Sun damage (photoaging) is when the sun prematurely, and sometimes dangerously, ages the skin. Photodamage can come from the sun or artificial UV light sources, like tanning beds or sun lamps. Sun damage to the skin causes wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, pigmentation, sun spots and redness (telangiectasias). UV exposure not only ages the skin more quickly than natural but can also increase the risk of skin cancer.  Staying out of the sun, using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing are the best ways to avoid sun damage to the skin. Stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol use can also help decrease premature aging. 

 

Treatments include lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasion and topical medications (creams) including retinol, vitamin C and other antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acid and lightening (or bleaching) agents like hydroquinone. Lasers remove the damaged top layer of the skin and increase collagen production, making the skin surface smoother and providing a more even appearance.  Laser skin resurfacing treats uneven skin pigmentation, age spots, sun damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles and more.

 

Fractional resurfacing, like Moxi,  delivers microbeams of laser light into the lower layers of the skin to create deep, narrow columns of tissue coagulation stimulating the natural healing process that results in the fast growth of new healthy tissue. Pulsed light lasers, like BBL HEROic, use a gentle beam of light to remove broken blood vessels and redness.