Sun spots, also called solar lentigines, are one of the most visible signs of cumulative sun exposure. While they’re harmless, they can contribute to an uneven skin tone and make skin appear older than it is. Understanding how they form is the first step in learning how to prevent them — and how to minimize their appearance once they’ve developed.

What’s Happening in the Skin

When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation — whether UVA or UVB — specialized cells called melanocytes respond by producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This process is a natural defense mechanism: melanin absorbs and scatters UV rays, protecting deeper layers of skin from DNA damage.

However, repeated and prolonged UV exposure can overstimulate melanocytes, causing them to produce excess melanin. Over time, these pigment granules (melanosomes) can cluster within skin cells (keratinocytes), forming flat brown spots that don’t fade like a tan would.

Several factors accelerate this process:

• Photoaging: UV radiation breaks down collagen and elastin, thinning the skin and making pigmentation more noticeable.

• Oxidative Stress: Sun exposure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cell structures, trigger inflammation, and further stimulate melanin production.

• Inflammation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can develop after sunburns or other skin injuries, making existing sun spots darker and more persistent.

Prevention: Protecting at the Cellular Level

Preventing sun spots is about more than applying sunscreen—it’s about strengthening the skin’s natural defenses and reducing the stimuli that cause melanocytes to overproduce pigment.

Our Pre-Sun Protocol:

1. RENEW — Niacinamide Serum

   • Mechanism: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving resilience against environmental stress. It also inhibits the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes, helping prevent new discoloration before it starts.

2. PROTECT — Mineral Sunscreen

   • Mechanism: Non-nano zinc oxide creates a physical shield, reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays before they can penetrate the skin and trigger melanin production. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory benefits, further reducing the risk of pigment formation from UV-induced irritation.

Repair: Correcting and Restoring

Once sun spots have formed, the goal is to encourage healthy cell turnover, break up pigment clusters, calm inflammation, and protect the skin from further damage.

Our Post-Sun Protocol:

1. PURIFY — Brightening Cleanser + Mask

   • Mechanism: Potato starch and mineral-rich clays help absorb impurities while brightening the complexion. Antioxidant botanicals help counter oxidative stress that can worsen discoloration.

2. GLOW & SCRUB — Exfoliating Masks

   • Mechanism: Alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, malic) dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating the removal of pigment-laden keratinocytes. SCRUB also combines gentle mechanical and enzymatic exfoliation to polish the surface and improve light reflection.

3. REPAIR — Antioxidant Treatment Oil

   • Mechanism: Rich in frankincense and other antioxidant-packed oils, REPAIR calms inflammation, neutralizes free radicals, and supports collagen synthesis, helping to restore skin’s structural integrity and reduce the visibility of pigmentation.

Long-Term Strategy for Even-Toned Skin

Consistency is key. By layering protective and reparative products, you help your skin defend itself against UV-induced changes and improve its ability to repair past damage. This dual approach — prevention and repair — works best when paired with lifestyle habits like wearing hats, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.