How Do Dermatologists Fix Sun-Damaged Skin?
Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is one of the leading causes of premature aging. Over time, unprotected sun exposure accentuates fine lines and wrinkles, contributes to decreased skin elasticity, causes dark spots to form, and can even lead to the formation of skin cancer lesions. Dark spots that form due to sun damage, also known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots, are one such sign of the natural aging process. Appearing as flat, brown spots that form on areas of the skin that are most often exposed to the sun, such as the hands, shoulders, arms, and face, sun spots are extremely common but most often affect people over the age of 40. Unlike precancerous lesions, sun spots are harmless. However, they can be distressing signs of aging that can make patients feel self-conscious, particularly when hyperpigmentation occurs on highly visible parts of the body, such as the face, arms, chest, and hands. Luckily, there are many treatment options available at Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology office to brighten the skin, improve the appearance of fine lines, and eliminate the visible signs of sun damage.
Unlike freckles that fade over time, age spots that form as a result of too much sun exposure will not go away on their own. As such, it is imperative to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, who can offer a wide variety of skin-lightening procedures to rejuvenate the skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots on the face. Several laser treatments are highly effective at eliminating hyperpigmentation on the face, including the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, the Clear + Brilliant laser, the Helios 785 laser, and the Fraxel laser. Each laser treatment works in a slightly different way to destroy the excess melanin in the skin responsible for the dark spots. In addition to laser treatments, Dr. Green offers a variety of chemical peels, including the Cosmelan peel and mesopeels, to exfoliate the skin and promote new skin cell growth for brighter, revitalized skin. Dr. Green also provides a wide range of skin care products through her proprietary MGSKINLABs to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and brighten the skin.
As there are many options available to eliminate the appearance of sunspots on the face, it is best to consult with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Dr. Green has been promoting wellness and treating patients in her Upper East Side New York City dermatology office for more than 25 years. An expert in many different cosmetic and medical treatments, including laser treatments, chemical peels, dermal fillers, Botox, and more, Dr. Green offers a wide variety of treatment options for comprehensive skin care for all skin types and skin tones. Well known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been voted one of the best healthcare providers in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.
What does sun-damaged skin look like?
Patients potentially experiencing sun-damaged skin may ask, “What does sun-damaged skin look like?” Exposure to ultraviolet radiation—also known as UV radiation—in the form of natural sunlight or tanning beds can cause damage to the skin and accentuate signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin texture, scaly, dry skin, loss of skin elasticity, increased visibility of blood vessels, and pigmentation in the form of sun spots, age spots, melasma, or freckles. UV exposure can also pose serious health concerns, placing patients at risk for skin cancers like melanoma. One of the most visible types of sun damage is sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, which appear as light tan or brown flat areas of discoloration on the skin’s surface. Sunspots form due to increased melanin production in the skin, which is the natural pigmentation found in the skin that helps to protect your skin’s DNA by absorbing UV rays. When you go outside without sun protection, these ultraviolet rays, known as UVA and UVB rays, trigger increased melanin production, which results in the formation of dark spots on the areas of the skin exposed to the sun. While sunspots are not dangerous—they are not the same as cancerous or precancerous lesions—they can cause patients to feel self-conscious when they appear on highly visible areas of the body, such as the face, chest, hands, and arms.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to differentiate between a sunspot and skin cancer, as many types of skin cancers, such as actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas, can resemble sunspots. However, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green can recognize the difference between a benign and a malignant lesion. Skin cancer is on the rise today in the United States, and identifying and treating these lesions early is more important than ever. Careful examination of a dark lesion and biopsy may be indicated to be certain of the correct diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Green is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and recommends yearly skin cancer examinations to diagnose, treat, and prevent skin cancer.
Can you repair sun-damaged skin?
