When skin is exposed to the sun, the body's protective
mechanism against oxidative damage is an increase
in skin pigmentation (i.e. increase in melanin
production)—also known as getting a tan. In addition to the
tan, however, a localized hyperpigmented lesion, also known
as age spot, solar, or senile lentigo, may occur, especially in
Asian and Caucasian populations.1 These benign-pigmented
lesions are not only considered unattractive on visible areas
of the skin, such as the face, hands, upper back and forearms,
but they are also a marker for skin photo-damage (i.e. damage
caused by the sun, leading to wrinkles, etc.).2,3