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Brown spots on your cheeks, hands or chest that didn't used to be there? They're one of the most common things we see, and they often respond really well to treatment. We'll check what kind of spots you have and build a plan to clear them safely.
✓ Complimentary consult
✓ Spot check before treatment
✓ Licensed providers
Medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director · Updated October 2026
Rashelle Murray, LMA
Lead aesthetician
The short answer
Light and laser treatments are usually the fastest way. At Epiphany Clinic, BBL HEROic is our go-to for age spots, sun spots and freckling, and every BBL includes a SkinSmooth step for texture. MOXI laser helps with scattered or stubborn pigment, and medical-grade skincare plus daily SPF helps keep new spots from forming. If your dark patches are actually melasma, the plan is different, so we check first.
Understanding your skin
Despite the name, age spots aren't caused by age alone. They're mostly a record of the sun your skin has seen over the years.
UV light speeds up melanin production, and the pigment clumps in skin that's had years of sun (Mayo Clinic).
Age spots are very common after 50, but younger people get them too if they spend a lot of time in the sun (Mayo Clinic).
Age spots are more common in people whose skin sunburns easily (Mayo Clinic).
Tanning beds contribute to age spots just like the sun does (Mayo Clinic).
Spots on the face and hands tend to grow with age and time spent in the sun (AAD). Think steering wheels, hiking and yard work.
Dermatologists recommend sun protection every day, even when it's cloudy or cold (AAD). Small daily doses add up.
Know your spots
They can look alike, but they behave very differently. Sun spots come from years of UV exposure, while melasma is driven by sun, heat and hormones (Cleveland Clinic). Getting this right matters, because heat from light treatments is thought to worsen melasma (Mayo Clinic).
Sun spots (age spots)
Melasma
What they look like
Flat, oval tan to dark brown spots, from freckle-size to about 1/2 inch (Mayo Clinic)
Blotchy brown or gray-brown patches, usually on both sides of the face (AAD)
Where they show up
Face, hands, shoulders, upper back and other sun-exposed skin
Cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and above the upper lip
Main triggers
Years of UV exposure and tanning beds
Sun, visible light and heat, plus hormones like pregnancy or birth control
Treatments that fit
BBL + SkinSmooth, MOXI, chemical peels
Strict SPF and prescription skincare first; lasers only as a careful add-on (AAD)
Some people have both. That's why we look closely at your spots, your history and your hormones before recommending a treatment.
Your options
We match the treatment to the type of spot and your skin. Here's what each option does best, with evidence from leading medical sources.
Best for: age spots, sun spots, freckling and redness
Broadband light breaks up excess pigment, and every BBL here includes SkinSmooth for texture. BBL is a next-generation form of intense pulsed light (IPL), and in a review of 41 clinical trials, IPL showed efficacy rates of 74.6–90% for sun spots (J Cosmet Dermatol). BBL on the body is popular too, especially the chest, as well as hands, arms and shoulders.
Best for: scattered pigment, uneven tone and rough texture
A gentle fractional laser that refreshes the surface of the skin. Laser and light treatments are useful for reducing age spots and other early signs of aging (AAD).
Best for: lighter spots and spots on the hands
Peels can treat age spots on the hands. In one study, 47% of patients saw their spots fade by half (AAD).
Best for: dark spots plus texture and fine lines
Microneedling can diminish dark spots, uneven tone and fine lines, with full results over several months (AAD).
Best for: gentle fading and preventing new spots
Prescription lightening creams, alone or with a retinoid, can gradually fade spots over several months (Mayo Clinic). We'll pair them with Alastin and a daily SPF.
Real results
Real Epiphany Clinic patients, shared with their permission. Individual results vary.
BBL + MOXI · before (left) and after (right) · About BBL
BBL + Dysport · before (left) and after (right) · About BBL
MOXI · before (left) and after (right) · About MOXI
The inside-out approach
They can, but usually as melasma rather than age spots. Rising estrogen and progesterone, like during pregnancy, are thought to trigger melasma, and birth control pills can too. Thyroid disease may also play a role (American Academy of Dermatology).
True age spots come from the sun, not hormones. But if your dark patches showed up with a pregnancy, a new birth control or other hormone changes, tell us. We'll look at the whole picture, including your hormone history, before choosing a treatment, because the wrong one can make melasma worse.
Hormone therapy for women → · Postpartum hormone support → · Sun damage →
Protect your results
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ 15–30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours (Mayo Clinic).
Try to limit time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and plan hikes and yard work for earlier or later (Mayo Clinic).
Sunscreen plus UPF clothing helps keep treated spots from coming back (AAD). A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and scalp.
Hands get as much sun as your face. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ on them every day (AAD).
Your care team
Lead aesthetician
Rashelle performs BBL and MOXI treatments and looks closely at every spot before choosing settings for your skin.
Medical director
As medical director, Stephany can help sort out melasma and the hormone factors that can drive it.
Real reviews
★★★★★
“…SkinTyte on my lower face and neck, one Moxi, and a few BBL… Freckles and dark spots have gone away or diminished so much that I rarely wear make up…”
Heather W. · Google review
★★★★★
“Rashelle did my MOXI laser treatments, which I loved!… helping me prep for the treatment, explaining the process and following up for my recovery.”
Kierea M. · Google review
★★★★★
“…Never feel rushed. STEPHANY always takes her time to go over all options…”
Dawn C. · Google review
Your questions, answered
Are age spots dangerous?
True age spots are a cosmetic concern, but other spots, including skin cancer, can look like them (AAD). See a doctor for any spot that is black, growing, bleeding or has an irregular border or unusual colors (Mayo Clinic). If something looks off, we'll refer you before we treat it.
How many treatments does it take to remove age spots?
Laser and light treatments usually take two to three sessions (Mayo Clinic). Spots may briefly darken or crust before they fade (AAD). We'll give you a realistic plan at your consult.
Do fading creams work on age spots?
They can help, but slowly. Creams need daily use for weeks or months and results vary by product (AAD). They work best alongside BBL or MOXI and to keep new spots from forming.
Is it age spots or melasma?
Age spots are flat, separate spots on sun-exposed skin. Melasma usually shows up as blotchy patches on both sides of the face and is linked to hormones (AAD). We'll look closely at your skin at your consult, because the treatment plans are very different.
Will my age spots come back after treatment?
Treated spots often stay lighter, but new sun can bring new spots. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and UPF clothing help keep them from returning (AAD).
How much does age spot removal cost in American Fork?
Consultations are complimentary. Cost depends on the treatment, the size of the area and how many sessions you need, and Beauty Bank members save on many services. See our price guide for BBL, MOXI and peels.
Where can I get age spot removal near American Fork?
Epiphany Clinic is at 119 S Pacific Dr, Suite 102, American Fork, UT 84003, a short drive from Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills, Saratoga Springs and Orem. Call or text (801) 477-7294 to book.
This page was medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director of Epiphany Clinic, in October 2026. It's for education and isn't a substitute for a personal consultation.
Ready when you are
We'll look closely at your spots, make sure they're the kind we should treat and build a plan that fits your skin and budget. No pressure, ever.
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