Summer has officially come to an end, and while we may not regret all the quality time spent outdoors in the sunnier months, we may regret the effects that the sun—or specifically UV rays—had on our skin.
Evidence of those care-free and unprotected hours in the sun can appear on your face, neck, chest and arms. It can show up in the form of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, freckles, uneven tone/texture, and melanoma/dark spots. In fact, UV rays from the sun cause up to 80% of visible aging.
While it’s never too late to start religiously applying SPF every time you leave the house, going back in time to reverse the damage is not an option.
However, if you’re noticing any signs of sun damage on your skin, we can help. Here at ReNue, we offer an array of options to reverse sun damage using four types of advanced and effective laser treatments.
Four Laser Treatments to Reduce Sun Damage
1. IPL Photofacials
Strength: Lightest. IPL Photofacials are the lightest treatment on the spectrum. If this is your first time using a laser, this is a good place to start.
What it is: The Palomar Icon IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology vastly improves the skin’s overall appearance by evening your skin tone and texture, and can get rid of most hyperpigmentation from the sun.
Who it’s for: People with lighter sun damage. It’s not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those taking sun-sensitive oral and topical medications, or those with an active tan (including artificial).
How many treatments: For the best cosmetic results, it’s recommended to have three to five treatments.
Downtime: No downtime required.
2. Microlaser peel
Strength: Light.
What it is: MicroLaser Peels remove surface damage. This treatment will improve your overall tone, texture, fine lines, and wrinkles and will leave fresh, youthful skin in its wake.
Although this peel might sound scary, the procedure is minimally invasive and tailored to each patient’s individual needs—and done by a seasoned professional, of course.
Who it’s for: People with light skin to dark skin. It’s not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those taking sun-sensitive oral and topical medications, or those with an active tan (including artificial), and compromised immune systems.
How many treatments: We recommend three treatments, about one month to six weeks apart.
Downtime: Only a few days of social downtime.
3. Fractionated Resurfacing
Strength: Medium.
What it is: A Fractionated Resurfacing treatment pokes precise holes in the skin at a customized depth to tighten the elastin, remodel collagen, and improve overall skin health and functionality. (To get the picture, it’s like aerating your skin instead of soil.)
After completing the Fractionated Resurfacing treatment, patients will notice that their skin is lighter, tighter, brighter, and smoother, with an improvement in scar tissue. You’ll look like you never baked in the sun at all.
Who it’s for: People seeking this kind of treatment usually have deep lines/wrinkles, acne scarring, uneven tone, and rough texture. It’s not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those taking sun-sensitive oral and topical medications, or those with an active tan (including artificial) and compromised immune systems.
How many treatments: We typically recommend three treatments four weeks apart (or even eight to 12 weeks apart, depending on the depth of the laser) for the best cosmetic results.
Downtime: For the first five to seven days, patients should expect to see redness, swelling, and heightened sensitivity.
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Full Field Resurfacing
Strength: Not the deepest, but strongest.
What it is: This is a full field ablative laser treatment that focuses on the tissue. Unlike the Fractionated Resurfacing, we are not poking holes in the skin; we are peeling it. (Not to worry, it’s extremely safe.)
Patients can expect to see a vast improvement in tone, texture, lines, and wrinkles.
Who it’s for: Extremely sun damaged, uneven, and rough skin. It’s not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those taking sun-sensitive oral and topical medications, or those with an active tan (including artificial) and compromised immune systems.
How many treatments: One treatment only, with a possible second if deemed necessary at your follow-up appointment.
Downtime: Five to seven days.
Book Your Free Consult
If you’re struggling to get rid of sun damage, don’t hesitate to book a free skin consultation at one of our three conveniently located clinics. Our experts would be happy to offer more information about any of the above laser treatments, and help determine which one is right for you.
We are dedicated to helping you set up a treatment plan and meet your personal skin goals.
Contact us today.