Lasers may seem extreme, but they really do work on dark spots. "Consider a laser treatment like an IPL to get rid of freckles, which is a light-based device," says Mariwalla. "It makes the brown spots darker, they get a little crispy and they fall off."

For stubborn, individual spots, Chapas recommends the Q-switched or PicoSure laser. "They both make small scabs on the skin's surface," she says.

To choose the right laser, your dermatologist will consider your skin tone, the amount of downtime your schedule allows, budget and the severity of your brown spots. While there's no cure-all that works for everyone, a good doctor will be able to zap away your sunspots and brighten your skin.