Age Spot & Sun Spot Removal in Layton, Utah

Introduction

As we age, our skin develops various “marks” and “spots.” In Utah’s high-altitude climate, these are incredibly common. Patients frequently visit my Layton clinic pointing to a brown spot and asking, “Can you just take this off?”

The answer is usually yes, but the method depends entirely on what kind of spot it is.

As a board-certified dermatologist, I specialize in diagnosing and treating the two most common types of age-related spots: Solar Lentigines (flat sun spots) and Seborrheic Keratoses (raised “age spots” or “barnacles”).

The Difference: Is it a Sun Spot or an “Age Spot”?

1. Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots) These are flat, brown patches that look like large freckles.

• Cause: Cumulative sun damage over years.

• Texture: Completely flat and smooth.

• Location: Face, chest, shoulders, and backs of hands.

• Treatment: Lasers, IPL, or Chemical Peels.

2. Seborrheic Keratoses (SKs) These are the most common benign growth on the skin. Patients often describe them as “barnacles” or “waxy, stuck-on moles.”

• Cause: Mostly genetics and age (they run in families).

• Texture: Raised, rough, warty, or “waxy.” You can feel them with your finger.

• Location: Anywhere, but common on the back, chest, and face.

• Treatment: Cryotherapy (freezing), Curettage (scraping), or Ablative laser (vaporizing).

Safety First: Why You Need a Dermatologist Before we remove any brown spot, medical diagnosis is critical. Melanoma (skin cancer) can sometimes disguise itself as a harmless sun spot or an irritated seborrheic keratosis.

Unlike a med spa, I examine every lesion with a dermatoscope before treatment. If a spot looks suspicious, we don’t just zap it—we biopsy it to ensure your safety.

Treatment Options at Our Layton Parkway Clinic

For Flat Sun Spots (Solar Lentigines) Because the pigment is deep in the skin, we use light and laser energy to target it without breaking the surface.

• IPL Photofacial (Luvo Darwin): Ideal for treating large areas like the chest or cheeks to “clean up” years of sun damage.

• Precision Laser (Varilite): We use this to trace individual spots on the face or hands, lifting the pigment safely.

• Chemical peels: Medium-depth chemical peels penetrate deep enough to peel off these sun spots.

For Raised Age Spots (Seborrheic Keratoses) The “Gold Standard” treatments are quick and effective:

• Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen): We spray the spots with a precise amount of liquid nitrogen. The spot will crust and fall off on its own over the next week or two.

• Curettage: For thicker spots, we may numb the area and gently scrape the growth flat.

• Ablative Laser: Ablative lasers vaporize these SKs. This is my treatment of choice when there are a lot of SKs. This method yields the best scars because of the precise depth of the laser. 

Can They Be Prevented? Solar Lentigines are caused by UV exposure, so daily sunscreen is your best defense against new ones forming. Seborrheic Keratoses, however, are largely genetic—if your parents had them, you likely will too. While you can’t prevent SKs, the good news is that they are easy to remove if they bother you.

Schedule Your Appointment in Davis County

Whether you have a flat brown spot or a raised warty growth, you don’t have to live with it. Come see me to determine exactly what it is and the best way to remove it.

Call 801-773-4840 to schedule a consultation

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