How to Reverse Sun-Damaged Skin
Throughout our lives, we often get too much exposure to the sun’s rays. Going outside without protective layers of clothing or sunscreen can leave our skin bare to UV radiation, which, over time, can damage the skin. Excessive UV radiation can cause premature aging, also called photoaging, highlighting the signs of aging in patients with sun damage. UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells and decrease the collagen and elastin, structural proteins that support the skin. Sun damage can take the form of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, spider veins, precancerous lesions, and even skin cancers. The appearance of sun damage occurs most often on the face, arms, shoulders, and hands and often in patients over the age of 40 who have accumulated more exposure. Fortunately, there are treatment options for sun damage available at board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green’s boutique dermatology office in New York City, which treats the many signs of photoaging with minimal downtime.
From laser treatments and chemical peels to injectables and topicals, Dr. Green offers a variety of treatments for sun-damaged skin. Laser treatments are incredibly effective for removing evidence of sun damage, and some of the most popular available at Dr. Green’s include the Helios laser, the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, the Clear + Brilliant, and the Fraxel. Each laser treatment works slightly differently to correct sun damage. In addition to laser treatments, Dr. Green offers a variety of chemical peels, including the Cosmelan peel and mesopeels, which exfoliate the dead cells and promote new skin cell growth for brighter, revitalized skin. Injectable treatments such as dermal fillers and Botox safely and effectively rejuvenate the skin to fight volume loss, wrinkles, and fine lines. Dr. Green also provides a range of skin care products through her proprietary MGSKINLABs to revitalize and brighten skin affected by sun damage.
Experienced board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side New York City office for over 25 years. Dr. Green is an expert in many anti-aging cosmetic treatments, including chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, and injectable treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers. With treatments for many skin conditions available at her office and her proprietary skin care products, Dr. Green increases accessibility to a youthful-looking appearance for all her patients who have sun damage. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been frequently voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors.
Can you reverse sun damage?
Yes! While you cannot completely reverse sun damage, there are many treatment options that can improve the appearance of the skin by reducing dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles to reveal smoother, more youthful skin. Many noninvasive cosmetic procedures and topical treatments exist to reverse the appearance of sun damage. Because sun damage can take many forms, the first step to reversing the damage is to consult with an expert dermatologist who will evaluate the skin and create a safe and effective treatment plan to reverse your sun damage.
Dermatology Treatments for sun-damaged skin.
A dermatologist’s office offers a wide variety of treatment options for sun-damaged skin, including in-office treatments and topical at-home treatments. The most popular in-office treatments include laser treatments, chemical peels, and injectable treatments. When you consult with Dr. Green in her private dermatology office, she will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to effectively treat your sun damage, providing you with bright, smooth skin. Some of the most popular cosmetic treatments for sun-damaged skin include the following:
Laser Treatments
Many laser resurfacing treatments can reverse the signs of sun damage. These lasers can promote collagen production or target the pigmentation in age spots to reveal even, youthful-looking skin. Dr. Green often uses various lasers to treat sun damage at her boutique dermatology office in the Upper East Side neighborhood of NYC.
Fraxel Laser treatment is one of the most popular treatments for removing sun damage in the form of sun spots, uneven skin tone, and discoloration. The Fraxel Dual laser uses two wavelengths of light energy. The 1550 nm wavelength of light is best for treating fine lines, wrinkles, and scars, while the 1927 nm wavelength is most effective for treating pigmentation associated with sun damage. The Fraxel laser emits light energy that targets a specific area, leaving the surrounding skin cells and tissue unaffected. When using the 1927 nm wavelength, the light energy is absorbed by pigmented substances in the skin, which causes controlled damage at the treatment site. The micro-wounds generated by the laser also boost collagen production, which improves skin tone and texture over time.
The Candela Alex-Trivantage Laser is a Yag laser designed to treat individual sun spots. The laser emits wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the dark spots on the skin, transforming the light energy into heat. This eliminates the pigmentation and stimulates the production of new, lighter, healthier skin cells. The laser specifically targets the pigmentation in the skin, leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. Patients typically need between one and two treatments to produce the best results.
The Helios 785 is a YAG laser that merges Pico and Nanotechnologies for tattoo removal, benign pigmented lesions, skin brightening, and toning. The laser has multiple wavelengths and handpieces, allowing for many functions. Data on the Helios laser indicates that it is safer for people with Asian skin. Asian skin is much more sensitive to laser treatments and can often experience worse results afterward through post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Helios 785 laser is the first to treat sunspots in Asian skin without this risk. There is zero downtime with the Helios laser, making it an excellent option for Asian people looking for even, glowing skin.
