What age spots are
“Age spots” is an everyday name for the brown marks that become more common from the 40s onwards. They can be flat and smooth, much like sun spots , or slightly raised and textured. They appear most often on the face, temples, hands and chest, and they tend to gather in number as the years go by. Although they are linked with age, the real driver is cumulative sun exposure combined with the natural slowing of skin renewal.
Because the term covers several different kinds of mark, the first job is to identify what each spot actually is. A flat pigment spot, a raised spot and a lesion that simply needs medical attention are treated very differently.
Why they appear — and which layers are involved
In our 8-layer Skin Architecture model, the pigment in age spots sits in the epidermis . With time, cell turnover slows, so pigment and older cells linger at the surface for longer. At the same time, collagen gradually falls — by around 1% a year from about the age of 20, faster after menopause — and UV breaks it down further. That loss in the upper dermis leaves skin thinner and less able to recover, which is why age spots often come with fine crepiness, dullness and uneven texture.
Treating only the spot can leave the surrounding skin looking tired. Considering both layers usually gives a more balanced, natural result.
How Obliv approaches age spots
- Careful diagnosis. A director examines your skin from the first consultation, supported by Mark-Vu imaging for pigment, wrinkles and redness. Any spot that looks irregular or is changing is assessed and referred for proper medical evaluation where needed, rather than simply treated.
- Barrier first. Mature skin can be drier and more fragile, so we reinforce the barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid before treatment and protect it afterwards.
- Pigment treatment. For flat spots, PICOALEX pico laser targets concentrated pigment, and pico toning can help even out a mottled background. Raised spots may need a different method, which your doctor will recommend at consultation.
- Supporting the skin underneath. Where thinning is part of the picture, your doctor may suggest skin boosters , Rejuran or, for a longer-term plan, a collagen stimulator , whose results start at 1–3 months and can last around 12–24 months.
What to expect
Flat spots often lighten after one or a few sessions. After pico treatment, spots usually darken a little and form fine crusts that flake away over several days. If skin-quality treatments are added, they are planned alongside pigment work and spaced around the roughly 28-day renewal cycle. Results vary from person to person, and your doctor will explain realistic expectations, recovery time and the order of treatments for you.
Caring for your skin between visits
- Apply SPF50+ daily to the face and the backs of the hands, and reapply outdoors.
- Choose gentle, moisturising cleansers; mature skin loses water more easily.
- Do not pick at crusts — let them shed naturally.
- Follow the pH-5.5-matched home care prescribed for you.
Visiting from abroad
A consultation and first pigment session fit comfortably into a short trip. If you are also interested in skin-quality or collagen treatments, tell us your travel dates so we can sequence them sensibly. Send daylight photos on WhatsApp, and ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote.
Spots worth having checked first
Most brown marks that appear with age are harmless, but it is sensible to have any spot looked at before it is lightened or removed. Point out a spot to the doctor if it:
- has changed in size, shape or colour over recent months;
- has uneven edges or several shades of brown, black, red or blue;
- itches, bleeds, crusts without injury or does not heal;
- looks different from your other spots.
Suspicious lesions are assessed and referred for proper medical evaluation where needed, rather than treated cosmetically. Our page on moles explains more.
At a glance
- Skin layer: Epidermis, with upper-dermis thinning
- Main tools: PICOALEX, pico toning
- Support options: Skin boosters, Rejuran, collagen stimulators
- Sessions: One to several, decided at consultation
- Downtime: Fine crusts for several days after pico
- Must-have: Daily SPF50+, hands included
Questions about age spots
Are age spots and sun spots different?
The terms overlap. Many age spots are sun spots that have built up over years, but the name is also used for raised, textured spots. A doctor examines each one to decide how it should be treated.
Can raised age spots be treated with the same laser?
Not always. Flat pigment usually responds to pico laser, while raised spots may need a different approach. Your doctor will recommend the right option after examining them.
Will my skin look thinner after the spots are gone?
Removing pigment does not thin the skin, but it can make existing thinness or texture more noticeable. That is why we may suggest supporting the upper dermis with skin boosters or collagen treatments as part of the plan.
Is the treatment uncomfortable?
Most people describe pico laser as quick snapping sensations. Comfort varies, and your doctor can discuss ways to keep you comfortable during the session.
Talk to us about age spots
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
