Faded photo and sun on face

[TaylorOK]

I had started restoring old family photos a few years ago, had to quit...finally I'm back. So still quite a novice.

I have several photos that are really faded like this one. I followed the first steps (adjusted levels and channel mixer) in the tutorial at
http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=255 (very helpful).

Before I work on the dust and scratches, I'm wondering about the spots of sunlight on the face. Do I leave them or try to retouch? Especially the ones on the cheek and forehead. I tried the Dust and Scratches filter and the sunlight spots were weird to work with, so thought maybe I need to deal with those first. If I need to start over, not a problem.

I can provide a link to the large file if that is needed.

Comments, feedback, advice are all welcome. I am very willing to learn. I just know enough to know how much I don't know.
Thanks, Taylor

[BobZZZ]

I would be inclined to leave them since the lighting is part of the image and there are similar bright parts on the clothing. But if you want to tone them down I would simply merge all the visible layers to a new layer and use either levels or a curve to darken everything. Then if you apply a conceal all mask you can paint them out by painting on the mask with a nice soft white brush. A smidge of blur on the mask will help hide the brushwork and you can fine tune with the opacity slider.

[TaylorOK]

BobZZZ -
Thanks so much for your help. I will try it out this evening.
Taylor