Best Treatment for Sun Damage and Fine Lines?

Thanks for your question - I agree with the other surgeons comments. I would add that both peels and laser which can be an effective way to correct fine lines need to be used with great caution in people with darker pigemented skin. Significant permanent hypopigmentation can occur. There is no universal answer for fine lines. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for an in depth discussion about possible options. I hope this helps.

I'd recommend that you talk to an experienced, board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has multiple modalities in their office. That way, you won't be steered only to the technology they own, but rather be given options. Fraxel Restore has only 1 day of downtime, but 5-6 treatments are typically needed. Active/Deep FX and Ellipse Juvia, as well as Fraxel Repair will give you a bigger bang for your dollar, but the downtime is 5-10 days depending on the settings used. Most... more

Start with simple things first. The most effective way to reverse the effects of chronic sun damage to your skin is by using a combination of two prescription strength medications: tretinoin cream and 4% hydroquinone. Unlike the unsubstantiated claims made by over-the-counter skin care products, the results of using these creams are backed by real medical science. I recommend the Obagi Nu-Derm System which uses both tretinoin cream and hydroquinone to visibly lighten age spots as well as the... more

It's hard to say definitively without seeing someone what the ideal treatment is for them but Fraxel is a good option for someone with sun damage, brown spots, and fine lines. Our patients are very pleased with the results. You can also possibly consider IPL/Limelight treatments, TCA peels (Blue Peel), Pearl or Pearl Fractional treatments. There are number of at home products you can use to help preserve your results and/or prepare your skin for treatments as well... more

I think TCA peels are an excellent non surgical alternative. This is often my first choice. Other approaches include lasers but the laser selection varies based upon skin type and ultimate outcome desired.

The best starting point for mild sun damage and fine lines is a gentle skin care regimen, a prescription retinoid, like Renova, Refissa or Tazorac, and a good broad spectrum sunscreen. Give this regimen several months to start seeing results.  Consistency is key.  Start slowly by applying the retinoid twice a week at night time, then increase the frequency from there. I recommend discussing retinoids and skin care products with your dermatologist to decide on the best... more

Start by working with a board-certified dermatologist who can help you set the stage by reviewing preventive steps as well as basic skin care routine of strict sun protection, avoidance of smoking, Vitamin C antioxidant in the morning and/or prescription-strength retinoid at night. I have published that using topical tretinoin can result in demonstrable reduction of fine lines and sun damage as little time as 4 weeks. Therapeutic procedures such as chemical peel, laser resurfacing... more

Daily Retin-a, topical and oral anti-oxidants, zinc oxide sunblock, moisturizer.   Weekly facial scrubs or buf-puf for exfoliation, at-home chemical peel treatments   Monthly In office chemical peels Only after you have developed this type of regimen, should a more significant therapy be considered.

An evaluation with your dermatologist would be the first step: full body checks! Of course the sun damage and fine lines can definitely be addressed. There are lots of lasers out there so one would have to be selected for you specifically. Laser is not the only solution; sunscreen is needed and a good skin care regimen such as cleanser, an exfoliator, an antioxidant and not repeating myself but sunscreen! Prevention is Key.

Hi Billy, While we would love it if there was one "best" treatment for your condition, the reality of it is that there may be several good options and not one best. In our opinion, the best laser treatment for pigmentation caused by sun damage is q-switched lasers. We use the Medlite C6 and the Palomar Q-Yag V. Both are great for permanent removal of sun spots, freckles and other forms of brown discoloration. As for the fine lines and wrinkles, it may be that laser resurfacing is... more

There are numerous options available to you for the treatment of sun-damaged skin and fine lines including laser technologies and chemical peels. The treatment of your sun-damaged skin should be combined with sun protection habits including daily application of a good moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen, a daily exfoliating agent (e.g. tretinoin cream or glycolic), and perhaps an anti-oxidant (e.g. Revale, Prevage, vitamin C serum). You would need to be evaluated in person to... more

When it comes to good skin care, you need to address your nutrition, your daily skin maintenance and treatments and procedures. You should have a healthy diet and take a multivitamin. You should have a skin maintenance program which includes and SPF, a AHA product, a retinoid product and good moisture lotion/cream. Procedures would include Fraxel or other laser or RF treatment. You may also consider a chemical peel with glycolic acid or TCA. Finally, you may consider Botox to reduce... more

Without examination it is hard to give you the best treatment. Fraxel is a effective tx but not the only treatment.The best thing is to start with skin care and sun screen.