Dark spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation -- whatever you call age spots, they can make skin look uneven and dull. The good news? With the best age spot treatment (and beloved ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C) you can tackle discoloration caused by acne, sun exposure, inflammation, or genetics.

"Age spots, or solar lentigines, are caused by excess melanin in areas frequently exposed to UV, like the face, neck, chest, and hands," says Geeta Yadav, MD, a Toronto, Canada-based board-certified dermatologist. "Unlike freckles, they don't fade with less sun exposure, aren't raised like moles, and appear as distinct spots rather than patches like melasma."

Luckily, there are plenty of options to help give them the boot. And don't forget -- sunscreen is essential to prevent new ones from forming.

Ahead, we're diving into the most effective, dermatologist-approved ways to treat and prevent age spots so you can keep your skin looking clear, even, and radiant.

Why we love it: Why do dermatologists swear by SkinCeuticals' Discoloration Defense? "It's perfect for sensitive skin because it's free of parabens, fragrances, and silicones, reducing the risk of irritation," explains Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in Austin, TX. Thanks to their genius scientist gurus, this gentle formula somehow delivers impressive results in just four weeks. "It combines tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide, which work together to effectively fade stubborn discoloration and deeper pigmentation," she says. Keep up with this product in your routine, and you'll get brighter, healthier-looking skin with improved tone and texture.