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What Can I Do About Extensive Sun Damage to my Skin?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Daniel Shapiro, MD
Question viewed 4,640 times
Tags: age spots, skin care, skin tone

27 answers to What Can I Do About Extensive Sun Damage to my Skin?

+5

Sun Damage

There are a number of laser and sin care options to reverse sun damage depending on how it manifests itself. Obagi is an exellent skin care system. Laser resurfacing is excellent wrinkles. IPL or light erbium laser is excellent for facial veins. Profractional and fraxel can improve the texture and tone of the skin that was damaged due to sun exposure.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+3

Treating sun damaged skin

There are several things to do to improve sun damaged skin: 1. Sunscreen daily 2. Topical retinoid (Retin-A) regularly 3. Topical Vitamin C regularly 4. Topical alphahydroxy acid (glycolic acid) regularly 5. Multivitamin with minerals daily Additionally, a TCA peel may be beneficial to remove the damaged surface cells. If very severe, you may need a more active treatment such as Efudex or Aldera. Your doctor can recommend what you need after a thorough skin evaluation.... more
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+2

Several options for sun damaged skin are available to you.

Light chemical peels, intense pulsed light (photofacial), ALA-PDT (aminolevulanic acid-photodynamic therapy), v-beam laser, microdermabrasion are some of the non-ablative procedures that can help. As far as ablative resurfacing treatments, medium to deep chemical peels, fractionated laser such as the Fraxel re:pair, Active FX, Pearl laser. I would consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon regarding your options and their potential side effects and complications. more
Bryan K. Chen, MD

San Diego Dermatologist
+1

Treatment of Extensive Sun Damage

The MicroLaserPeel or “weekend” skin peel addresses conditions associated with sun damage and aging. As compared with microdermabrasion or light chemical peels, a MicroLaserPeel is a deeper treatment that precisely removes the outermost layers of skin, and treats wrinkles, scars, acne scars, keratoses, and irregular pigmentation. The treatment uses topical anesthesia, and typically is repeated 2 to 4 times, spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart. Healing takes 3 to 4 days and resembles a... more
Daniel Shapiro, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Extensive Skin Sun Damage Often Best Treated with Laser Resurfacing

Thank you for your question. There are many good treatments for extensive sun damage to the facial skin. You need to have an exam by a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon to check to be certain that there are no skin cancers or pre cancerous lesions. Available treatments include: Topical Retin A Microdermabrasion Chemical Peels 5- Fluorouracil Cream for pre-malignant lesions Laser Resurfacing I prefer Laser Resurfacing because often only... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Conservative to aggressive chemical peels or fractionated laser resurfacing or dermabrasion

The first and most important thing you can is help prevent it from progressing by using a good sunblock as part of your skincare regimen. As part of treating the sun damage, there are a range of different treatments that you might consider, depending on the degree of damage and the amount of recovery time you can tolerate. This range extends from a more conservative approach with a series of chemical peels to improve fine lines and skin discoloration, to a more aggressive chemical... more
Michael R. Macdonald, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Extensive sun damage to skin...

You should start off with a visit to a fully trained medical aesthetician. Preferably one who is employed by a plastic surgeon so the plastic surgeon can monitor your progress. Some things that may benefit you are chemical peels, dermaplaning, and prescritpion skin care such as Obagi or Skin Medica.
Robert Heck, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dermatologists treat sun damage

The term "extensive sun damage" is vague, so it is difficult to answer your question with precision. Visit your board-certified dermatologist for an evaluation. Treating sun damage is part of their bread and butter, and the medically-necessary part of their services is covered by health insurance. Your dermatologist will be able to do the following: Evaluate for skin cancer. Treat actinic keratoses (scaly spots that have a low, but... more
Melissa Chiang, MD

Houston Dermatologist
+1

How To Reverse Sun Damage to your Skin

One of the most effective (and least expensive) ways 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 cream. 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... more
Mitchell Schwartz, MD

South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

+1

Treatment of Extensive Sun Damage

Great general question because it will bring up a lot of good points: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen and sun-protective measures every day. The SPF should be greater than 15 (better if greater than 30), and broad-spectrum means screens out UVA and UVB. Consider micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide products such as MDSolarSolutions. Waterproof or water resistant is better and reapply every 3 hours, more often if swimming, sweating, towelling off, etc Wear a brim hat... more
Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Extensive Sun Damage

It's really hard to address sun damage concerns without getting a good look at you but here are a few things for starters: Sunscreen--first and foremost, regardless of how much sun damage you have now, get in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day to prevent future damage. Lasers treatments such as CO2 resurfacing, Pearl, Pearl Fractional, Fraxel; IPL treatments: Chemical peels like TCA or mixed acid peels; Levulan with Blue Light PDT; Efudex; Aldara: Liquid... more
Grant Stevens, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

What can be done about extensive sun damage?

