[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/08\/treating-sun-damage\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/08\/treating-sun-damage\/","headline":"Cosmetic Skin Health Guide to Treating Sun Damage","name":"Cosmetic Skin Health Guide to Treating Sun Damage","description":"

The harmful UV rays of the sun can damage skin, causing rough patches, wrinkles, and dryness. But cosmetic treatments can help reverse sun damage. Here's how.<\/p>","datePublished":"2024-08-26","dateModified":"2024-08-23","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1169976960.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1169976960.jpg","height":865,"width":1997},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/08\/treating-sun-damage\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":1015,"articleBody":"Sunshine can feel wonderful and boost your mood, but it can also damage your skin. The sun’s harmful rays include:High-energy visible light (HEV light).Infrared rays (IR).Ultraviolet (UV) rays.Visible light (VL).If you spend time outdoors without protection from the sun\u2019s harmful rays, your skin may age prematurely. You also increase your risk of skin cancer.But even if you already have wrinkles, dry skin, or sun spots, you can still improve your skin\u2019s health and appearance. Read on for tips on how to reverse sun damage.Sun Damage BasicsWhen you think of sun damage, you may picture a bad sunburn. And while a sunburn can cause short-term and long-term problems, your skin can suffer harm even without a burn. Without protection, prolonged exposure to all the harmful rays from the sun (or from tanning beds) can permanently damage your skin\u2019s structure.Dermatologists (skin doctors) also refer to sun damage as photoaging, photodamage, and solar damage.Everyone is susceptible to sun damage, but those with lighter skin are at a greater risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer. People with darker skin are more likely to develop uneven pigmentation and can also develop skin cancer and wrinkles.When Should I See a Doctor for Sun-Damaged Skin?All adults should see a dermatologist\u00a0yearly to get checked for\u00a0precancerous lesions and skin cancer. But you should also see a cosmetic dermatologist if you\u2019re concerned about signs of sun damage or aging.A cosmetic dermatologic surgeon is a board-certified dermatologist with additional training (fellowship) in cosmetic surgery procedures to improve the skin’s appearance using a variety of modalities. These treatments include:Dermal fillers.Lasers.Minimally invasive surgery.Neuromodulators (Botox\/Dysport).Peels.Cosmetic dermatologic surgeons are experts at reversing sun damage.A cosmetic dermatologic surgeon can treat the following signs of sun damage:Age spots and sun spots.Blotchy or ruddy complexion.Loose skin.Precancerous spots (actinic keratosis).Spider veins and \u201cbroken blood vessels.\u201dUneven pigmentation on the skin.Wrinkles.Most sun-damaged skin procedures occur in a doctor\u2019s office, a clinic, or a medical spa.How to Reverse Sun DamageYour cosmetic dermatologic surgeon may suggest one of the following treatments for sun-damaged skin.Chemical peelsA chemical peel is a controlled procedure in which doctors use a chemical solution to remove the outer skin layers. It can leave your skin looking fresher and more youthful, with fewer lines and wrinkles. The color of your skin may appear brighter, and the tone may look more even.Chemical peels contain different types of acid, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid,\u00a0glycolic acid, and trichloroacetic acid. They come in different strengths. Some peels are superficial, while others go deeper into your skin.Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the peel. You may need to take medications to help prevent infection and help with healing. Before the peel, you should avoid sun exposure, hair dye, and facial masks.MicroneedlingMicroneedling is a treatment that uses a roller with tiny needles to create thousands of tiny pinpoint pricks into the skin. This action stimulates your body to make collagen, the protein that provides support to your skin. The body heals the tiny holes with the right amount of collagen.You should always have microneedling performed under the supervision of a physician.\u00a0Home kits are available, but a DIY kit can easily damage your skin or cause an infection.Types of microneedling include:Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) \u2014 You will have a small amount of blood drawn and spun to separate the PRP from the rest of the blood in a centrifuge. The\u00a0PRP is then applied over the skin and will get into the tiny holes. This speeds up the healing process and enhances results from all the growth factors in the PRP.Radiofrequency microneedling \u2014 This procedure combines microneedling with heat. The heat improves the body\u2019s ability to make collagen and is safe for all skin tones.Laser treatmentsLaser therapy uses light energy to repair and regenerate skin cells. It can be noninvasive to minimally invasive, depending on the degree of sun damage and the desired results.There are different types of lasers for treating sun damage. Your doctor can tell you which one is right for you.\u00a0 Some lasers target wrinkles and acne scars. Others build collagen or address broken blood vessels or sun spots.Preventing More Sun DamageYour skin is especially vulnerable when recovering from cosmetic treatments, so protecting it from the sun is important. Dermatologists recommend that you:Always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above before going outdoors. Reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.Cover your skin with long pants, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat.Follow their specific instructions for follow-up care and appointments.Minimize outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. if possible. That\u2019s when the sun is at its peak.Use sunblock on your lips. There are sunscreens specially formulated for this sensitive area.Wear sunglasses with UV light protection.It\u2019s also important to continue good skin care habits. You should:\u00a0Apply a noncomedogenic moisturizer after washing.Never scrub your skin with a washcloth or sponge. Doing so can irritate your face.Pat \u2014 don’t wash \u2014 your face dry.Resist the urge to overwash your face. Twice a day \u2014 in the morning and before bedtime \u2014 is enough.\u00a0Use a gentle cleanser with no alcohol.\u00a0Use lukewarm (not hot) water to wash your face.\u00a0Wash off makeup every night.SourcesAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. How Dermatologists Treat Sun-Damaged Skin. Link\u00a0Skin Cancer Foundation. Is It Possible to Reverse Sun Damage? LinkAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons. Seven ways to undo sun damage, discoloration, and other sins of summer. LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. Chemical Peels: Overview. LinkAmerican Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Laser\/light Therapy for Sun-damaged Skin. LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. Microneedling Can Fade Scars, Uneven Skin Tone, and More. LinkBiomedicines. Photodynamic Therapy Activated by Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer. Link\u00a0American Academy of Dermatology Association. Face Washing 101. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2024","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cosmetic Skin Health Guide to Treating Sun Damage","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2024\/08\/treating-sun-damage\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]