What can I do to fix my leathery looking skin? (Photo)

There are many options for skin rejuvenation.  The first important point is sun protection.  You need a physical sunblock (something with Zinc Oxide) and apply it everyday before you leave the house.  You also have to reapply the sunblock when you experience direct sunlight.  A prescription strength topical retinoid like Retin-A, retinol, adapalene or tretinoin will help the texture of your skin, stimulate collagen production and treat fine lines and wrinkles.  For my patients I also recommend a medical grade skin care regimen that include prescription strength Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, a product to control pigmentation like Kojic Acid or Hydroquinone, a hydrator with peptides/growth factors and of course sun block.  In my practice we recommended either Jan Marini or Obagi skin care products. Other options for skin rejuvenation are IPL (photofacials), 1540 non-ablative fraxel treatments, Ultherapy and Chemical Peels.  An in person consultation would be necessary to determine which skin care products and procedures are right for you.  Good Luck!

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

General recommendations for a healthy life style and of course, most importantly, assiduous sun protection (daily sunscreen use, i.e. used often and in appropriate amounts and SPFs, hats, and protective clothing) should go without saying--with sun protection being mostly for the prevention of further damage. Treating the damage already done is another story. That usually requires the intensive use of an at-home regimen of prescription strength topical retinoids and alpha hydroxyacids combined with periodic, in-office treatments, such as peels with full-strength glycolic acid, salicylic, Jessner's solution or TCA or fractional medical microneedling. It is best to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist to tailor the best regimen for you.

The best treatment for skin rejuvenation and prevention
depends upon an individual’s skin type, age, ethnicity, sun exposure, and
overall health. In order to give you an accurate treatment plan, a consultation
is required to properly assess your skin. I recommend  a healthy
lifestyle: a diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and fish; eight to
ten hours of sleep nightly; limiting alcohol intake other than the occasional
glass of red wine; and regular exercise.

An important step for all skin types is sun protection
including the use of daily sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses, all of which
help prevent aging and sunburns. 

When it comes to rejuvenating and prevention treatments, a
combination of treatments are available including cosmeceuticals (skin care
products including ZO® Skin Health or ZO® Medical, Skinceuticals® or
Glo-Minerals®), neurotoxins (Botox®, Xeomin®), dermal fillers (Restylane®,
Juvederm®, Esthelis®, Belotero®, Emervel®, Radiesse®), skin resurfacing
procedures (laser resurfacing with CO2 laser, Er:YAG laser, Fraxel
DUAL®, PicoSure® FOCUS Lens Array or OBAGI® controlled depth chemical peel) and
other devices such as Ultherapy® can be used. 

These are advanced techniques so be sure to get an
experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon consultation for recommendations
and treatment options.

Your skin looks like it could benefit from several sessions of Fraxel Re:Store.  Fraxel is designed to create smoother, fresher looking skin by using pin point laser beams that penetrate beneath the skin's surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells.  Patients also report reduced wrinkles around the eyes and overall improved tone and texture to the treated area.  Fraxel treatments can work wonders.  I would encourage you to find a provider in your area.

Thank you for your question and photos.  I would recommend starting a Retin A regime and exfoliation.  It is also helpful to start seeing a qualified skin care specialist every 6 weeks.