7 Treatments That Can Address Sun-Damaged Skin

Sun-damaged skin is one of the most common cosmetic complaints, affecting everyone to at least some degree. Over the years, regular exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays causes our skin to age rapidly and increases the risk of noticeable blemishes, like wrinkles and discoloration.

Although there’s no way to prevent sun damage entirely, R. David Reeves, MD, and the Medical Aesthetics & Laser team offer several treatments to minimize its effects, ensuring your skin stays vibrant and healthy.

Can sun-related skin damage be reversed?

When the sun’s UV rays come in contact with your skin, they damage your skin cells’ DNA. Unfortunately, this damage can’t be reversed, but there are ways to improve your skin’s appearance.

We provide several noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures that can:

• Remove spots and skin discoloration
• Smooth out your skin
• Stimulate new collagen production
• Reduce wrinkles and fine lines

Combined, these measures can improve your skin’s tone, quality, and appearance.

7 treatments that can address sun-damaged skin

At Medical Aesthetics & Laser, we take a personalized approach to skin treatment. Depending on the location and severity of your sun-damaged skin, we might suggest:

1. BBL® HEROic™

The BBL HEROic by Sciton® is the world’s smallest intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. 

During a BBL HEROic procedure, your provider points a handheld device at a specific area of sun-damaged skin. The device emits several wavelengths of pulsating light that heat your skin and eliminate damaged cells. BBL HEROic also promotes the growth of new collagen — a protein that keeps your skin plump, smooth, and youthful. 

Studies show that IPL treatment can eliminate up to 70% of sun damage, including brown spots and redness caused by UV ray exposure.

2. MicroLaserPeel®

The MicroLaserPeel is another noninvasive procedure developed by Sciton. However, it relies on targeted erbium laser energy instead of intense pulsed light.

MicroLaserPeel treatment is significantly more powerful than BBL HEROic and provides quicker results. It’s incredibly effective at treating sun-related skin problems, including wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration.

3. Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that takes 30-45 minutes. 

During treatment, your provider uses a handheld tool called a derma roller to make small puncture wounds in the top layer of your skin. This process triggers your skin’s natural healing process, prompting the production of collagen and elastin — proteins that keep your skin smooth and youthful.

4. Hydrafacial 

Hydrafacial uses a vacuum-like wand to open clogged pores and extract dead skin cells. At the same time, it saturates your skin with several moisturizers and nourishing, personalized ingredients to address specific skin concerns, like sun damage.

Most people who undergo a hydrafacial report clearer skin, less oil, fewer blemishes, and less inflammation.

5. Ultherapy®

Ultherapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves), to lift and tighten sagging, sun-damaged skin. 

During treatment, your provider runs a handheld device along the surface of your skin. The device emits ultrasound waves that penetrate your skin, stimulating collagen production deep below the surface. Treatment takes 60-90 minutes on average and doesn’t require downtime or recovery.

6. MOXI®

MOXI Prejuvenation is a noninvasive procedure for people who want to stop sun damage before it occurs. It’s a powerful laser treatment that helps you maintain beautiful skin year-round while delaying the appearance of aging.

MOXI uses a gentle, nonablative wavelength that quickly corrects pigmentation issues. Each treatment session takes about 10 minutes. A series of three to four treatments spaced several weeks apart can correct various types of sun damage, including wrinkles, loose skin, and poor skin texture.

7. Dermal fillers

Some types of sun damage, like sagging skin, are more noticeable than others. Dermal fillers like Juvederm® and Radiesse® help provide a more youthful look by restoring lost facial volume.

Specifically, they use hyaluronic acid (HA) to improve contours, reduce wrinkles, and smooth the skin. The results dermal fillers provide aren’t permanent, but they last six to 24 months* on average.

What type of aesthetic and laser treatment will benefit me?

The type of aesthetic and laser treatment that will most benefit you depends on your goals, budget, and the severity of your skin concerns. After an in-office exam and a discussion of what you like and don’t like about your skin, your Medical Aesthetics & Laser provider makes personalized treatment recommendations.

Often, the plan combines two or more of the above treatments for optimal results. To ensure maximum benefit, the team monitors your progress at routine checkups and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.

Take action against sun-damaged skin

Everyone is affected by sun-damaged skin, but you don’t have to live with the results. If you’re struggling with wrinkles, skin discoloration, or other types of sun damage, consult with one of our specialists to learn about your various treatment options. Call us at our clinic in The Woodlands, Texas, today, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.