Age 37: Tanning bed damage, how much can I realistically repair the damage and what should I do?

Question

Hi I only stopped using tanning beds this year at age 37.ive used them since age 17 and also went in the sun a lot without spf.i have brown spots around my eye this past 2 years.please tell me realistically how much I can start to repair the damage?I think I was addicted to tanning and used the beds for SAD in the winter.if i start using spf now and have treatments how much damage can i repair.dont give me false hopes I want to be realistic.i don't really have freckles or moles.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

There are multiple treatment options for sun damaged skin. Much will depend upon the appearance of your skin and your expectations. IPL, CO2, chemical peels, skin lightening agents, all can contribute to improvements in this area. At this point, it is important to apply sufficient SPF protection when enjoying activities in the sun. Make a consultation with a skin expert to discuss these options.

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Although it is tough to diagnosis your issue without seeing a picture, there are a few different options for correcting sun damage. Laser treatments such are IPL or CO2 laser treatments give the most dramatic results. You can also lighten discoloration with less aggressive treatments such as chemical peels, topical agents such as Lumixyl a natural occurring peptide that blocks melanin production or a device called Silk Peel dermal infusion.  These can be used alone or in combination and can achieve quite remarkable results.  Again it is inportant that you have a consutation to assess your specific situation and skin type as certain of these treatments cannot be performed on darker skin types.  Hope this helps, but be encouraged that there are highly effective treatments for hyper-pigmentation, sun damge or excessive exposure to tanning beds as you describe.   
Best of luck,
Dr. Paul Flashner

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

The majority of us have been exposed to the suns rays since we were infants and have used tanning beds for various reasons. Depending on your age, lifestyle, climate and skin ethnicity, it is never too late to make a change in how you protect yourself from the sun and environmental affects of aging. It is always best to seek the opinion from a medical facility with well-trained skincare providers that can best match a skin-health program to address your concerns.

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

Don't waste time beating yourself up for past tanning behavior. The important thing now is to focus on repairing existing sun damage and prioritizing your skin health moving forward. Laser treatments can be very effective at healing sun damage, including fading pigmented spots. I suggest scheduling an in-person consultation for a full evaluation, which should include recommendations about the optimum treatment or combination of treatments for your specific needs. Good luck!

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Many of my patients (myself included!) are recovered tanning bed users. It is very hard to fully answer your question without seeing pictures, or better yet, you in person. Consider reposting for a more helpful answer. In particular, your background skin type can greatly affect the modalities that will be best for you.
Certainly, start your zinc or titanium containing sunscreen now and use it every day. To repair past injury, IPL / BBL and a variety of laser energies (I use Halo and other forms of erbium resurfacing) for the majority of my treatments) can remove sun / brown spots, grow more collagen, help fine lines and crepiness and more aggressive lasers can even help with deep wrinkles and sagging.

Age 37: Tanning bed damage, how much can I realistically repair the damage and what should I do?

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