Patients often ask, “Can damaged skin be repaired?” Sun damage generally begins to appear when patients are in their 40s or older, and it is a result of sunburns and a general lack of sun protection from youth. It is much easier to prevent sun damage from occurring by always practicing sun protection. Starting during their youth, patients should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every time they go outside and should reapply every two hours that they remain in the sun. However, if patients begin to experience signs of photoaging in their 40s or before, such as sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, spider veins on the nose, precancerous lesions, melasma, and uneven skin texture, there are ways to reduce these signs of sun damage. Laser treatments, chemical peels, topical retinoids like tretinoin, vitamin C serum, and dermal fillers are treatment options for reducing signs of sun damage and photoaging. The first step for determining which treatment option is best for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.
How to reverse sun-damaged skin
Patients will often ask, “How to repair sun-damaged skin.” Once sun damage has occurred, the effects cannot be fully reversed, and they will not go away on their own. However, the signs of sun damage can be repaired or reduced by undergoing treatment with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will determine the type of sun damage that has taken place. Patients experiencing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture may benefit best from chemical peels, topical retinoids, vitamin C serums, microneedling, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing treatments. Patients experiencing sun spots, age spots, and non-cancerous skin discoloration may also benefit from chemical peels like the Cosmelan Peel or Mesopeel, topical solutions like retinoids, skin lightening creams, and vitamin C serum, or laser treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Fraxel resurfacing, or Nd: Yag lasers like the Alex Trivantage Laser. Patients with melasma should be treated differently than patients with sunspots, as melasma cannot be treated with most lasers, and any skin irritation can worsen the condition. Precancerous lesions and skin cancer should also be treated differently from sunspots with more intensive chemical peels to remove the lesion fully. Dr. Green will generate the treatment plan that will best meet your needs and aesthetic goals.
What is the best treatment option available at a dermatology office to reverse sun damage?
At board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green’s New York City dermatology office, many treatment options are available to address all forms of sun damage. No one treatment is inherently “best.” Rather, Dr. Green will determine which of many treatment options will be best to meet your needs. Skin type and tone also determine which treatment option will be safest and most effective, and Dr. Green has extensive experience treating patients of all skin tones. Certain lasers and depth of chemical peels can damage Skin of Color. Therefore, Dr. Green always chooses lasers and chemical peels that will reverse signs of sun damage without irritating or further damaging the skin. To find out which treatment option is best for you, schedule your first appointment with Dr. Green.
What chemical peels are best for reversing skin damage?
Chemical peels involve the application of a topical chemical solution to resurface the skin, exfoliate the treatment area, and remove the top layers of dead skin to reveal healthy, lighter skin underneath. In addition to treating pigmentation, chemical peels are excellent for reducing the appearance of fine lines, skin texture, and pore size. Dr. Green employs a variety of proprietary chemical peels, which contain glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid, and trichloroacetic acid, for the best results in eliminating sun spots. Chemical peels come in a variety of different strengths, and Dr. Green will determine if a light, medium, or deep chemical peel is necessary based on the severity of your sun damage. In addition to treating sun damage, chemical peels can also be used to treat melasma, which is a skin condition characterized by discoloration across the upper lip, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and forehead. Patients with melasma should be treated differently than patients with sunspots, as melasma cannot be treated with most lasers.
One type of chemical peel that Dr. Green frequently uses to address areas of hyperpigmentation is the Cosmelan Peel, a medical-grade peel containing proprietary ingredients for skin lightening and resurfacing. The applied Cosmelan Peel mask works by multiple mechanisms to dispel the pigmentation in the affected areas and prevent further accumulation of melanin. This specialized chemical peel removes dead, pigmented cells from the skin, reveals healthy, clear skin cells, and inhibits pigmented cells from moving to the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).
Alternatively, Dr. Green may turn to the Mesopeel, which is specifically formulated to treat more sensitive areas of the skin. The four active ingredients – 20% Azelaic, 10% Resorcinol, 6% Phytic, and 3% Tranexamic Acid – work together to gently exfoliate the skin and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. The exfoliation eliminates the pigmented cells, while the stimulation of collagen production triggers the growth of smoother, lighter, and brighter skin cells. The Mesopeel is designed to treat hyperpigmentation around various body parts, including the face, neck, back, and axilla. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will determine the chemical peel that will work best for your skin type and the severity of the sun damage.
