Sunspots can cause you a ton of panic from the moment that they appear because, unlike a pimple, once you see one on your face, chest, body, or hands (ever wondered why celebrities wear driving gloves?!), the challenge is that they don’t just ‘go away’.

These brown, smooth, flat, almost oversized freckle-like spots mostly appear in areas that get a ton of sun exposure and are thought to be the body’s response to overexposure to UV light over time. These sunspots, they are also known as age spots, liver spots, and solar lentigines, are basically clumps of melanin. Even though they are thought to be pretty much harmless (and really just areas of pigmented skin), they are something you should always keep an eye on and get checked out by your derm whenever you have an appointment. Assuming that the sunspots are benign, these areas of pigmentation can get in the way of the clear, spotless, even, and balanced complexion that we spend so much of time, energy, love, and care investing into, 

As Agent has grown and I have formulated more and more products (ranging from face and body oils through to the perfect double cleanse duo, the most powerful C&K combo on the market, intimate oils, and so much more), I have learned so much about the ingredients that can help with sunspots. So today, I truly believe that there are healthy and natural solutions to fade sunspots and melasma without always having to use harsh chemicals. 

Incredible ingredients like lactic acid, vitamin C, pitaya, rosehip & aloe can all have an insanely transformative effect on reducing the impact of sunspots, and today I’m going to tell you not only why but also which of my products are my top recommendations for your anti-sun-spot journey. And trust me, it works.

First up, lactic acid (a crucial part of our acid (wash) formulation, which is the second step in our Agent, oil-based duo cleansing routine). I always hear people thinking that lactic acid is a harsh acid, but the truth is, it is one of my favorites. It is much less aggressive than glycolic or salicylic and is a clean acid. It works explicitly to treat hyperpigmentation and age spots, as well as improving your skin tone more generally, so if you are suffering from pigmentation or age spots, using our holi (cleanse) duo would be one of my key recommendations for you. Recommend to cleanse down onto your decolletage too, because often this is a prime area for sun exposure and sunspots (so always remember to apply SPF here too, not just on your face!) 

Next up, is vitamin C. One of my favorite & most powerful antioxidants, this is revolutionary not only for your complexion but also for your sunspots. This is because vitamin C stops, slows, impedes, and inhibits melanin production, precisely the process that occurs when sunspots develop. Vitamin C can fade hyperpigmentation. Our holi (c) is incredible because it is so different from what is on the market. Unlike serums and creams, our unique dry powder formula doesn’t oxidize, so you get your ultimate Vitamin C hit without losing any of the regenerative benefits. For the perfect combination to drench your face and decolletage in Vitamin C, I advise blending a pea-sized amount with our holi (water) to improve the texture of acne-prone skin, restore firmness, and reveal an ageless radiance. If your face is tight, you are using too much and should reduce the dry powder proportions. It is thought that vitamin C can start to make a noticeable difference in 3 weeks but can make a real mark around the two-month mark.

Next, pitaya - this is one of my favorite but most underrated ingredients. Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, is not only anti-aging, but it is rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which has powerful anti-aging properties and protects skin from UV radiation. This, alongside being a major vitamin C source, means that pitaya can not only prevent but also treat photoaging by slowing down melanin synthesis, reducing hyperpigmentation, and controlling the formation of dark spots. Try our holi (water) pearl and rose hyaluronic toner, holi (glow) ageless eye serum, and holi (cleanse) cleansing face oil to achieve the topical benefits of pitaya, and see why I am obsessed with this ingredient. It is incredible.

Another ingredient that is great for reducing the impact of sunspots is rosehip, and the way I like it best is in rosehip oil. I cannot tell you how many oils I have considered and reviewed when formulating, but I always come back to rosehip oil because I personally believe it is unparalleled for skin health, glow, and radiance. For pigmentation and sunspots, it’s a winner because, again, it’s packed full of Vitamin C. It’s also packed full of nourishing and essential fatty acids, other antioxidants, and vitamin A and it fights free radicals and fights fine lines and wrinkles. I like to think of rosehip oil as a nourishing elixir, not just for sunspots and pigmentation, but against all environmental stressors, scarring, and stretch marks. Rosehip is a critical part of our holi (oil). Our holi (oil) is of the highest quality. Get yours here.

Finally, aloe - the ingredient that no one ever expects to help with hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and dark areas. Aloe contains a natural compound called aloesin (if it’s the first time you’ve heard of that, you’ll be forgiven). Aloesin has brightening capabilities and has been proven to be effective not just for sunspots but also for fading post-acne hyperpigmentation. Topical application of aloe is thought to directly inhibit hyperpigmented skin from producing more melanin, meaning that it can be protective too against future sunspots or already damaged skin. Aloe is an incredibly important ingredient in our holi (bright) resurfacing glass face mask. Alongside french silk peptides, pitaya, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber, the aloe in this brightening, beauty-boosting, resurfacing treatment is intensely hydrating, calming, and soothing, working to resurface your face and also reduce and minimize the impact of age spots. This product is a game changer and was powerful enough for me to stop a lifelong love affair with retinol. You can buy yours here.

So, there are a lot of incredible ingredients in the Agent range that can help protect, treat and re-invigorate skin that is susceptible to, or has been damaged by, sunspots and hyperpigmentation.

If you want to take your sunspot journey one step further, chemical peels, cryotherapy, and topical retinoids can be the next step to consider. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is also an excellent minimally invasive way to treat them. This is a non-surgical laser method that can work to remove the pigmentation in the skin. CO2 lasers can also be great but are often more invasive, costly, and have significantly more downtime (with these, you’re essentially burning the skin off, so you may end up with a blister in the area). Remember, though, to act fast. The longer sunspots stay, and the more you get of them, the difficulty in complete removal increases, so like with so many things, it comes back to the fact that the best way to treat these age and sunspots is PREVENTION!

We know it gets boring, but honestly, wear your sunscreen, wear your hats and use your Agent products religiously! I promise this is a massive part of the battle against these spots and can stop them in their tracks. 

And finally, I am so, so excited to announce that the new Agent product, our holi (crème) filter face cream that is launching soon, will also have a number of power player ingredients in it to help with all things dark skin, sunspots, and more. I cannot wait to share this product.

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS; THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.