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3 Skin Treatments to Repair And Reverse Sun Damage

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How Do We Really Get Sun Damage?

Daily exposure to the sun can be harmful, especially during the summer when UV radiation is at its strongest. And, sun damage is more than skin-deep. UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can actually alter the DNA of your skin cells, accelerating aging and causing discoloration, wrinkles and even cancer. Although most sun damage is accumulated by the age of 18, it’s never too late to repair and prevent the effects of UV exposure.

Dr. Robert G. Anderson 3 Skin Treatments to Repair And Reverse Sun Damage

Identifying Sun Damage

Sunburns and sun spots aren’t the only signs of damaged skin. Sun damage can appear in a variety of ways, including:

  • Hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation (sunspots)
  • Irregular or uneven skin tone
  • rosacea
  • Melasma (irregular patches of brown skin)
  • Collagen breakdown; laxity
  • Freckles
  • Wrinkles

Repair & Rejuvenate

After months in the summer sun, your skin deserves some love. At Anderson Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we offer a variety of treatments to repair and rejuvenate your summer skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one of the most effective ways to reverse accumulated sun damage. At Anderson Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, we offer a variety of peels formulated by renowned dermatologist and skincare expert Dr. Zein Obagi. ZO chemical peels vary in aggressiveness from light to deep and vary in results, recovery time, and cost. You can learn more about our chemical peel options in this blog. Peels vary in cost from $135 and $450 per peel.

Laser Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing is an excellent tool for reversing the effects of sun exposure. Fraxel® is a non-invasive laser therapy that helps reverse the visible effects of aging without prolonged downtime. Fraxel treatments minimize fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun spots. This treatment costs $800 for the full face, or $2,800 for four treatments for best results.

Another laser skin resurfacing option available at our medspa is IPL Photo Rejuvenation. Also known as a photofacial, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, rosacea, broken capillaries, and spider veins. IPL is great for patients with active lifestyles because the procedure requires minimal downtime and has a low risk of side effects. We suggest getting this treatment at least once per quarter to maintain a youthful look. IPL costs between $250 and $600.

Dr. Robert G. Anderson 3 Skin Treatments to Repair And Reverse Sun Damage

Why Use Retinol?

Retinol is crucial to keeping skin healthy and glowing. It’s a derivative of Vitamin A that encourages cell turnover and new skin cells and stimulates collagen growth. Retinol can help improve your skin’s texture and reduce pore size, rosacea and pigmentation. It’s important to note that retinol should slowly be introduced to your skincare routine in order to build tolerance. Start by using it just once per week for six weeks and slowly increase. If your skin is dry and flaking, you may be using it too often. A few of Dr. Anderson’s favorite retinol products, available in our medspa, include:

Dr. Robert G. Anderson 3 Skin Treatments to Repair And Reverse Sun Damage

ZO Ossential® Advanced Radical Night Repair: Formulated with a 1% retinol concentration that targets UV-damaged, aged skin more effectively than any other anti-aging treatment. For use overnight. Costs $170.

ZO Retamax™ Active Vitamin A Micro Emulsion: A lightweight, high-potency retinol lotion that helps reverse the signs of skin aging. Costs $145.

ZO Brightenex™ 1.0% Retinol: Formulated to even skin color and tone. It can be used as a first course in treating hyperpigmentation and as a maintenance product after completing a course of Rx treatments. Costs $120.

Whether it’s cloudy or sunny outside, exposure to too much UV radiation can be dangerous. The sooner you start protecting your skin and preventing additional sun damage, the better. One of the easiest preventative steps you can take is to apply sunscreen every day. Since both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (our favorite is EltaMD). The AAD also encourages people to perform regular skin self-exams because any new or suspicious spots warrant a trip to a board-certified dermatologist. Taking these restorative and preventative steps will have you saying “out with the old and in with the new!”

Ready to try a chemical peel, laser treatment, or retinol? Call us at 817-810-0770 or send us a message on Facebook to book your appointment today.

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