What is the best laser treatment for sun-damaged skin?
Fraxel Resurfacing Laser
Fraxel laser was the first FDA-approved fractionated laser to treat sun damage, sun spots, texture, stretch marks, precancerous growths (known as actinic keratoses), acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. The Fraxel laser works by resurfacing a “fraction” of the skin, leaving the remaining skin unaffected to minimize downtime and accelerate healing. The Fraxel laser creates “micro-injuries” on the skin, triggering skin cell turnover and new collagen production and bringing healthy, unpigmented cells to the skin’s surface. The Fraxel Dual operates on two wavelengths of light: the 1927 nm, which treats predominantly pigmentation and sun damage, and the 1550 nm, which treats fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. A combination of the two settings can be utilized to treat both conditions simultaneously, reducing sun spots and wrinkles and improving skin texture, all with only a few days of recovery.
Clear + Brilliant Laser
Clear + Brilliant laser is commonly called a “mini-Fraxel” laser. Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser resurfacing treatment that was FDA-approved in 2011. By using fractionated laser technology, Clear + Brilliant creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in the face, stimulates new collagen production, removes dead skin cells, and produces healthy new skin. Clear + Brilliant treats all over sun damage, sunspots, uneven skin tone, discoloration, irregular skin texture, fine lines, and enlarged pore size. Patients of all skin tones, including darker complexions, can benefit from Clear + Brilliant laser treatment for total facial rejuvenation.
Candela Alex Trivantage Laser
The Candela Alex-Trivantage Laser is an Nd: Yag laser designed to treat discreet sun spots. The laser works by emitting wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigment in the dark spots on the skin. These melanin-rich lesions transform the light energy into heat, which eliminates the pigmentation and stimulates the production of new, lighter, healthier skin cells. The laser specifically targets the pigmentation in the skin, meaning that the skin tissue surrounding the sunspot is unaffected by the laser treatment.
Helios 785 Laser
The Helios 785 laser is a noninvasive Picosure laser that is FDA-approved to treat sun damage and pigmentation. This Q-switched Nd: YAG laser combines Pico and Nanotechnologies, utilizing 532 nanosecond, 785 picosecond, and 1064 nanosecond wavelengths to allow providers to tailor each treatment to a patient’s specific skin type and concerns. Clinical studies have demonstrated the Helios 785 laser to be a safe and effective treatment option for Asian skin types and patients with Fitzpatrick skin Type III-IV. The Helios 785 laser penetrates deep into the skin, increasing melanin absorption and the elimination of pigmentation. This laser also increases the production of new collagen to smooth the skin. With the Helios 785 laser, patients can look forward to clear, radiant skin without the need for any downtime or side effects. Multiple sessions spaced two to four weeks apart are required to achieve optimal cosmetic results. Afterward, patients can engage in regular maintenance sessions to maintain and enhance the results of treatment.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) laser treatment, or photo facial, reduces signs of photoaging, facial redness, fine lines, and skin laxity to improve the overall color and texture of the skin. Intense Pulsed Light differs from laser resurfacing in that while lasers typically use a single wavelength of light, IPL lasers use several different wavelengths of light to treat various skin conditions. The flash of light emitted from the IPL device travels to the dermal layer of the skin to destroy the melanin-rich cells in the sunspot.
Is retinol good for sun-damaged skin?
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is an effective topical skincare solution for removing pigmentation from the skin’s surface. Available over-the-counter or in prescription-strength, retinoids help to exfoliate and resurface the outer layer of skin, causing dead skin cells and pigmented lesions to slough off. The controlled damage and exfoliation of the skin stimulates new collagen production, which eliminates signs of dark spots, reduces the appearance of fine lines, creates a smoother skin texture, and improves skin elasticity.
Is Vitamin C good for treating sun-damaged skin?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and reduces the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots. When applied to the skin’s surface, Vitamin C can help reduce signs of aging by reducing collagen breakdown and reversing UV damage. Dr. Green has her proprietary line of skin care products, MGSKINLABs, and her Vitamin C serum is one of the most popular products sold. Topical vitamin C serums can be added to a patient’s regular skincare routine to lighten dark spots and protect the skin from free radicals.
