Best Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin?

Question

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?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

There are several treatments to help resolve pigmentation due to the sun. First, it is always most important to wear a sunblock that is at least spf 30 daily.There are home care regimes that have been very successful in lightning pigment that are Hydroquinone free and can be used continually. Lytera by Skin Medica is a daily serum that is applied morning and night that has been shown to be effective with lightening hyperpigmentation. Mild to moderate Chemical peels are also a option to speed up the lightning process with very minimal down time. Some alternative products that contain Bearberry extract, Kojic Acid, and Lactic acid are also good for reducing pigment.  Sun protection is very important to keep pigment from returning or getting darker while using these products. It is always best to see a professional to help evaluate and recommend proper treatment based on your specific skin care needs.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

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 properly ensuring good results and minimizing the risk of problems.  In any case, the first key is a good sunblock -- one that you wear every day. In general, makeup that contains sunscreen is not adequate. You really should apply daily a separate sunblock wit SPF of 30. Your skin care professional can guide you through the array of non-surgical options such as glycolic acids, topical anitoxidants and vitamin C based products. Retin A tends to sensitize your skin to the sun and, over time, loses its effectiveness at improving lines and wrinkles.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

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 hope this helps, and best regards.

Best Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin?

Answers (6)

Answer: There are so many great ways to treat sun damaged skin

Answer: There are so many great ways to treat sun damaged skin

Answer: SPF 30 is critical for sun damaged skin

Answer: SPF 30 is critical for sun damaged skin

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Best Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin?

Answers (6)

Answer: There are so many great ways to treat sun damaged skin

Answer: There are so many great ways to treat sun damaged skin

Answer: SPF 30 is critical for sun damaged skin

Answer: SPF 30 is critical for sun damaged skin

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.