What sun spots are, and why they appear

Sun spots, also called age spots, liver spots or solar lentigines , are flat, well-defined brown marks that appear on skin that has had years of sun exposure: the cheeks, temples, nose, backs of the hands and forearms. They form when ultraviolet light makes pigment cells overproduce melanin in small clusters. They are harmless in themselves and do not turn into cancer, but they show where skin has been sun-damaged.

They tend to appear from the thirties onwards and become more numerous with age and outdoor lifestyles. In Korean clinics, small brown marks are often grouped together as japti (잡티), while gimi (기미) usually means melasma and geomeoseot (검버섯) is used for age-related spots and seborrhoeic keratoses. Getting the name right matters, because the treatments differ.

First, make sure it really is a sun spot

Lasers should only be used on spots that a doctor has confirmed are benign. Several look-alikes are common. Seborrhoeic keratoses are raised, waxy, 'stuck-on' growths that respond better to other methods. Melasma forms blurry, symmetrical patches and can worsen with aggressive laser. Most importantly, an irregular or changing spot could be a melanoma or lentigo maligna, which must never be lasered.

At consultation, the doctor examines each spot, often with magnification, and uses Mark-Vu imaging to map pigment. Any spot that is uneven in colour, has an irregular border, is growing, itching or bleeding is referred for dermatological assessment before cosmetic treatment.

Laser and non-laser options compared

There is no single 'best laser' for everyone; the best choice depends on your skin type, the number and depth of spots, and how much downtime you can accept. For isolated spots on the face, a picosecond or Q-switched 532 nm laser is usually the most precise option. For many scattered spots with background redness in fair skin, IPL can treat a wider area in fewer passes.

Non-laser methods such as cryotherapy are quick but carry a higher risk of white or dark patches in pigment-prone skin, which is why laser is generally preferred for the face in Asian skin. Creams help prevent and maintain, but rarely clear established spots alone.

How we treat sun spots at Obliv Myeongdong

Using our Skin Architecture method, the doctor first separates surface spots from deeper or mixed pigment and from melasma, which may be present on the same face. Distinct sun spots are typically treated with a picosecond or Q-switched spot laser at settings chosen for your skin type, while any surrounding uneven tone or melasma is managed gently with low-fluence laser toning and skincare, as described on our hyperpigmentation treatment page.

Where texture and pores are also a concern, Pico Fraxel can be planned later. Every setting and treated spot is logged in your Skin Library, so if new spots appear in future years, the next treatment starts from accurate information. If you are comparing technologies, our guide to pico laser vs IPL explains the differences in depth.

Recovery: what the first weeks look like

Immediately after treatment, spots usually turn darker or greyish and may feel warm. Over the next few days they form fine crusts that flake off naturally within about a week, revealing lighter skin underneath. Keep the area moisturised, avoid picking, and wear sunscreen; most people can apply make-up after about a day.

Some people, especially those with medium to darker skin, may see temporary darkening (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) a few weeks later. It usually fades with sunscreen and gentle care, and the risk is lower when settings are conservative. A review after four to eight weeks decides whether any stubborn spots need a second session.

Timing treatment around a trip to Seoul

Because spots crust for about a week, the best time for sun spot laser is early in a longer stay, or several days before any important photographs. If you are in Seoul for only a weekend, you can still have treatment and let crusts settle at home, as long as you protect the area from sun on the flight and afterwards.

Season matters too. Autumn and winter, with weaker sunlight, are often the most comfortable seasons for pigment treatment, while the bright Seoul summer makes strict sun protection essential. Our article on the best season for pigmentation lasers discusses this, and dark spot removal during a Korea vacation covers holiday planning.

Getting to the clinic from Myeongdong

Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin – Myeongdong Premium Branch sits between Myeongdong and Jongno. It is about a 6-minute walk from Jongno 3-ga and Euljiro 3-ga stations, and roughly a 12–15 minute walk from Myeongdong station on Line 4, so it is easy to reach on foot or by a short taxi ride from Myeongdong's shopping streets and hotels.

We send directions from your hotel on WhatsApp in English. See our Myeongdong skin clinic guide for routes and practical tips.

Preventing new sun spots

Laser removes existing spots, but it does not stop new ones. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat and shade at midday are the most effective prevention. Seoul's summer sun is strong and reflects off pavements and glass, so protection matters even on city days.

Antioxidant serums such as vitamin C and a nightly retinoid, if your doctor agrees, can support even tone. Check your skin each year and see a dermatologist promptly about any spot that changes.

• SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, including hands.
• Reapply every two hours outdoors and after sweating.
• Wear a hat and use shade, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon.
• Photograph spots yearly to notice any changes early.

Frequently asked questions

Related treatments and guides

Keep reading

• Pico Laser vs IPL in Seoul Korea
• Freckle Removal Before Returning Home
• Best Season for Pigmentation Laser in Seoul
• Dark Spot Removal During Korea Vacation

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic – Age spots (liver spots): Symptoms and causes
2. DermNet – Solar lentigo
3. American Academy of Dermatology – What can get rid of age spots?
4. Evolution of the Picosecond Laser: A Review of Literature (Dermatologic Surgery, 2019)