Does castor oil help sun-damaged skin?
Castor oil is a vegetable derived from castor beans that has been increasingly used as an ingredient in topical skin products. Some skincare influencers have touted the benefits of castor oil as a way to moisturize the skin, soothe sunburns, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, the true effectiveness of castor oil as a skincare product has not been fully tested and proven to be effective. Additionally, castor oil can cause skin irritation in some patients and is not easily absorbed by the skin, meaning that the skin can look and feel oily after application. With many in-office treatments and topical skin care products available to reduce signs of sun damage, Dr. Green does not typically recommend the use of castor oil.
What sunscreen is best for preventing sun damage?
The best sunscreen for preventing sun damage is the sunscreen that you will wear every day, though Dr. Green recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Sunscreen should be applied every morning as part of your daily skincare routine and reapplied every two hours spent outside. For extra protection, Dr. Green recommends a combination approach: applying both chemical and physical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen works to absorb UV radiation, converting it into heat to protect the skin from UV damage. Physical sunscreen reflects the UV rays with active ingredients such as Zinc. When applied together, chemical and physical sunscreen can greatly increase sun protection and prevent sun damage from occurring. Wearing sunscreen every day is essential for preventing sunburns that lead to sun damage and photoaging later in life.
What is the dermatologist-recommended skincare plan to prevent sun damage?
With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Michele Green is an expert at helping patients generate skincare routines that keep their skin smooth, bright, glowing, and youthful-looking. The most important skincare product for everyday application is a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays is the best way to reduce the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin. If you are already experiencing dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin texture, Dr. Green may recommend the use of a retinoid to help exfoliate the skin and boost skin cell turnover for smoother, clearer skin. Dr. Green may also prescribe a skin-brightening cream, such as hydroquinone, to specifically address dark spots and block the production of melanin. When using any sort of exfoliating or skin-brightening product, the skin is often more sensitive. As such, Dr. Green recommends a gentle cleanser for cleaning the skin and a rich moisturizer to help keep the skin hydrated and balanced.
What does sun damage on the face look like?
Patients often ask, “What does sun damage look like on your face?” Unprotected sun exposure can accentuate many signs of the natural aging process, including fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, dark spots, and broken capillaries on the nose. Sunspots, which are flat brown or tan spots, are also noticeable signs of sun damage. While sunspots are not a sign of skin cancer, they can be frustrating for patients as they will not go away on their own. Sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer lesions, such as melanoma, which can pose a serious health risk. Cancerous lesions are distinct from age spots, as they frequently have an irregular border, continue to grow in shape and size, and are generally asymmetrical. Melasma, a skin condition characterized by patches of brown or grey skin, can also be exacerbated by sun exposure.
How to repair sun-damaged skin on the face naturally
Typically, signs of sun-damaged skin, such as wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin texture, broken capillaries, and loose skin, will not go away on their own. The best way to repair sun damage and reduce signs of photoaging is to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. There are certain lifestyle choices that patients can make to reduce the prevalence of signs of aging. Most importantly, patients should always apply sunscreen in the morning before leaving the house. To help prevent sun damage, patients can wear sun-protective clothing, such as a broad-brim hat, and avoid the outdoors when the sun is at its peak intensity (between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm). Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoiding a diet that is high in carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods can also help slow signs of aging. Getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking can also help. While these practices are important for maintaining healthy skin, they won’t repair sun-damaged skin. For the best results, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green.
What does damaged skin look like on the chest?
The chest is another area of the body that is often exposed to the sun’s UV rays and can be forgotten when applying sunscreen. Sun-damaged skin on the chest looks similar to sun-damaged skin on the face and can manifest as sagging skin, wrinkles, and areas of discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Skin damage on the chest can occur due to natural sun exposure as well as the UV ray exposure associated with tanning beds and sun lamps.
