Is there a treatment for sun spots/dark spots on the arms and legs?
I know exactly what you mean and it’s frustrating because just when you want to cover some of the sun damage with the self tanner, certain areas actually look worse!
This happens because over time that brown spot has gone from just a flat, light tan spot (a lentigo) to a more treatment resistent lentigo plus surface change (a slightly rough texture) or an early “barnacle” (seborrheic keratosis). It’s the slightly rough surface that concentrates the pigment from self-tanners.
Products that are helpful are anything that helps to smooth the surface – not perfect but helpful. The SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest, Hand can be used. Their body retexturizing treatment is helpful. In the drugstore, Amlactin is helpful. Also, glycolic lotions like this one. Use them consistently for 2 months at least before deciding if they are helping (stop if you get irritated, of course!).
Also, helpful is a twice monthly epsom salt bath with a scrub. After you’ve done this for a few months, write again and I’ll discuss the other, more downtown options.
Dr. I