Reverse the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, and uneven texture
There are many benefits to spending time in the sun — vitamin D production, improved mood, and melatonin regulation, among many others. However, exposure to ultraviolet rays can have lasting damage.
What Are Signs of Sun Damage?
The severity and manifestation of sun damage can appear different from one patient to the next. Common signs of sun damage include:
- Wrinkles
- Uneven pigmentation
- Solar lentigines (flat, oval to round shaped spots of increased pigmentation)
- Labial lentigo (small, flat, brown spot on the lip)
- Solar elastosis (loose, yellowed and thickened skin with deep wrinkles)
- Poikiloderma (irregular areas of reddish-brown pigmentation)
- Actinic keratoses (rough, scaly patches)
- Lentigo maligna (flat brown spot with an irregular shape that increases in size after time)
Can Signs of Sun Damage be Reversed?
Aesthetically speaking, yes — the signs of sun damage can be reversed through most anti-aging treatments.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays alters our DNA on a cellular level, and unprotected exposure to UV radiation can ultimately have a long-term impact on the structure of the skin — photodamage. Because photodamage occurs in the deepest level of the dermis (skin), individuals can go years without showing signs of sun damage before noticing, at which point that level of cellular damage is irreversible.
Fraxel® Laser Treatments
Fraxel® laser resurfacing is extremely effective in treating signs of sun damage. FDA approved, these fractional lasers are designed to utilize light as energy to penetrate beyond damaged skin, producing thousands of microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) and stimulating collagen production to improve the skin’s texture and tone. Cosmetic Laser Centers℠ offers two Fraxel® laser treatments: Fraxel® Dual and Fraxel® re:pair. Both treatments are much more tolerable than traditional non-fractional (full-field) laser treatments, and most patients see noticeable results after their first treatment. Given the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, Fraxel® laser recovery won’t disrupt your social calendar for too long either.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are among our most popular esthetician services, and for good reason. Known for targeting fine lines, scarring, and age spots among other complexion concerns, chemical peels are an excellent option for reversing the signs of sun damage. We offer three levels of chemical peels — superficial, medium-grade, and deep. Chemical peels work by exfoliating the top layer of skin to reveal a “fresh,” smoother appearance. Depending on the severity of the damage and the results desired, our talented estheticians will be able to assess your needs and discuss a potential treatment plan with you.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another esthetician service offered at Cosmetic Laser Centers℠ that can help improve the signs of sun damage. This gentle yet effective exfoliating treatment removes dead skin cells that can make the skin look dull, promoting collagen production through the body’s natural healing process and revealing a more vibrant appearance. This is a non-invasive treatment that can be repeated, but is known to produce noticeable results in just one session; this treatment can be used in conjunction with chemical peels for more advanced signs of sun spots.
*Microdermabrasion isn’t suited for those with moderate-severe rosacea. If you’ve developed rosacea as a side effect of sun damage, it’s best to discuss your other options with one of our skilled professionals.
How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
Consistent sun protection is essential in maintaining your skin’s integrity, and there are several ways you can do so.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three methods of sun protection – shade, protective clothing and accessories, and our personal favorite, sunscreen. Limiting sun exposure is the most effective method of sun protection, but not always the most realistic. Here are a few suggestions to help you get by when sun exposure is hard to avoid:
Wear protective clothing and accessories. Long sleeves, pants, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses are a great place to start.
Liberally reapply your sunscreen. Consider keeping a bottle of broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to reapply throughout the day.
Avoid peak sunlight hours. The sun’s rays are most damaging between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — you’ll want to limit the length of time you’re in the sun during this time
Booking Fraxel Laser Treatments for Sun Damage in Pittsburgh
If you’re in search of a medical spa in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, your best source for advanced skincare and anti-aging treatments is Cosmetic Laser Centers℠. You can find us at two locations: in Warrendale, between Wexford and Cranberry at 16000 Perry Highway, Suite 2, or in Robinson Township, at 6507 Robinson Centre Drive.
Our medical providers and experienced estheticians can help you achieve your skin goals, so you’re looking as radiant on the outside as you are on the inside. In addition to our esthetician services and Fraxel® laser treatments, we also offer dermal fillers, Botox, CoolSculpting, laser therapy, spider vein treatments, and much more. Our expert medical providers and staff will help you look your best and address your skin concerns with treatments best suited to your skin type.
To schedule an appointment for a Fraxel® laser treatment, chemical peel or microdermabrasion session, call us at 724-269-2763. Visit our website for more information about our practice.