The Beauty Shelf with Emily Darlow
Age spots, also known as sun spots or liver spots, are those flat, brown patches that can appear on the face, hands and décolletage as skin gets older. They are caused by years of sun exposure and the way melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour, clumps together over time. While they are harmless, many of us notice them more as they become darker or more numerous, and naturally want to reduce their appearance.
The good news is that there are now a range of products that can help fade age spots and even out skin tone without irritating mature or sensitive skin.
Ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C support skin renewal and help reduce the visibility of dark spots over time. Some products offer additional benefits like hydration and sunscreen, making them easy to incorporate into daily skincare routines.
Here’s a selection of accessible age spot treatments worth adding to your beauty shelf, whether you are just starting to see pigmentation changes or want to boost your existing routine.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
BUY IT HERE Price $79.95
This serum combines niacinamide with melasyl technology to help reduce the look of dark spots and uneven tone. It is designed to be gentle enough for daily use, and its lightweight texture layers comfortably under moisturiser. Niacinamide is a standout ingredient for mature skin because it supports barrier health, calms irritation and helps regulate pigment distribution. With consistent use, this serum can make dark spots look softer and skin overall more even.
Plunkett’s Superfade Face Treatment Cream
BUY IT HERE Price $34.95
If you are after a budget-friendly option, this classic face treatment cream helps lighten the appearance of age spots with regular use. Its formula works to support gentle exfoliation and promote cell turnover, which can help fade pigmentation over time. Consistency is key with products in this category, and this one offers a straightforward, affordable way to begin addressing uneven pigmentation without overwhelming sensitive skin.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 2% Niacinamide Dark Spot Hydrating Cream SPF15
BUY IT HERE Price $54.95
This 2-in-1 product delivers dark spot support while also providing daily SPF protection. Niacinamide works to reduce pigmentation, while the built-in SPF15 helps guard against further sun damage – a key factor in preventing new spots from forming. This is a great option for daytime use, especially if you prefer a single step that combines treatment, moisture and sun protection.
Sukin Glow Active C Vitamin C Dark Spot Corrector
BUY IT HERE Price $32
Vitamin C is one of the most studied and effective ingredients for brightening dull skin and addressing dark spots. This Sukin corrector uses vitamin C in a targeted formula that helps fade pigmentation and boost radiance. It’s a gentler approach than some clinical treatments and works particularly well when paired with a daily sunscreen. For mature skin, vitamin C can also support overall skin brightness and texture.
Aspect Pigment Punch
BUY IT HERE Price $155
For a more powerful, multi-action option, this treatment combines advanced ingredients to target stubborn pigmentation while improving overall tone and luminosity. It is formulated for more marked age spots and can be especially helpful if lighter treatments have not delivered the results you want.
If pigmentation is a primary concern and you are comfortable investing in a stronger serum, this one is worth considering as part of a regular routine.
How to use it and what to expect
Age spot products take time. Unlike makeup that immediately disguises uneven tone, treatments that help reduce pigmentation work gradually. You should expect to use them consistently for several weeks before noticing visible improvement.
A few practical tips:
Use sunscreen every day. Blocking UV exposure is the single most important step in preventing new spots and supporting fading of existing ones.
Be gentle. Strong exfoliants and acids can irritate sensitive or mature skin, so choose formulas with supportive ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C that strengthen the skin’s barrier.
Layer with care. Apply serums first, follow with moisturiser, and always finish with SPF in the morning.
Age spots are a normal part of ageing and long term sun exposure, but they do not have to stay prominent. With consistent use of the right products, you can lighten their appearance, even out skin tone and help keep your complexion looking brighter and more uniform.
Affordable and more advanced options exist, so you can tailor your routine to suit your skin’s sensitivity and your goals. Combined with good sun protection, these products can help you age gracefully without surrendering to pigmentation shifts.