How to repair sun-damaged skin on the chest
Sun-damaged skin on the chest can be repaired using many of the same methods that are used for the face, including laser treatment, chemical peels, and topical creams. Patients experiencing loose skin on the chest may turn to Thermage radiofrequency skin tightening laser treatment or chemical peels to help boost collagen production and tighten the skin. Those experiencing dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation may find that the IPL laser, Fraxel laser, or Alex Trivantage laser is best for reducing the appearance of pigmentation on the skin. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and determine the type of treatment that will be best for you.
What does sun damage look like on the legs?
Long summer days in shorts or bathing suits can expose the legs to harmful UV rays. In youth, it may not feel like a big deal to avoid putting sunscreen on your legs in favor of a nice tan. But over time, sun damage can occur on the legs, leaving them with areas of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when dark spots form on the skin’s surface, while hypopigmentation occurs when white spots form on the skin’s surface, which are areas with decreased melanin in the skin. White spots due to sun damage are more common on the legs and arms.
What does sun damage look like on the arms?
Sun damage on the arms can look quite similar to sun damage on the legs, manifesting as either dark spots—hyperpigmentation—or white spots. These white spots, known as hypopigmentation or idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis—occur when the production of melanin in the skin decreases. The best first step for treating sun damage on the arms is to consult with an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green.
What to do for sun-damaged skin
Sunspots tend to develop on the areas of the body with frequent sun exposure, including the face, chest, backs of the hands, neck, arms, and shoulders. However, these harmless brown spots can develop anywhere on the body if there has been sun exposure. While sunspots won’t fade away or disappear on their own, they can completely diminish or eliminate their appearance with treatment options offered by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Dr. Green will assess the areas of your skin affected by sunspots, evaluate the severity of your hyperpigmentation, and develop a customized treatment protocol for achieving and maintaining clear, healthy, youthful-looking skin that lasts.
How to lighten sun-damaged skin
At Dr. Green’s Upper East Side dermatology office, many treatment options are available for lightening dark spots that appear due to sun damage. If patients are experiencing age spots, Dr. Green may recommend laser resurfacing treatments like Fraxel or Clear + Brilliant or laser treatments that target and destroy pigmentation specifically, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or the Alex Trivantage laser. Patients experiencing dark spots due to melasma should avoid most laser treatments, as lasers can make melasma worse. For pigmentation, Dr. Green will often turn to chemical peels like the Cosmelan Peel or the Mesopeel to boost skin cell turnover for brighter skin. Additionally, Dr. Green may recommend that patients apply a topical solution like a retinoid or hydroquinone cream to help lighten the skin.
How to treat sun-damaged skin at home
Various topical creams and ingredients can be added to your skincare routine to treat sunspots at home. Retinol creams and lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid help exfoliate the skin and fade sunspots. Vitamin C serum, like Dr. Green’s popular Vita-C-serum, has powerful antioxidant properties to lighten sunspots and repair the effects of damaging UV rays. Skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinones, kojic acid, arbutin, phytic acid, and azelaic acid, all lighten the skin and diminish the appearance of sunspots and discoloration. Aloe vera has also been shown to lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of sunspots. Sunscreen is essential for ensuring that the skin is protected from further UV damage, which can worsen sunspots and create new ones. While topical products are effective for reducing the appearance of sunspots over time, typically, in-office treatments such as lasers and chemical peels are required to eliminate sunspots from the skin fully.
How do I get started with the treatment of sun-damaged skin today?
While days in the sun are lovely for most people, you must wear sunscreen and practice strict sun protection whenever you are outside. Signs of sun damage, which can include fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, broken capillaries on the nose, dark spots, precancerous lesions, and worsening melasma, often appear when patients are in their 40s but stem from sun damage that occurs during their youth. While the best way to avoid photoaging is to prevent sun damage in the first place, patients experiencing these signs of sun damage can turn to several treatment options, including laser treatment, chemical peels, topical solutions, dermal fillers, and microneedling. To find out which treatment option is best for you, schedule your initial consultation with expert dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out the best treatment option for sun-damaged skin.