How to reverse the signs of sun damage

In our youth, we think we’re invincible. From wiggling, squirming and whining our way out of sunscreen as children to purposely soaking up the rays without sunblock in our teens and 20s, those years without sunscreen are likely showing up now, especially on your face, even if you wear sunscreen 24/7 today.

Whether UV radiation has left you with age spots, crow’s feet, frown lines or melasma, you can reverse the signs of sun damage.

Protect your skin first

We all love the sun, but the first step to reversing sun damage is protecting your skin from further harm. Wear a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen (preferably SPF 45 or 60) every day, rain or shine, even in the winter: the sun’s UV rays are emitted year-round, and snow, sand and water reflect them. Try to stay in the shade, and if you’re exposed, wear protective clothing. Get your vitamin D from a supplement and stay away from tanning beds!

While prevention is crucial, there are cosmetic dermatological treatments that can rejuvenate your sun-damaged skin, restoring it to its former glory.

Treatments that reverse sun damage

Microdermabrasion

Quick and convenient, microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin resurfacing treatment that can minimize the impact of sun damage. A clinical exfoliation method, microdermabrasion uses a diamond-tipped wand to blow air-driven diamond crystals over your skin, removing the top layer of sun-damaged skin and exposing the smoother, live skin cells beneath. By cleansing, abrading and exfoliating your skin, microdermabrasion triggers collagen production, minimizes enlarged pores, improves scarring and evens out skin tone.

Laser treatments

Dr. Rao researches and teaches laser dermatology. From intense pulsed light (IPL) to Laser Genesis, laser treatments correct sun damage such as lines, wrinkles and discolouration by tightening and polishing the skin, promoting healthy cell growth and smoothing tone and texture. Laser treatments use high-energy light to remove the top, damaged layer of skin. This effectively resurfaces and retextures the skin, removing superficial lines and wrinkles and promoting collagen production.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments

Widely known as the “Vampire Facelift,” PRP uses the healing power of your own blood. Your blood is drawn and put in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and serum from the blood cells. The platelets are then enriched with growth factors and injected into your skin to accelerate tissue repair and stimulate collagen production.

Daily advanced skin care

Whichever treatment you choose, a healthy skin care regimen is crucial, not only for treating sun damage but simply for taking good care of your skin. Chronic UV exposure (which we’re all subject to) speeds up your skin’s aging, but exfoliating, using antioxidants and hydrating your skin with an effective regimen will revitalize it.

At Rao Dermatology, we offer a skin care regimen backed by science: SkinCeuticals. Made with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, SkinCeuticals is designed to help prevent sun damage and aging while also treating imperfections and maintaining healthy skin. SkinCeuticals offers a variety of products, like C E Ferulic, Resveratrol, Hydra Balm and Daily Moisture, and we’ll suggest products tailored to your skin and your goals.