Sun Damage: Q&A

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Best Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin?

I am a 28 year old female and I've been a sun worshipper up until this year. I also swim in an outdoor pool every day, thus am in the sun on most days. My skin is normal, but after pool chlorine, I experience severe dehydration. Due to high cheekbones and many summers sunbathing like mad, I now have a few wrinkles under the eyes. They are only apparent when I smile, but they are really getting me down, and I fear that they will get deeper with time. I've also noticed my skin tone is not excellent (people comment on my skin, but under a magnifying glass, I can see lot of pigmentation and uneven tones due to sun damage). Thus I'd like to do something now to try and get rid of the wrinkles and prevent further damage.

I've done lot of research, and although most people recomend Obagi peel or Retin A, I am frightened as I do not wish to have a face that's peeling. Also I read that you are not allowed to be exposed to the sun while using Retin-A. Is that correct? I'm concerned about this because I'm always outdoors (but now wear SPF 30). I do not have wrinkles anywhere else and I am also unsure what products are best (daily/monthly treatments) to ensure skin remains wrinkle-free. A lot of people have noted that problems return when they stop using the range.

Others recomend ROC Deep wrinkle night cream, IPL, or microdermabrasion. What is the best option from all of these? I would like something safe but actually works and gives long-term results. Any ideas?

3 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tiyana in London, England, UK
+1

Retin-A and Obagi Blue Peel for Sun Damaged Skin

My advise is to start with Tretenoin products like Renova and Retin-A. These are helpful where ever there is sun damaged skin. By all means use it as tolerated in all of the areas affected. We recommend starting with the lowest dosage, than gradually increase the strength as tolerated. Should you not get the results you want you can then move to an Obagi Blue TCA peel
+1

There are so many great ways to treat sun damaged skin

There is no one best way to treat sundamaged skin. There are SO many excellent treatments available to revers the effects of sun damage. A lot depends upon your skin type, degree of sun damage, willingness to accept recovery time, and, your budget. The most important factor is to have your skin care regimen supervised by a qualified individual such as a facial plastic surgeon, dermatologist or aesthetician under direct physician supervision. That way, your progress can be monitored... more
+1

SPF 30 is critical for sun damaged skin

Dear Tiyana,Other than using SPF, you could add a glycolic acid cream to your skin care regimen which is inexpensive, helpful for sun damage, and less photosensitizing than Retin-A.You should also be evaluated for possible BOTOX treatments to the wrinkles around your eyes when you smile. It lasts for 4 months, and is excellent at preventing worsening of your wrinkles.After the summer, you could get evaluated for IPL PhotoFacial treatments which are also helpful in eliminating sun damage.I... more
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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