4 Best Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin
As we move deeper into summer, you might notice that your skin isn’t as radiant as it was in the spring. Prolonged sun exposure can leave your skin looking dull, uneven, and aged. Fortunately, sun damage, to a certain extent, can be repaired.
Here, we explain what sun damage is and highlight four treatments we offer to rejuvenate and repair sun-damaged skin. Whether you’re experiencing moderate damage from a few minor sunburns, or more significant damage from years of sun exposure, we have safe and effective solutions for you.
What is sun damage?
Sun damage occurs when ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun penetrate your skin. There are two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. UVB rays affect the skin’s surface, causing sunburns and directly contributing to skin cancer, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and lead to aging and long-term damage.
UV exposure can break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. On the surface, you might notice dark spots, uneven skin tone, and a rough texture. These changes are often more prominent on the face, neck, chest, and hands, where the skin is most exposed.
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Chemical peels: Reveal fresh, undamaged skin
Chemical peels are a powerful solution for reversing sun damage. By applying a chemical solution to the skin, the damaged outer layers are gently exfoliated, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath. A single chemical peel treatment can significantly improve the appearance of sunspots and uneven texture. For optimal results, we may recommend a series of 3-6 sessions, depending on the severity of the damage. You can expect some redness and peeling after each session, but the outcome—a smoother, more even complexion—is well worth it. Following a chemical peel, the new, undamaged skin will be extra sensitive to UV rays, so it’s essential to stay out of the sun and protect it well!
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We offer several professional-grade chemical peels by SkinCeuticals® and SkinMedica® including the Vitalize Peel® and the Rejuvenize Peel™. Our experienced aesthetician will choose the most beneficial peel based on your skin’s needs.
Microneedling: Stimulate skin renewal
Microneedling is another excellent option for treating sun-damaged skin. This minimally invasive procedure uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating your body’s natural healing process and boosting collagen production. This not only helps repair sun damage but also improves skin texture and elasticity.
Most patients see noticeable results after just one microneedling session, though 3-4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart are often recommended for deeper damage. Microneedling requires minimal downtime, with some redness and mild swelling that typically subsides within a few days. Of course, daily SPF is a must to keep sun damage at bay, especially following a skin treatment.
Laser skin resurfacing: Target deep damage
For those looking to target more profound sun damage, laser skin resurfacing is our choice recommendation to restore your skin health. This procedure uses focused light beams to remove the damaged outer layers of skin to promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Laser resurfacing is particularly effective for addressing deep wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots, rough skin texture, and uneven pigmentation. Depending on your skin’s needs, you might require 1-3 sessions for the best results. Post-treatment, you can expect some redness and swelling, but these effects typically fade within a week, revealing smoother, rejuvenated skin.
As effective as laser treatments can be to transform your skin, a successful outcome relies on the experience of your laser technician. In ill-trained hands, you may be underwhelmed by your results or experience adverse side effects including burns and scarring following a laser treatment.
At our Cincinnati plastic surgery center, we use both the Excel V and Laser Genesis from Cutera, one of the safest, most advanced laser technologies on the market. Dr. Mandell-Brown uses the fractionated CO2 laser to improve deeper lines and more extensive sun damage. Deeper laser treatments can make dramatic improvements but will require more downtime. However, these stronger laser treatments only need to be performed once or twice in a lifetime. Our providers are specifically trained on how to assess your skin’s needs and program the laser settings to achieve optimal results with the least downtime possible.
DiamondGlow: Feel-good and effective exfoliation
DiamondGlow is a luxurious and non-invasive treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion to pamper and rejuvenate the skin. This advanced dermal infusion treatment unclogs pores and removes damaged, dead skin cells that dull your complexion, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve sun-damaged skin with no downtime. A single session leaves your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and glowing. For more noticeable improvements, a series of 4-6 treatments is usually recommended. Many patients incorporate regular DiamondGlow treatments into their skincare routine to maintain their skin health in between more targeted treatments. If you’re looking for a sun-damage solution that is more like a facial and less like an intensive treatment, DiamondGlow is the best option for you.
Too much fun in the sun? We can help!If you’re dealing with sun damage, we can help. Reach out to our practice, and let our skin experts help you reclaim your radiant, healthy complexion. Overseen by board-certified Cincinnati cosmetic surgeon Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown, our skincare specialists will leave you with a refreshed post-summer glow!
We proudly serve the greater Cincinnati, Springboro, and Dayton areas. Schedule your consultation today by calling 513-984-4700 or submitting a contact form online.
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