The Clear + Brilliant Laser is a skin rejuvenation treatment that provides patients with a brighter complexion, even skin tone and texture, and a youthful glow without any downtime. Clear + Brilliant, also called “mini-fraxel,” utilizes fractional laser energy to create thousands of microscopic injuries to the skin. These micro-injuries trigger skin cell turnover and the production of collagen, the protein in the skin that provides structure, firmness, and youthfulness. This method allows the superficial skin cells containing sun spots and age spots to be exfoliated away, allowing for new, healthy skin cells to take their place. With each Clear + Brilliant laser treatment, visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and dark spots, are diminished. Typically, around six treatments are needed to achieve the best results.
Thermage is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate the skin without any downtime. The Thermage treatment relies on radiofrequency technology to heat the middle layers of the skin, stimulating the production of new collagen and remodeling existing collagen. This tightens the skin to give you firmer, smoother skin, softer fine lines and wrinkles, and a more youthful complexion without any plastic surgery. The Thermage procedure can be used nearly anywhere on the face or body for a non-surgical “lift” effect that firms and tightens loose skin.
CB cosmelan 51 before after 11 month ANGLEL MGwatermark
Chemical Peels
The TCA peel is one of the most common chemical solutions used for medium-depth peels in cosmetic dermatology. The TCA peels have different strengths, ranging from 10%-50%. High concentrations of TCA are used for a deeper peel, affecting more of the underlying layers of skin. The amount of downtime after a TCA chemical peel varies depending on the strength used. TCA peels are ideal for improving skin tone and texture and can target many concerns, including fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging. TCA peels are not recommended for patients with darker skin tones, who are at higher risk of post-peel discoloration.
A Mesopeel is a gentle chemical peel that addresses facial and body hyperpigmentation. A series of Mesopeels can effectively fade unwanted pigmentation from melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun exposure. Delicate areas of the body such as the inner thighs, groin, axillae, face, and under eyes may be impacted by hyperpigmentation. These delicate areas cannot be treated with traditional chemical peels, which are too irritating for the sensitive skin in these areas. Mesopeels gently treat hyperpigmentation by decreasing the melanin that leads to dark spots. The treatment includes peptides that encourage the skin to renew, revealing softer, brighter skin that is evener in tone and texture.
The Cosmelan peel is a two-step depigmentation treatment that removes dark spots and regulates melanin production to prevent their reappearance. Melanin is the component that provides pigment or color to the skin, and excessive melanin production can result in hyperpigmentation and melasma. The Cosmelan peel can reduce melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sun spots from excess sun exposure, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.
To achieve and maintain the best cosmetic results, it is essential that both during and after the chemical peel treatment, patients limit sun exposure, avoid tanning, and use proper sun protection. Sun exposure to the treatment area can worsen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots even after the treatment is complete. When you have your depigmentation treatment with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, she will provide you with the homecare guidelines, including an ideal skincare regimen, to ensure you get the best skin rejuvenation results.
Injectable Treatments
When the harmful UVA and UVB radiation penetrates the skin, it causes premature aging through the breakdown of collagen. As collagen diminishes, fine lines and wrinkles form, the skin sags, and volume is lost.
Botox injections are the gold standard for preventing and eliminating dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic fine lines are those that form over time due to repetitive facial expressions. Botox can also be used to slim the face and treat TMJ (temporomandibular joint pain). Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that ‘freezes’ targeted facial muscles, preventing their contraction and resulting in a smoother skin texture. The effects of Botox take up to two weeks to kick in and last for up to four months. Most patients have Botox injections every 3-4 months to maintain its incredible results.
Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to enhance facial contours, augment certain features, replenish volume loss, and provide a more youthful appearance. Each filler has a unique composition for the different augmentations. The unique components of the fillers are Hyularaunic Acid, poly-L-lactic acid, and Calcium hydroxylapatite. Dermal fillers can replenish facial volume, enhance the definition of the facial bone structure, provide a lifting effect, and reduce fine lines for a rejuvenated appearance. Loss of volume is often one of the signs of photoaging and can cause a tired, worn look. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, will select the best fillers for your facial rejuvenation plan depending on your facial anatomy, particular skin concerns, and personal aesthetic goals. The versatility of dermal fillers allows for a completely customizable approach and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Topical skincare to repair and prevent sun damage
Various creams and ointments have been developed to treat various forms of sun damage and to prevent further sun damage as part of your skin care regimen. The most important topical treatment for sun damage is proper sunscreen application to protect the skin from sun exposure. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be applied every 80 minutes to prevent the signs of sun damage from forming.
