Can You Reverse Sun Damage?

We all love the long days, warm beaches, and barbeques that come with summer. But as the season ends and we trade our swimsuits for sweaters, many of us are left with more than just sweet memories of summer fun – we’re faced with the lasting evidence of sun damage on our skin.

What is Sun Damage?

From brown spots and uneven complexion to rough, sun-damaged skin, the effects of summer sun can last a lifetime. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun reach the inside of skin cells, causing damage to the DNA that resides there. Over time, repeated sun exposure can have cumulative effects on the skin. And by the time you see them, the damage has already been done.

Sun Damage Treatment Options

The good news is there are professional treatments available today that aim to alleviate these concerns and restore your skin’s smooth and even appearance.

CryoCorrect for Brown Spots

Brown spots, which have many names such as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots, are flat, brown patches on the skin that result from excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. One innovative treatment that is proving highly effective in dealing with these spots is CryoCorrect. CryoCorrect is a non-invasive, in-office treatment that uses a precise flow of carbon dioxide (CO2) to freeze and correct brown spots. The procedure is simple: the CryoCorrect pen delivers a micro-fine burst of CO2 to the affected area, which freezes the superficial layers of the skin at a mild freezing temperature. This leads to the death of the dark cells and the gradual replacement of them with new, healthy ones over a span of a few weeks. Patients appreciate CryoCorrect not only for its efficacy but also because it is relatively quick (often less than a minute per spot) and does not involve any downtime. It’s important to remember that any form of treatment requires a proactive approach to sun protection moving forward, or brown spots may return.

Limelight IPL for an Even Complexion

Next on our list of sun damage warriors is Limelight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. This popular non-invasive treatment addresses issues like redness, mottled complexion, and sunspots, aiming to give you more balanced, youthful-looking skin. The Limelight IPL procedure involves directing pulses of light onto the skin, which penetrate and target the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) without harming the skin’s surface. These light pulses are absorbed by the melanocytes and converted into heat energy that breaks down excess pigment, reducing discoloration and redness. Limelight IPL treatments can take about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. Some patients describe the sensation as a light ‘stinging’ feeling, similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Post-treatment, patients can resume their normal activities immediately.

VI Peels to Exfoliate Sun-Damaged Skin

Now let’s talk about one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into sun-damaged skin: the VI Peel. This is a medium-depth chemical peel that uses a blend of carefully curated ingredients to exfoliate the skin and promote cell renewal. The VI Peel works by removing the top damaged layers of the skin. This stimulates cell turnover and well as the production of new elastin and collagen, leading to improved skin tone and texture. It’s essentially a deep exfoliation process that replaces old, damaged skin with fresh, new skin. A single VI Peel session can take about 30 to 45 minutes. While there might be some peeling and redness for a few days post-treatment, the result is smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin.

Take Control of Your Sun-Damaged Skin

Protecting your skin from further damage is paramount. That means investing in a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure during the middle of the day whenever possible, even on cloudy days. And while existing sun damage might seem like a permanent reminder of summer’s harsh rays, you don’t have to live with it. With a proactive approach, you can begin to reverse the signs of sun damage and look forward to healthier, younger-looking skin, no matter what the season is. It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. Consult with our experts to understand which of these treatments might be suitable for your specific needs.