
Dark Spots for Men:
Causes and Care
- Dark spots for men overview
- 4 Common areas for dark spots in men
- What causes dark spots on the face and body?
- Can you get rid of dark spots?
- How to reduce the appearance of dark spots for men
- Men’s skincare routine incorporating products to help reduce the appearance of dark spots
- How to help reduce the look of dark spots on skin
- Dark spots takeaway
- Frequently asked questions about dark spots on the skin
- Learn more about your skin
Dark Spots for Men
Overview
Dark spots are a common skin concern that can affect people of all skin tones and skin types. Often caused by sun exposure and aging, these spots can diminish the skin's natural radiance. To help manage dark spots, you can follow a skincare routine that uses products formulated to reduce their appearance.
In this comprehensive guide, NIVEA explores the causes of dark spots and shares ways to manage them for a more even-looking complexion.
What are
dark spots?
Dark spots refer to small areas of pigmentation that form on the skin, commonly caused by sun exposure, aging, and imperfections. They may range from brown to dark brown1 and commonly appear on areas of the body most frequently exposed to the sun.
4 Common areas for
dark spots in men
Here are four areas of the body where dark spots on skin commonly appear2:
- 1. Face:
Dark spots on the face are very common due to the face's high exposure to sunlight. These sun-induced dark spots are also sometimes referred to as age spots, as they commonly appear as a result of skin aging caused by the sun known as photoaging3.
- 2. Hands:
The hands are another area of the body most frequently exposed to the sun’s UV rays and commonly develop dark spots over time.
- 3. Forearms
Wearing short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts leaves forearms exposed to the sun, contributing to the likelihood of developing sun-induced dark spots over time if proper sun protection measures aren’t consistently taken.
- 4. Back/Shoulders:
The shoulders and back are other areas of the body commonly exposed to the sun for men. Additionally, if you experience breakouts on your shoulders and back, this can lead to dark spots due to imperfections.

What causes dark spots
on the face and body?
Here are some of the most common causes of dark spots on the skin:
- Sun Exposure
leading to the formation of dark spots, also sometimes referred to as sun spots. This is particularly true for areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders3.
- Imperfections:
Imperfections caused by issues like acne, insect bites, or other skin trauma can lead to dark spots as the skin heals4.
- Genetics:
Genetic predisposition can influence the skin's susceptibility to dark spots4.
- Aging
As we age, the combination of long-term cumulative sun exposure with natural aging processes in the skin make it susceptible to developing dark spots and uneven skin tone5.

Can you get
rid of dark spots?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of dark spots, unfortunately, you can’t erase them entirely. However, there are some ways that you can help to reduce their appearance using skincare products formulated for this purpose.
How to reduce the appearance
of dark spots for men
To help reduce the look of dark spots, you may wish to use skincare products that are formulated to manage this concern. Some people pursue more intensive cosmetic treatments that require the guidance of a board certified dermatologist.
Before pursuing any dark spots solutions, consult a dermatologist to determine the most suitable approach for your skin type and the specific cause of your dark spots.
Men’s skincare routine incorporating products
to help reduce the appearance of dark spots
Adopting a skincare routine is the first step to promoting healthier-looking skin. Here is a sample skincare routine for men to help address the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
Start your skincare routine by using gentle facialcleanser, rinsing and patting the skin dry. This initial step ensures a clean,receptive canvas for the rest of your skincare products.
Apply a Serum: Apply a serum formulated to help reduce the appearance of dark spots such as NIVEA MEN Age Defense Advanced Serum. This face serum for men is formulated with Thiamidol® and Hyaluronic Acid and visibly reduces the look of dark spots and wrinkles with regular use, using as directed. The light and fast-absorbing formula specially crafted for men’s skin provides 24hr moisture to the skin.
Note: Limit the use of this product to 2 times a day. Caution: Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Avoid direct eye contact. Do not apply to active acne breakouts or irritated skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Maintaining proper skin hydration with an effective moisturizer can help skin to look and feel smooth and supple, and many moisturizers offer additional skin benefits depending on the formula.
For daytime moisture that not only helps protect skin from drying out but also helps defend against the sun’s harmful UV rays, NIVEA MEN Age Defense Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides 24-hour moisture* in a light, non-greasy formula. This men’s day cream restores lost moisture for softer and smoother-feeling skin and also helps to protect skin from early signs of aging caused by the skin such as sun-induced dark spots. Dermatologically tested for men with sensitive skin, this moisturizing cream also helps to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.
*For sun protection, use as directed.
If you’re concerned about signs of aging like dark spots, chances are you may also be looking to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly under-eye wrinkles and crow’s feet.
NIVEA MEN Age Defense Eye Cream helps to reduce the look of crow’s feet and dark circles under the eyes, delivering 24-hour hydration and helping to reduce under-eye puffy appearance. Created to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and crow's feet, this eye cream specially formulated for men with sensitive skin provides skin firming benefits with regular use, leaving your skin looking and feeling younger.

How to help reduce the
look of dark spots on skin
Not all causes of dark spots on skin can be prevented, but one of the easiest and most effective ways to help reduce the look of sun-induced dark spots is adopting a proper sun protection regimen6[LA9.1]. Be sure to follow these sun-protection guidelines to help prevent signs of premature skin aging from the sun’s harmful UV rays:
Dark spots
takeaway
Dark spots are a common skin concern, often occurring on sun-exposed regions on the skin and especially on the face. However, it is possible to help reduce their appearance through a dedicated skincare routine.
To help defend the skin against dark spots caused by sun exposure, be sure to follow a consistent and comprehensive sun protection regimen.
While dark spots are generally not dangerous, it's strongly advised to have any skin changes or abnormalities examined by a dermatologist to rule out serious skin conditions.







