcomes. Our experienced practitioners ensure that treatments are tailored to your skin type and condition, minimising risk and maximising results. If age spots are affecting your confidence, we invite you to book a consultation at our Coventry or Leamington Spa clinic to explore your options.

Living with age spots

Although age spots are medically harmless, they can significantly impact how you feel about your appearance. Many people find that age spots make them look older than they feel, and the uneven skin tone they create can be difficult to conceal with makeup alone. It is common for clients at our Coventry and Leamington Spa clinics to tell us that age spots on their face or hands are the single thing they would most like to address. The good news is that modern aesthetic treatments can dramatically improve the appearance of age spots, restoring a more even and youthful complexion.

Age spots affect men and women equally, though they tend to become more noticeable from your 40s onwards. People who have spent considerable time outdoors, particularly without adequate sun protection, are more likely to develop them. Fair-skinned individuals of Northern European heritage are especially prone, though age spots can appear on all skin types. Even people who have been diligent with sunscreen may develop some degree of pigmentation over the decades, simply due to the cumulative nature of UV exposure.

How we treat age spots at Feonix

At Feonix Aesthetics, we offer several highly effective treatments for age spots at our clinics in Coventry and Leamington Spa. The Cutera Excel V+ is our gold-standard laser for targeting unwanted pigmentation. This advanced vascular and pigmentation laser delivers precise wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the excess melanin in the age spot, breaking it down so your body can naturally clear it away. Most clients see a visible improvement after just one or two sessions, with the treated spots darkening initially before flaking away to reveal clearer skin beneath.

For clients who prefer a non-laser approach or who have more widespread pigmentation, we also recommend chemical peels and Laser Genesis treatments. Chemical peels use carefully formulated acids to remove the outermost layers of skin, encouraging fresh, evenly pigmented skin to emerge. Laser Genesis, which uses Nd:YAG laser technology, works by gently heating the upper dermis to stimulate collagen remodelling and improve overall skin tone. Both treatments complement the Excel V+ beautifully and can be combined for comprehensive results.

Microneedling is another option we frequently recommend for age spot treatment in Coventry and Leamington Spa. By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling triggers the natural healing process and encourages the turnover of pigmented cells, gradually evening out skin tone over a course of treatments.

Results vary depending on the depth and intensity of the pigmentation, but most clients notice a significant improvement within two to four weeks of their first treatment. Laser treatments with the Cutera Excel V+ often deliver visible results after a single session, while chemical peels and microneedling typically require a course of three to six treatments spaced several weeks apart for optimal outcomes. Our practitioners will assess your skin during a thorough consultation and recommend a personalised treatment plan designed to achieve the best possible results for your specific concerns.

Treatments for Age Spots

Common questions about age spots

What causes age spots?

Age spots are caused by cumulative UV exposure over many years. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates melanocytes — the skin's pigment-producing cells — to overproduce melanin as a protective response. Over decades, this produces uneven deposits of pigment that become visible as flat brown patches. Genetics influence susceptibility; fair-skinned people develop them earlier. Despite the name, age spots are fundamentally sun-damage spots, not ageing itself — consistent lifelong sun protection from childhood onward dramatically reduces their development.

Can I treat age spots at home?

Over-the-counter brightening products with vitamin C, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids can mildly fade superficial age spots over months of consistent use. Daily SPF 50 is non-negotiable — without it, any fading is undone by continued UV exposure. Home products cannot match the depth or speed of clinical treatments, and stronger over-the-counter formulations can irritate the skin if used incorrectly. For established age spots, professional treatment is significantly more effective and paired with clinical skincare guidance.

What's the most effective treatment for age spots?

At Feonix Aesthetics, chemical peels are the foundation. Formulations with glycolic acid, lactic acid and brightening agents remove the pigmented outer layers of skin and encourage fresh, evenly-pigmented skin to emerge. Microneedling stimulates cell turnover and enhances penetration of brightening serums. Vascular laser treatments remain the gold-standard for the most stubborn deeper pigmentation — a service we're expanding clinical capability for. Your consultation matches the protocol to the depth and distribution of your age spots.

How long until I see results?

Surface-level age spots typically respond within 2–4 weeks of starting a course. Deeper or more established pigmentation requires 4–8 treatments over several months. Results continue to develop after the final session as skin turnover completes. Maintenance every 6–12 months keeps results stable. Sun protection is critical throughout and afterward — UV exposure can reactivate melanin production and undermine treatment. Daily SPF 50 is essential for every client addressing age spots.

How do I start with age spot treatment at Feonix?

Start with a consultation at our Coventry clinic (15 Little Park Street). Your clinician assesses the depth and type of your pigmentation and designs a peel-and-skincare protocol. Clients travelling from Leamington Spa or further afield are welcome — consultations can be booked at either Feonix location. Superficial peels start from around £100; full courses are quoted at consultation. Klarna finance is available.

Ready to Start

Clear the years of sun

Age spots respond to targeted treatment. Book a consultation at Feonix Aesthetics — your clinician assesses the depth, matches the peel, and builds the sun-protection routine that keeps them from coming back.

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