We all know it: sunscreen is critical and should be worn every day. But how many of us actually apply SPF each day? Hey, even the best of us will forget from time to time.
If you have been less than diligent with your sunscreen application, you might be noticing it has started to affect your skin. Sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles and more can result from sun exposure without the right protection. Even if you have only experienced a bad burn or two in your lifetime, the evidence could be showing.
So, does that mean it is too late to reverse the hands of time? Not at all! Microneedling, fractional CO2 technology and other med spa treatments can help erase the damage UV rays have delivered to your skin.
Signs of Sun Damage
Sun damage can occur without you realizing it. Rather than focusing on past burns, look for signs of damage.
If you have never had a bad sunburn, you might not think that your skin could have sun damage. In truth, UV rays can cause cumulative damage over time, even on cloudy days, if you are not wearing your sunscreen. Because of this, you need to look at more than just your history when determining if your skin has sun damage. It is best to look for the signs of sun damage, which include:
- Actinic keratoses: rough patches and raised bumps on the skin
- Actinic cheilitis: scaly patches on the lips
- Age spots
- Atypical moles
- General hyperpigmentation
- Uneven skin tone
- Rosacea
- Skin laxity
- Freckles
- Wrinkles
If you are experiencing any of these signs of sun damage, it is a good idea to schedule a med spa consultation.
Skin Rejuvenation Options
Whether you are wanting to improve your skin for a big event or just look your best every day, skin rejuvenation treatments could help you. Many of these treatments are quick to administer and require little to no downtime, save for staying out of the sun. Some options for skin rejuvenation include:
Dynamic Variable Depth Radio Frequency
Dynamic Variable Depth Radio Frequency (DVD RF) is a treatment that uses radio frequency combined with microneedling to reach deep within the skin’s layers. The treatment triggers the body’s natural healing response as well as collagen and elastin production. The result is smoother, firmer skin.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is an excellent option for eradicating the after-effects of too much sun. Sunspots, freckles, melasma, broken capillaries and rosacea are no match for this gentle treatment. IPL uses pulses of broad-spectrum light to gently heat and destroy hyperpigmentation in the targeted area.
For more dramatic results, IPL and DVD RF together can pack a one-two punch to reverse the signs of sun damage.
Fractional CO2
If you’re needing treatment for more severe sun damaged skin like deep creases and wrinkles, enlarged pores, blotchiness and significant skin textural issues, Fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing might be a better option. While fractional CO2 lasers are more intense than other med spa treatments for sun damage, you can expect more dramatic results with fewer treatments.
The fractional CO2 laser uses fractionated laser energy to create columns of micro-injuries in the damaged skin layers while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. This technique helps spread the energy out more evenly which reduces heat damage and aids in the healing. The result is a smoother, more even complexion.
Of course, the right treatment will depend on your unique needs.
Serving the Orange County and Los Angeles area since 1980, Facial Aesthetic Concepts is an award winning cosmetic surgery center with experienced facial plastic and plastic surgeons who are exclusively trained in facial, breast and body plastic surgery. Facial plastic surgery which includes a facelift, microlifts, browlift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and otoplasty, as well as “mommy make-overs” and breast enhancement are some of the core competencies of their surgical team.