MGSKINLAB Skin Care Products are a line of potent topicals. Founded by expert, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, the MGSKINLABs Inc. line carries the best creams and lotions for treating sun-damaged skin. When you consult with Dr. Green on the best treatment plan to address your sun damage, she will recommend specific creams, serums, and sunscreens from her MGSKINLAB line of products to suit your unique needs best. Each product is tried and true to effectively generate healthy, smooth, and bright skin.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant found in skincare products. It reduces the appearance of pigmentation and improves skin tone and texture, making it an excellent option for melasma treatment. One of the most popular products available in Dr. Green’s proprietary line of skin care products is her Vita-C serum. Safe and effective for all skin types, Vita-C serum can be used to reduce the appearance of melasma, enhance protection against ultraviolet rays, and reduce inflammation from conditions such as rosacea.
Retinols and retinoids are topical creams derived from Vitamin A that can be purchased over the counter or as prescription medication. These topicals encourage dead skin cells to slough off, making room for fresh, healthy cells. Over time, they can soften wrinkles and lighten dark spots by encouraging the pigmented cells to shed. Retinols can be irritating, so they should only be used as directed by an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Green.
Hydroquinone is a prescription-grade lightening agent used to treat melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. The topical cream inhibits the production of melanin in the top layer of the skin to lighten dark spots gradually. It is imperative to use Hydroquinone as directed by your dermatologist because overuse can lead to adverse reactions such as ochronosis and discoloration of the skin.
Patients who have extensive sun damage and precancerous or cancerous lesions may be instructed to use topical chemotherapy agents to safely and effectively treat these spots. Four FDA-approved topical prescription creams may be used to treat skin cancer and precancerous lesions. The four creams are Fluorouracil (Efudex), Imiquimod (Aldara), Diclofenac (Solaraze), and Ingenol Mebutate (Picato). These creams effectively destroy cells that are proliferating too quickly, such as the precancerous cells in an actinic keratosis.
Is sun damage reversible?
Sun damage can be minimized but not completely reversed. Many cosmetic procedures target the various forms of sun damage to reveal youthful, smooth skin. Patients who struggle with photoaging from sun damage can have loose, sagging skin, or textured skin. Dr. Green often treats these signs of photoaging with non-invasive procedures such as Thermage, Fraxel, and filler injections. The Thermage treatment is a radiofrequency collagen-inducing therapy that tightens the skin. The radiofrequency energy encourages new collagen production, tightening the skin for more youthful, firm skin. The results typically last for two years, but many patients receive annual maintenance treatments. The Fraxel laser can target many forms of sun damage and improve their appearance. The laser operates at two distinct wavelengths, which allows it to improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and pigmentation. Sun damage can lead to loss of volume and sagging skin by speeding up the destruction of collagen. The volume can be replenished with dermal fillers. Dermal fillers boost collagen production and add volume to the treated areas, plumping the skin and resulting in a firmer, youthful appearance. When you consult with Dr. Green about your sun damage, she will physically assess your skin and work with you to create a treatment regimen that caters to your aesthetic needs and goals.
How to repair sun-damaged skin?
The first step to repairing sun-damaged skin is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green. A board-certified dermatologist has the experience and expertise to provide safe and effective treatments for sun damage. To safely treat sun damage, a dermatologist must evaluate the treatment area for signs of skin cancer. Sun damage can cause precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses and skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. These precancerous and cancerous cells must be treated prior to any cosmetic procedures. If you notice new or changing spots on the skin, it is best to visit a dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can determine if the site is a sign of skin cancer. After Dr. Green physically evaluates the treatment area, she will work with you to create an individualized treatment regimen to reduce the appearance of sun damage.
Can you reverse sun damage on the face?
Sun damage on the face can be treated, and the appearance can be improved. A dermatologist can perform numerous non-invasive treatment options to improve the signs of aging associated with sun damage, such as dark spots and fine lines. Dark spots are often treated with chemical peels, such as the Cosmelan Peel and Mesopeel, and topical creams, such as hydroquinone and retinol. Chemical peels exfoliate the top layer of the skin, removing the pigmentation in the darker sun spots to reveal clear, rejuvenated skin. Hydroquinone acts as a lightening agent to destroy the pigmentation in sun spots and even the skin tone. Retinols promote skin cells to turn over, removing dead, damaged cells to reveal clear, healthy skin. When you consult with Dr. Michele Green, she will evaluate your sun damage and create a treatment plan to help you achieve the facial rejuvenation you desire.
How to undo sun damage on the face?
