Best Treatment for Sun Damaged Skin?

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. 

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

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

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. 

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.

Because of your life style and your continued solar exposure I would recommend that you avoid Retin -A and would suggest that you consider moving toward a glycolic skin care product which would product similar results without the solar irritation common with Retin-A. To Treat the irregular areas of pigmentation, a hydroquinone product with a judicious application of sunblock is highly recommended. A link to a more detailed skin care plan is listed below.  Good Luck