First, it is important to define what type of sun damage you are referring to. If the sun damage consists of precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratoses, they can be treated with liquid nitrogen or imiquimod gel.  These lesions are at risk of becoming skin cancers and need to be addressed. If there are skin cancers already present, they need to be treated as a first priority. I would recommend having a full body examination by a dermatologist, who can evaluate whether... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Sun Damage Skincare Treatments

In my practice in sunny Arizona we have a skin care clinic dedicated to offering treatments for sun damage skin. we offer several treatments including chemical peels and photo facials. We design a program depending on the amount of sun damage and your lifestyle. Most clients choose combination of glycol peels and photo facials for best results. If you are a sun person or play sports we suggest you do gradual exfoliation treatments and always wear sunscreen.
John Ward, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to treat extensive sun damage of the face

There are many ideal treatments for severe sun damage of the face. These treatments include Retin A and peels. TCA peels are excellent in office treatments to help exfoliate and minimize the uneven irregular pigmentation that accompanies severe sun damage. Lastly, sunscreen should be part of every sun damaged patient's daily protocol.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Sun damage treatment options

There are many things you can do to improve existing sun damage. First, stop any ongoing damage by applying an SPF 30 or higher quality sunscreen year-round. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and avoiding mid-day sun is also important. Next, don't smoke and minimize things that dehydrate your skin like caffeine & alcohol. Treatment-wise, start using a topical vitamin C (OTC) or topical retinoid/tretinoin (by prescription). For expedited improvement, chemical peels & microdermabrasion can... more
Benjamin Barankin, MD

Toronto Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

IPL / Limelight will reverse the signs of aging skin

Aging skin and sun damaged skin can be rejuvenated with a combination of medical grade skincare and laser technology including Limelight (IPL), laser genesis and ablative laser resurfacing. 
David A. F. Ellis, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to Treat Sun Damage

Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The number one prevention product is sunscreen SPF 30. However, for those us who remember the days of iodine and baby oil, prevention alone simply isn't enough. Treatments can be achieved by a few intense treatments or multiple milder treatments, Top To Bottom 1. Facelift 2. Laser Skin Resurfacing 3. Chemical Peels 4. Intense Pulsed Light 5. Glycolic Peels 6. Microdermabrasion Maintenance... more
Karen Vaniver, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sunblock!

Sun damage is prevalent today. Everybody loves the sun. To reduce your sun damage, reduce your risk for skin cancer and still look good follow this regimen; 1- Zinc Oxide sunblock every 2 hours. Disregard the SPF- it means nothing! 2- Exfoliate twice a week with a buf puf or facial scrub. 3-Apply an anti-oxidant. Prevage, Revale or Vit C. 4-Take antioxidant orally, Fresh fruits and vegetables, CoQ 10, flax seeds, fish oil. 5- Retin-A - except in the summer.... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Extensive sun damage to skin

STOP going in the sun is the first choice you have. Second is use a very high SPF sunscreen and hat, long sleeves, no shorts. Third get under the care of a Derm. for skin care and peels and follow ups. From MIAMI DR. B
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reversal of sun damage requires comprehensive strategy with a board-certified dermatologist

Reversal of sun damage will bring about less risk of skin cancer and rejuvenation on sun exposed areas. Besides strict daily sun protection, you should consider potent vitamin C serum in morning and prescription strength topical retinoid at night (or every other night). Work with your dermatologist to consider topical 5-FU cream or Zyclara (more gentle form of Aldara) for significantly sun exposed areas. TCA chemical peel or Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing will bring about faster... more
William Ting, MD

Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Treating sun damaged skin

The first step in rejuvenating your skin after extensive sun damage is to be certain you are using daily sun protection (SPF 30 or stronger). A facial skin care program designed specfically for your skin by your plastic surgeon and his or her esthetician would be the next step. After that, improvement can be made by utilizing various laser procedures which have to be designed for your specific skin type based on evaluation by your surgeon.
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+1

What to do for sun damaged skin

The options for treating sun damaged skin are varied depending on how much and what type of damage. Below are a few options: Laser resurfacing for wrinkles Deep chemical peels for wrinkles Q-switched lasers for brown spots Pulsed dye laser for small facial veins Go to an experienced practitioner in your area to find out what they would suggest after evaluating you in person. Good luck!
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several Options

The first step is to identify what you want to accomplish. Do you want improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, spider veins, thickened skin, wide pores, etc? There may be other sun damage that you may not be aware of. Next, get an evaluation. Where there is sun damage, there is a risk of cancers, and non-cancer lesions that may be better treated surgically. Next will be your choice of therapy. There are any number of peels ranging from very light (alpha hydroxy, etc.), to... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sun damaged skin

There are many ways to treat sun damaged skin, incuding the use of skin care regimens, lasers, etc.  Make sure that you have your skin checked first to rule out and skin cancers, if you have significantly damaged skin.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sun damage is reversible: Risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma unclear

UVA and UVB light causes skin damage. The long term effects are twofold. The first prbblem is that the sun causes premature skin laxity, discoloration, and loss of elasticity; the second problem is that it can cause precancerous changes that may lead to melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The first step in reversing sun damage is to prevent any further solar damage by avoiding direct sunlight and using sunscreen regularly. Today, there are several topical... more
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Go to an excellent plastic surgeon or dermatologist

First of all, there is no point is extensive treatment of your sun damage if you continue to be a sun worshipper. You just can't treat the skin and then and expose yourself to the sun in repetitive cycles. Fortunately, if you have made this committment, there are many modalities including lasers, peels, photorejuvenation (IPL) and numerous topical products including RetinA and alpha hydroxy products to help you restore some but not all of the damage you have sustained.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several things.....

Hello, The easiest thing is to start wearing strong sun screens (SPF 30 plus) to limit additional damage. You can also try some facial chemical or laser peels to help remove some of the damage you have accumulated. Retin A is also a good idea. At low strength, it is very well tolerated. If you smoke, quit as cigarette smoking increases the appearance of sun damage.
John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon

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