Sun damage on the face can take various forms, including hyperpigmentation, texturization, and wrinkles. Each type of sun damage is treated differently. Hyperpigmentation, or melasma, can be treated with laser treatments, chemical peels, and topical lightening agents. The Helios laser is a unique Q-switched YAG laser that was designed to treat sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation in tanner skin, especially sensitive Asian skin. Chemical peels like the Cosmelan peel help remove excess melanin in dark spots and regulate melanin to prevent dark spots from returning. Topicals such as hydroquinone and Vitamin C can be used at home to lighten sun spots and melasma. Uneven skin texture is best treated with laser treatments such as Fraxel and Clear+Brilliant. These skin resurfacing lasers promote the skin’s natural collagen production by causing microscopic injuries to the skin and encouraging the removal of dead skin cells and the creation of new, healthy skin cells with an even skin tone and texture. Botox is the gold standard for softening dynamic wrinkles. As a neuromodulator, it prevents the muscles from contracting and worsening wrinkles. Over time, the wrinkles will soften for smooth, youthful skin. To determine the best treatment option for your sun damage, you should consult with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green, who will work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic needs and goals.
Can sun-damaged skin be repaired?
While cosmetic treatments are available to improve the appearance of sun damage, the best treatment for sun-damaged skin is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Preventative measures against sun damage will protect the skin and keep signs of sun damage and photoaging at bay. Dr. Green recommends that all patients use sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day, even in the winter, and reapply every two hours when outside. Additionally, they should wear sun-protective UPF clothing and wide-brimmed hats to block the harmful UV radiation. When possible, it is recommended to avoid the sun when it is harshest during midday. Taking preventative measures against sun damage will protect the skin from photoaging and from developing precancerous and cancerous lesions. It is imperative to have any new or changing spots evaluated by a dermatologist who is experienced at detecting signs of skin cancer, such as Dr. Green. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding any areas of sun damage, she will evaluate the region and perform any necessary medical treatments before recommending any cosmetic treatments.
How do you reverse sun damage on the body?
The first step to reversing sun damage on the body is to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Sun damage can take many forms, including sun spots and sagging skin. Sunspots are most common in areas of the body with increased sun exposure, such as the arms and chest. Some of the treatment options for Sunspots include the AlexTrivantage laser, Fraxel laser, and mesopeel. The AlexTrivantage laser emits wavelengths of light that target excess melanin or pigment directly. The light is absorbed into the melanin-rich cells, where it is heated, which destroys the melanin. The Fraxel laser operates at two distinct wavelengths. The 1927 wavelength is best used for hyperpigmentation, age spots, and sun damage, which effectively diminishes dark spots with minimal downtime. The mesopeel is a type of chemical peel that was designed for use on particularly sensitive areas of the body and can not be treated with a traditional chemical peel, such as the inner thighs, groin, axillae, face, and under eyes. The treatment encourages skin cells to renew at an increased rate, revealing a smoother, softer, brighter complexion. When photoaging from sun damage occurs on the body, patients can experience sagging skin. The gold standard for treating sagging skin on the body is the Thermage radiofrequency treatment. It is FDA-approved for use across the body, safely and effectively boosting collagen production to reveal tighter, firmer skin for long-term results.
How to reverse sun damage on legs?
Sun damage on the legs can appear as hyperpigmented age spots, scaly or dry skin, or loose skin. Age spots are best treated with the Alex Trivantage laser or the Helios laser, which targets the excess melanin in those cells and destroys it. The body metabolizes the melanin, and new skin cells form to reveal an even skin tone. Sun damage can negatively impact the skin’s ability to retain moisture, causing dry, scaly skin. When this occurs, a potent moisturizer is required to boost hydration. Dr. Green’s Intensive Skin Repair Lotion, part of her MGSKINLabs, can be used twice daily to hydrate the skin, soothing the dry, scaly skin. Loss of volume due to sun damage can lead to loose, crepey skin of the legs. When this occurs, the Thermage radiofrequency treatment can help. The Thermage treatment is FDA-approved to be used in many areas across the body, including the legs. The radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen production and reorganizes existing collagen to provide smoother, firmer skin.
How do you remove sun spots?
The ultraviolet light from the sun causes the melanin in some cells to go into overdrive, creating darker sunspots. Multiple treatment options for sun spots include laser treatments, chemical peels, and topical medications. The most popular laser treatments for sunspots are the AlexTrivantage and Helios laser. Both specifically target the pigmentation in the dark spots, destroying it and lightening the sunspot. The Helios laser was uniquely designed to treat hyperpigmentation in more sensitive Asian skin, which can have adverse reactions to other lasers. These lasers safely and effectively remove the pigmentation to reveal clear, healthy skin. The Cosmelan Peel is a two-step peel treatment that decreases dark spots and hyperpigmentation. A specially formulated compound is applied to the face in the office and then removed at home several hours later. After the peel has been removed, patients use a special skincare routine for several weeks, ultimately resulting in evenly toned, beautiful skin. Another commonly used chemical peel is the mesopeel, which gently decreases pigmentation on the face. A series of mesopeels spaced 3-6 weeks apart is recommended for the ideal aesthetic results. In addition to chemical peels, topical creams such as hydroquinone can be applied to sun spots to lighten them—the best topical to use to reverse and prevent sun spots in sunscreen and practice strict sun protection.
Patients predisposed to hyperpigmentation must always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 and reapply every two hours when outside. Dr. Green recommends using two types of sunscreen to ensure total sun protection: a chemical-based sunscreen, which can contain avobenzone, and a physical-based sunscreen, which can contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Using sunscreen, practicing sun avoidance, and wearing protective clothing and hats are paramount to preventing signs of sun damage, such as sunspots.
How do you reverse skin darkening from the sun?
Excess UV exposure causes the skin to produce more melanin, leading to a darker, tanner appearance. Melanin acts as the first line of defense against the sun by absorbing harmful UV radiation and preventing it from disrupting the skin cell’s DNA. The best way to reverse skin darkening from the sun is to use proper sun protection. With strict sun protection and minimal UV exposure, the skin does not need as much protection from the sun, so melanin starts to decrease. As melanin decreases, the skin will lighten, reversing the darkening that occurred with excessive UV exposure. Dr. Green recommends applying at least SPF 30 when you are outside, reapplying every 90 minutes, and wearing sun-protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat.
Can sunscreen reverse sun damage?
While sunscreen cannot reverse the damage done, it can prevent further sun damage. When sunscreen is applied to the skin, it blocks harmful UV radiation that causes sunburns, preventing the UV light from damaging the DNA within the skin cells. It is important to consistently apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 when you are outside and reapplying every 90 minutes, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing, or staying indoors when the sun is at its most intense to prevent further sun damage from occurring.
Does vitamin C reverse sun damage?
While it cannot reverse sun damage, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, which can exasperate the damage done by the sun. By defending against the oxidative stress that leads to aging, antioxidants can slow the signs of aging and reduce the breakdown of collagen. One of the most popular products from Dr. Green’s skincare line, MGSKINLABs, is the Vita-C serum. Safe and effective for all skin types, the serum can be used to reduce dark spots and prevent further UV damage.
Can retinol reverse sun damage?
Retinols are over-the-counter topicals derived from vitamin A that have anti-aging properties. They can improve the appearance of sun damage. A great addition to any skincare routine, retinol can effectively improve the appearance of skin damage caused by the sun. Retinols encourage cell turnover, which allows for new, healthy skin cells to take the place of the damaged cells. Over time, this will allow for even skin tone and texture as the dead, damaged skin cells slough off. Retinols can be drying and irritating to the skin, so it is important to use them as directed by a dermatologist like Dr. Green.
Can tretinoin reverse sun damage?
Tretinoin is a prescription vitamin A derivative, called a retinoid, that promotes cell turnover. This cream can improve signs of sun damage, such as skin texturing, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Tretinoin encourages the dead skin cells to slough off, allowing fresh, healthy cells to replace them. As a prescription medication, it is important to use tretinoin as directed by your dermatologist to prevent irritation.
How to get started treating sun-damaged skin today
Sun damage, which can be characterized by brown spots on the skin’s surface that form from exposure to the sun’s harmful UV Rays, can be a source of frustration for patients. Typically appearing on areas of the body that are often visible, sun damage and sun spots are some of the main signs of the aging process. Sun damage will not disappear without cosmetic intervention. Luckily, there are safe and effective treatments with minimal downtime available at Dr. Green’s New York City Dermatology office. Dr. Green takes advantage of multiple types of treatments to reverse signs of photoaging. The procedures are quick and easy to perform, with long-lasting results. If you struggle with stubborn evidence of sun damage, Dr. Green is here to help.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over twenty-five years of experience providing patients with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Dr. Green customizes each patient’s anti-aging treatment regimen to suit their particular skin concerns best, providing optimal skin rejuvenation results with minimal downtime. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by New York Magazine, Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and the New York Times for her dedication to her patients and expertise. To learn more about eliminating the appearance of sun damage, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green today by calling the NYC dermatology office at 212-535-3088 or contacting us online.